“A world comes alive when the world sleeps.” 

Well, this is true, and especially if you are visiting the Periyar National Park, their morning safari is something which you cannot simply miss!

Periyar’s mornings can get chilly, especially between November and February. This magical yet cold start to your day can leave you in a dilemma of what to wear for Periyar morning safari?

In this guide, we have broken down some tips and tricks to find your perfect cold morning jungle safari outfit.

Photo by Ashish AB on Unsplash

At a glance:

1. Introduction
2. Why Are Mornings the Best for a Periyar Safari?
3. Understanding the Chill
4. What to Wear?
5. Start with the Right Base Layer
6. Add a Mid Layer
7. Top with a Windproof Jacket
8. Warm Safari Add-ons
9. Layering for Periyar National Forest: How Many Layers Should One Have?
10. Quick Tips Before You Head Out
11. Stay warm. Travel Light
12. FAQs

Why are mornings the best for a Periyar Safari?

Before we dive into picking the perfect cold morning jungle safari outfit, let’s clear it up as to why the need for such an outfit and an early safari packing list comes.

Let’s understand why mornings are the best for a Periyar safari!

The early hours, ranging from 5 to 7 in the morning, are the time when animals are out there. During the early hours of the day, you can catch a glimpse of birdsongs, elephants, tigers, and all sorts of animals, making the most out of your visit.

But, here’s the catch: all this beauty comes wrapped up in a cold, freezing blanket. Without proper layering for Periyar National Park, you will find yourself freezing in the cold more than sightseeing.

Understanding the Chill

This national park is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, and it sits at a higher elevation than most parts of the state. Mornings can get really chilly, with temperatures dipping to 10 degrees Celsius in the mornings.

That’s why thermal wear for Periyar trip is non-negotiable if you want to enjoy your time without freezing.

What to Wear Periyar Morning Safari?

Now that you know it's cold, let us talk about what to wear for Periyar morning safari.

Here are your tips and tricks to pack warm clothes for Periyar winter smartly without stuffing your rucksack:

1. Start with the right base layer

While on a morning safari, it’s really important to choose the right base layer, since base layers are worn the closest to the skin, providing you with the most warmth and comfort.

Think thermal layer for women that’s both breathable and warm.

Base layers like Kosha’s half sleeves thermal are perfect for layering for Periyar National Park—start warm, stay light.

Keeping that in mind, Kosha’s merino bamboo wool full sleeves thermal for women and merino bamboo wool half sleeve thermal for women make an excellent choice for that. 

2. Add a mid-layer

Prefer adding a lightweight fleece or a sweatshirt, as these fabrics trap the heat while wicking the moisture away.

Pro-tip: Opt for neutral colours like brown or beige. Don’t go for bright colours as they can spook wildlife. 

3. Top with a windproof jacket

The jungle breeze, especially in an open jeep, can feel sharp. A windproof, waterproof jacket is a must. Choose one with a hood and zip-up pockets to store your gloves or a small camera.

This is your final barrier between you and the outside chill. So, make it count.

Warm Safari Add-ons

Fine layering aside, small accessories are of utmost value:

Woolen Cap or Beanie: Prevents body heat from escaping.

Gloves: Your hands and arms will be exposed throughout the ride. A warm pair of gloves is needed.

Wool Socks: For cold and damp areas, wool is better than cotton.

Comfortable Shoes: The Best would be the closed ones with a good grip. Uneven, damp terrain might be the ground beneath. 

Scarf or Buff: Protects the neck and can double up as a face cover should it get really windy.

Don’t forget waterproof gloves when choosing thermal wear for Periyar trip—they help seal in warmth during those brisk jungle mornings.

Layering for Periyar National Forest: How Many Layers Should One Have?

Most mornings can get comfortable with three layers: thermal, fleece, and jacket. Layering is personal; some might need four layers, and some might just be fine with two.

The good part about layers is that if one starts feeling warm, one can take a layer off.

Kosha Winter wear is your best fit, should you want to get away from bulky and restricting types and concentrate more on the outdoors. In doubt? See our Guide to Winter Clothing for the Periyar Safari winter clothing and make your outfit combination.

When those cold conditions begin to hunker down, thermals get you prepared and act as your top defender. They trap heat whilst allowing moisture away from you, so you could enjoy the snug feeling! Kosha’s full sleeve thermal top for women and men is the top pick for Periyar National Forest.

A cozy full-sleeve thermal is essential on your early safari packing list—ideal for those misty dawn drives.

Quick Tips Before You Head Out

• Reach on time: Be at the gates by 5:30 for check-in and briefing.
• Avoid strong-smelling perfumes: Animals have keen noses. So, go scent-free.
• Keep it Lean and Muted: No red, orange, or flashy outlooks. 
• Stay silent and be alert: Noise divides your view. 
• Dress for safari in comfort: Safaris last up to 3 hours, so dress in clothes that combine both style and mobility.

Photo by Saket Upadhya on Unsplash

Stay warm. Travel light.

Unsure what winter wear to pack for your next cold-weather destination? Wondering if you’ll stay warm enough throughout your trip?

Our Winter Layering Expert at Kosha can help you with a light‑but‑mighty winter wear travel kit for your next trip.

We guide you with the layers to carry, based on your chosen destination, the temperature, weather conditions, and the activities on your itinerary. Then, we’ll help you understand exactly what to wear and exactly what to pack - for anything from +15 °C beach breezes to −30 °C Arctic blasts. With light-as-air Merino-Bamboo base layers and jackets, you carry just enough winter gear - yet feel infinitely warmer.

For frequent travellers, who would rather buy and keep thoughtfully made winter wear for the years to come. Seldom or first-time travellers, we’ve got you covered with rental winter wear that you can hire just for your travel dates and return, hassle-free.

Book a 1-on-1 video consult call with Kosha’s Winter Layering Expert now.

Chat with a Winter Layering Expert

So, safely wade through. Let your layers do the heavy lifting while you run after wild sunrises inside Kerala's wildlands!

FAQs

1. What clothes would be suitable for a morning Safari in Periyar?

Thermals, fleece, and a windproof jacket should be worn. Equip your hands with gloves, your feet with woolen socks, and your head with a woolen cap for extra warmth.

2. How cold does it get in a Periyar morning Safari?

At the time, when instances of temperatures going down to 10°C can be observed, especially in the forenoon hours of November to February, such temperatures require warm, layered dressing.

3. Do I need thermal wear if I am planning a Periyar trip?

Yes, thermal wear insulates and controls moisture, keeping one warm and comfortable throughout the chilly-duration safari ride.

4. How many layers of clothes do I wear on the safari?

Anything from three layers—thermal, fleece mid-layer, and jacket—would suffice, although you can certainly wear more or less depending on your comfort and the weather outside.

5. Are some particular colors recommended while dressing for Periyar safari?

Yes, neutral and natural tones like browns or beiges should be preferred, while brighter colors limit any disturbance to wildlife.

Ashwina Kakria

A girl who'll forever believe that novels are such mysterious and amorphous and tender things!