Periyar
National Park
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country,
Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife
sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed
with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the
contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for
the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to
view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the
Periyar lake.
Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar
sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or
Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated
40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare
lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet
Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri
Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.
The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great
Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population
boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the
rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national
park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.
In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is
like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous
forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long
to return for more.
Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumily : Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily
is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the
spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also
well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.
Cradomom Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most
convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's
beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via
jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these
trips work out as a good travel value.
Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option
to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake
presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual
to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of
Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper
deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better
turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you
chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own
boat.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months
of October and June.
How to Get there
Air : Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in
Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar.
Rail : Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest
railhead from Periyar.
Road : Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is
well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and
Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
General Info / Tips
Note : After heavy rains, chances of good wildlife
sightings are very slim as the animals only come to the lake, when water
sources inside the forest have dried up.
For further information contact : Field Director,
Project Tiger,Kanjikuzhi, Kottayam, Kerala.
Periyar Weekend Getaway
Duration : 2 Nights / 3 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Periyar
Day - 1 -- » Delhi - Periyar National Park
Arrive at noon at the resort in Periyar. Enjoy a afternoon boat ride
in Periyar lake for wildlife viewing. Overnight in the resort.
Day - 2 -- » Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary
Enjoy a morning boat ride for elephant tracking and bird watching. One
can also indulge in wildlife photography over here. The visit to the
Periyar National Park lasts for about three hours. Return back to the
resort for having breakfast & lunch. You can also opt for taking up a
forest trail and explore the Periyar park surroundings or bird-watch.
Afternoon boat ride for wildlife viewing. Overnight stay at the resort
in Periyar.
Day - 3 -- » Periyar National Park - Delhi / Onward
Destination
Depart for onward journey after breakfast from Periyar.
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