Periyar National Park
Location
Located in Thekkady district, Kerala.
Major wildlife species
Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur.
Best Time to Visit
October to April.
A Glance on Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of the world,
Periyar wildlife sanctuary is a favorite haunt of the thousands of
wildlife lover tourists in India. Every year it attracts thousands
of tourists. Ideal for watching animals in their natural habitat,
Periyar sanctuary is built around a man made lake at the bottom of a
hill. The lake serves the daily need of water to the animals. The
park is well known for its population of Asiatic Elephants and
Tigers. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a
chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for
more.
Attractions in the Park:
Wildlife Attractions
Major attraction of Periyar National Park is the Asiatic Elephant.
Tigers are also in substantial number as this park comes under
Project Tiger. There are an estimated 40 tigers here. Other animals
to be seen in the Periyar are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer,
Mouse Deer, Dole, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet
Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr. The birdlife comprises of Darters,
Cormorants, Kingfishers, Malabar Hornbill and Racket-tailed
Drongoes. Sights of King Kobra and other huge pythons are also very
common here.
Boat Safari in Periyar
A Boat cruise in the Periyar lake is the best way to see the
wildlife in the park. Herds of elephants and other animals come
oftenly to the lake for water. Hnece the lake becomes a prime site
for animal watching.
Other attractions
Nearby Cardamom hills, where the spices are grown, are also an
option for detour. Kumily, the nearest district is also a tourist
attraction and is worth a visit.
The Park Trip
A trip in the park can be made on a Boat ride, Jeep Safari,
Trekking or Elephant Safari. Boat cruise on Periyar lake is the best
option to view the park. Necessary permits shall be taken before
entering the park and the guidelines must be followed to get the
best view of the wildlife.
How to Reach
Air
Cochin Airport is 200 Km while Madurai Airport, Tamilnadu is 140
Km.
Rail
Kottayam (112 Km) is the nearest major railhead. Kottayam is well
connected to the major cities of Kerala and neighbour states.
Road
Good roadways connections make Periyar easily connected to the
other cities of Kerala.
Where to stay
There are some good hotels, guest houses and cottages in and around
the park. The cottages and hotels in the park offers comfortable
stay with a wide price range. Kumili (4 Km) and Kottayam (112 Km)
also have some good private and goverment owned hotels and guest
houses.
