Thekkady in May is the last reliable wildlife window before the monsoon shuts the trip. The first fortnight extends April: daytime 24-33C at the 900m elevation, humidity 75-80 percent, Mullaperiyar Lake at year-low water levels, wildlife concentration at year-peak. KTDC 90-min boat safari (5 slots from 7am, ₹350-500, book ktdc.com 3-5 days ahead) returns 12-15 gaur sightings per dawn cruise, 4-6 elephant, sambar at every meadow. Jungle Patrol (3-hour reformed-poacher escorted walk, ₹1,500-2,000) and Bamboo Rafting (7-hour day-package, ₹2,500-3,000) workable only 6am-10am. By the third week, southwest monsoon advance squalls hit Kerala — afternoon downpours, hour-long, and Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation suspends Jungle Patrol and Bamboo Rafting on heavy days. Boat safari runs unless wind exceeds threshold. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms knock electricity supply 2-4 hours daily at the reserve. Stays in Kumily (4km from gate) at year-low: Spice Village CGH Earth at ₹7-11k, Carmelia Haven at ₹3-5k, homestays ₹1,000-2,200. Lock the first 10 days; gamble or skip the last fortnight.

Why May scores 8.0/10