Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Kumily, Kerala
Nearest Access to Periyar : Kumily (4-kms)
Area of Periyar : 777-sq-kms

Elephant, Periyar National Park

Climate: Summer Max. 32°C. Winter Min. 18 °C .
Major Attractions: Elephants, Tigers, ,Gaur , Wild Dogs, Nilgiri Tahr

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. It owe’s its origin to the Maharaja of Travencore, who was an avid hunter and nature lover. Spice gardens and plantation estates surround the national park.

Periyar’s sylvan environs offer a refuge to many mammals, reptiles and amphibians and around 320 avian species. The threatened lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur occur here, as does the Flying and Malabar Giant Squirrel. The elusive Nilgiri Tahr is also present in this park. One can watch herds of Elephants swimming in the Periyar Lake. This lake was constructed by the Britishers in the year 1895 by constructing a dam across Periyar river. Now one can see most of the wildlife around this lake by boat launches. The lake also has a sizable population of turtles like Travancore Tortoise and the Black turtle. One can also see Gaur,Sambhar , Wild Boar, Leopard, Indian Wild Dog, Barking Deer and Mouse Deer in Periyar. Two unusual species found in Periyar are Flying Snake and the Flying Lizard

With large water bodies the Periyar is also a birders delight. It attracts large number of birds both resident as well as migratory.

Wildlife in Periyar National Park

Lion-tailed Macaque, Periyar

Besides the elephant and tiger, the other animals commonly seen in the Periyar National Park are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole and Indian Wild Dog. On account of the persistent efforts of the zoo officials, the number of tigers in the Periyar National Park has rose to forty. Four primate species found at Periyar, which act as the centre of attraction, are the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque. Periyar is also the only habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, which is not seen easily.
More than 100 species of butterfly and at least 240 bird species inhabit the area. The park is surrounded by the aromatic spice gardens. These gardens can be deeply explored by the help of good guides who elaborate the medicinal value of each spice.
A large number of bird species at Periyar National Park comprise of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, and the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes.
A number of Monitor Lizards dominate the reptile population. The tourists can also be fortunate enough to view a Python or even sometimes a King Cobra. The fresh and unpolluted air and the moist deciduous forests ably define the real beauty of 'The God's Own Country' - Kerala. The flying lizard and the flying snake are unusual species found at Periyar National Park.

Special Attractions in Periyar National Park

Periyar Lake: The Periyar Lake attracts grey heron, ibis, the great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill. The other birds include kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and flycatchers.

Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumily : You can go for a short excursion to Kumily, just 4-kms away from Periyar. The former spice trade centre, the town is still growing the spices largely. There are plenty opportunities for accommodation in the hotels and resorts in the town.

Cardamom Hills : Then Kerala's picturesque and beautiful cardomom hills can be easily accessed from Periyar and Kumily. A guide who accompanies you in the jeep or taxi elaborates and directs you towards the correct position to have a panoramic view of the hills.

Boat Cruises : The best way to explore the nook and corner of the Periyar National Park is through the two hour Boat Cruises in the early morning or evening hours. The Periyar Lake provides an excellent boating spot to the tourists where one can see the herds of elephants, bathing animals and even the herds of deer.
Apart from the elephant safari in the park and the boat cruises on the lake; one can also enjoy the treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - an ages old beautiful old stone temple amidst the Thekkady forest.
Jeep and elephant safaris can also take you through the offbeat tracks. You can also hire a bike till the park's entrance. A morning 'trek' can also be equally rewarding for game watching. You can discover the wildlife as well as the pug marks while on your jungle tour.

Cormorant, Periyar National Park

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.