Kerala City Guide
One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in world, Periyar national park is known for its population of Tigers, Elephants and Leopards.
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.
Getting There
By Air : Cochin Airport is 200 Km while Madurai Airport, Tamilnadu is 140 Km.
By Rail : Kottayam (112 Km) is the nearest major railhead. Kottayam is well connected to the major cities of Kerala and neighbour states.
By 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.
