Although I didn't experience any problems, one of our party was made to feel uneasy taking photos in Kumily. Earlier he'd been hassled for money, and anticipated the same happening here.
There happened to be a parade/visit from a tourism dignitary at the time. As there were TV cameras filming the events, I decided it would be OK to take pics from a distance, with my long lens.
As usual, ask permission if taking photos of people, and respect their wishes if they refuse or look uncomfortable.
Updated Jun 24, 2008
After finally deciding a price for a statue in one of the Kumily shops, it then took almost an hour to pay. Going from shop to shop (the shopkeepers all seem to be related or otherwise connected.), we tried various credit card machines without (apparent) success. On returning to the UK, however, I found that I had in fact paid twice. Luckily my bank refunded me, but I can't say whether you would always be so lucky.
I don't know whether this was a genuine error due to poor telephone lines or a con; either way it wasn't a pleasant surprise.
I won't name the shops concerned as I don't know whether this was a scam, and am very happy with the statue, but do pay with cash if at all possible or make sure you see that any incomplete card transactions are cancelled. Don't be put off the shops, just be careful!
Updated Jun 12, 2007
The monkeys at the lunchspot at the sanctuary are good thiefs. Always keep an eye on your food. The smallest change they get they wil go for it.
Written Mar 9, 2007
1 - 3 of 3
Reviews and photos of Periyar Sanctuary attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Periyar Sanctuary sightseeing.

The monkeys at the lunchspot at the sanctuary are good thiefs. Always keep an eye on your food. The smallest change they get they wil go for it.

Q: Any advice on Periyar? I have heard that it is overcrowded and very touristy. Any alternatives in Kerala?

A: It was nearly 10 years since I was last their maybe things have change but it wasn't so busy back then, The trip was nice but did not see a lot of wildlife on shores.
Read 4 Replies
1

0600 hrs New Years Day, I don't usually see!! Normally I'm brewing a hangover after the nights festivities, This year saw me up and ready for an early morning boat trip around Periyars lake to...
2
Periyar wild life Sancturary and Thekkady...

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the periyar forest of the Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife...
3

Although we didn't saw a lot of wildlife, it was still a nice place to go to. The lake is pretty nice and the surrounding scenery is smashing.
4

I've got some interesting experiences in Periyar Sanctuary. I'd love to share with you the 4 tips I've written, the 16 photos uploaded, and 1 travelogue I've created.
5

periyar is a unique biodiversity system under wildlife conservation. it revolves around a once former tropical forset submerged partially by a manmade reservoir formed by the construction of...
Build your own Periyar Sanctuary page