An early morning with hornbills and kingfishers at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Periyar dam and forest boulders of Bhoothathankettu, and a walk across the Inchathotty hanging bridge.
Highlights: Salim Ali sanctuary, Bhoothathankettu dam, Hanging bridge, Periyar forests
Itinerary
6:00 AM — Pickup Ernakulam South station · Vyttila Hub · Cochin Airport (on request) (Early start for the birds)
7:30 AM — Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad Forest trails on the Periyar: Malabar grey hornbills, kingfishers and, with luck, the Sri Lanka frogmouth. Breakfast near the gate. (Entry, guides & boats paid direct)
11:00 AM — Bhoothathankettu dam The Periyar barrage and its reservoir, with an optional boat ride on the lake. (Boating paid direct)
12:00 PM — Old Bhoothathankettu A short forest walk to the giant boulders of the 'demons' dam' legend. Lunch after, own expense. (Forest walk · good shoes)
2:45 PM — Inchathotty hanging bridge Walk one of Kerala's longest suspension footbridges, high over the Periyar. In the dry season we may swap in the Paniyeli Poru rapids. (No entering the water)
6:00 PM — Drop-off Ernakulam South, Vyttila, Airport, or your own stop in the city
Good to know
🐦 Birding tips: Birds are most active from 7 to 10 AM — the early start is worth it. Walk quietly in dull colours. A local bird guide (paid direct) can be booked for keen birders.
💧 River safety: The Periyar has strong undercurrents — no swimming or wading anywhere on this tour. Paniyeli Poru and some forest trails close in heavy rain; we re-confirm the evening before.
🎟️ Fees & timings: Sanctuary entry, camera fees, guides and boat rides are paid direct at the counters. Sanctuary entry closes in the late afternoon, so we go there first.
👟 What to wear: Walking shoes with grip; trails and rocks can be slippery. June–September: raincoat, and leech socks for the forest walks.
