An Insight :
Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats in the
state of Kerala in SW India. A combination of the forests of the Periyar
tiger reserve and the mountains of Munnar is more than anything a tourist
can ask for. Just 200 km from Kochi, is the thickly forested wildlife
sanctuary at the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady is one of the country's major
sanctuaries. The drive to Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through
tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The artificial
Periyar lake, which encircles the wildlife areas, adds beauty to the
sanctuary. Other than elephants, the other animals seen in the Periyar
sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or
Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. The rare lion-tailed macaque, the
Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque are also seen.
The sanctuary is the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is facing
extinction and is rarely seen. The animals, water and land birds can be seen
from the boats available at the lake. The best season to visit Periyar
wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.
Lets Explore Periyar :
» Flora & Faunna - Trekking with a local guide
familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees and flowers that are come across
here. And also sets up your close encounter with gaur, barking deer,
porcupines, languors and macaques. Though aquatic birds are relatively few
here, the Indian darter and black - necked stork are common. However, the
forest is home to an amazing variety of terrestrial birds such as the great
Indian horn bill, the Brahman kite, the little cormorant, the pied
kingfisher and the golden oriole.
Picturesque Periyar National Park is also known for its scenic beauty and
bracing climate. It is a pleasant escape from the rigors of day to day life.
The boat cruise on the serene waters of the lake is an excellent way to
watch the wildlife and the pristine beauty of the park.
» Park Safari - In addition to elephant rides,
cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a
beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest,
this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild
elephants at close quarters
Where is Periyar?
» By Air - The nearest airport is Cochin (200 kms
away) which is well connected by air to almost all major cities of India.
The other gateway for Periyar, is Madurai, 185 kms away.
» By Road - Periyar can be reached conveniently via
Cochin (200 kms), Kumarakom (190 kms) and Madurai (185 kms).
