Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the best places in India to experience wildlife at an affordable cost. If you’re looking for budget wildlife safari packages in Thekkady, you’re in the right place!
This guide covers low-cost safari options, best times to visit, must-do activities, and money-saving tips to help you plan an exciting jungle adventure without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Thekkady for a Budget Wildlife Safari?
✔ Affordable safari options – Boat rides, jungle walks & elephant rides at low costs
✔ Rich biodiversity – Spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and exotic birds
✔ Budget-friendly stays – Forest lodges, homestays, and eco-camps
✔ Easy accessibility – Well-connected by road from Kochi & Madurai
✔ Unique experiences – Bamboo rafting, spice plantation tours & tribal village visits
Best Budget Wildlife Safari Packages in Thekkady
Here are some low-cost Thekkady safari packages for wildlife lovers:
1. Basic Thekkady Wildlife Tour (2 Days / 1 Night)
💰 Starting at ₹3,500 per person
Inclusions:
✔ 1-night stay in a budget forest lodge
✔ Periyar Lake boat safari (wildlife spotting)
✔ Guided nature walk in the buffer zone
✔ Spice plantation visit (complimentary)
2. Thekkady Adventure Safari Package (3 Days / 2 Nights)
💰 Starting at ₹6,000 per person
Inclusions:
✔ 2 nights in a comfortable homestay
✔ Periyar boat safari & jungle trek
✔ Bamboo rafting experience
✔ Elephant camp visit (optional ride at extra cost)
3. Thekkady-Kumily Budget Tour (4 Days / 3 Nights)
💰 Starting at ₹9,000 per person
Inclusions:
✔ 3 nights in eco-friendly cottages
✔ Two boat safaris & a night patrol trek
✔ Visit a tribal village & spice market
✔ Local Kerala meals included
Top Budget Safari Activities in Thekkady
1. Periyar Lake Boat Safari (Best for Wildlife Viewing)
- Cost: ₹300-600 per person
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Wildlife Spotting: Elephants, tigers (rare), sambar deer, otters, and birds
2. Jungle Trekking (Guided Nature Walks)
- Cost: ₹500-1,000 per person
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Explore deep forests with armed guides
3. Bamboo Rafting (Unique & Affordable Adventure)
- Cost: ₹1,000-1,500 per person
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Experience: Silent rafting for better wildlife sightings
4. Night Safari (Thrilling After-Dark Jungle Patrol)
- Cost: ₹800-1,200 per person
- Best For: Spotting nocturnal animals like leopards & civets
5. Elephant Ride & Spice Plantation Tour
- Cost: ₹500-800 (elephant ride extra)
- Bonus: Free spice samples & Ayurvedic shopping
Best Time to Visit Thekkady for Budget Safaris
- October to February (Peak season – pleasant weather, best sightings)
- March to May (Hot but good for tiger & elephant spotting)
- June to September (Monsoon – fewer crowds, lush greenery, but some activities restricted)
Pro Tip: Book weekday safaris for cheaper rates and fewer crowds!
How to Reach Thekkady on a Budget?
✈ By Flight (Nearest Airports)
- Kochi Airport (Cochin) – 160 km (4-5 hrs by bus/taxi)
- Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu) – 140 km (4 hrs by bus/taxi)
🚆 By Train (Nearest Railway Stations)
- Kottayam (114 km) – Frequent buses & taxis to Thekkady
- Changanassery (100 km) – Budget-friendly transport options
🚌 By Bus (Cheapest Option)
- From Kochi/Madurai: Kerala RTC & private buses (₹200-400)
- From Bangalore/Chennai: Overnight sleeper buses (₹800-1,200)
Budget Accommodation Options in Thekkady
| Type | Price Range (Per Night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Lodges | ₹800-1,500 | Wildlife lovers |
| Homestays | ₹500-1,200 | Budget travelers |
| Eco Cottages | ₹1,000-2,000 | Couples & small groups |
| Dormitories | ₹200-500 per bed | Solo backpackers |
Top Picks:
✔ Greenwoods Resort (Affordable jungle-facing rooms)
✔ Spice Village Homestay (Cheap & cozy)
✔ Periyar Tiger Reserve Dormitory (Super budget-friendly)
Money-Saving Tips for Thekkady Wildlife Safari
✔ Book in advance (Early bird discounts on safaris & stays)
✔ Travel in groups (Shared safari costs reduce expenses)
✔ Opt for govt. boat safaris (Cheaper than private tours)
✔ Eat at local dhabas (Avoid overpriced resort food)
✔ Use public transport (Buses & shared autos save money)
Conclusion
Thekkady offers incredible wildlife experiences at budget-friendly prices, making it perfect for backpackers, students, and frugal travelers. Whether you choose a boat safari, jungle trek, or bamboo rafting, adventure awaits without burning a hole in your pocket.
Ready to book your budget wildlife safari in Thekkady? Check out discounted packages and start planning your wild escape today!
📞 Call Now for Exclusive Budget Safari Deals!
