Periyar National Park

Welcome to Periyar National Park located within the ranges of Western Ghats in the south Indian state of Kerala. The park which is the counted among the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the India, is an ideal haven for the endangered Asiatic wild elephants. Spread to the total area of 778 km sq, and is located 1200 to 1800 m above sea level. It is both a National park and a protected Tiger Reserve. The main attraction of the park, is a Periyar Lake that was formed as a result of the building of a dam in 1895. It serves as permanent source of water for the local wildlife. The park offers hordes of adventure opportunities to the wildlife enthusiasts. The best time to plan out the trip to the Periyar National Park lies between the month of October to March.

What to See :

Flora :

The Flora of Periyar National Park comprises of three types of forests – Tropical Evergreen Forests, Semi Evergreen Forests, and Moist Deciduous Forest. It posses quite rich and wide variety of vegetation. At about 1,963 species of blossoming plants belonging to 823 genera and 159 families have been pointed and recognized by the experts of the Kerala Forest Research Institute and Kerala Forest Department for Periyar National Park.

Fauna :

Periyar is the ideal habitat of the Indian elephants. The other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary Kerala 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 in the Periyar national Park. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque.

Things to do :

Boat Cruise :

Enjoy the exciting boat cruise on Periyar lake and observe the exotic scenic beauty of the surrounding jungle. The amazing sight of herds of elephants, playing with each other, roaming in groups and bathing on the lake side can truly be an rewarding experience for you. Apart from the elephants other animals oftenly come to the lake for water. Therefore boat cruise can be great adventure at look for the wilds. The lake cruise are particularly enamoring at sunset.

Elephant Safari :

There's no better way to see the forest wildlife than by taking an elephant safari. Turn up at at the main gate and meet numerous elephant riders, who will take you on a enthralling ride into the depth of the forest. Be sure to turn up early or book for the elephant ride in advance. Elephant safari takes you through inscrutable lush forests, rugged trials and ruins of old temple that offers a lingering fun to the adventure enthusiasts. It is quite an interesting experience that gives you the opportunity to watch the wilds in their natural habitats.

Trekking :

Tour to Periyar National Park also includes trekking adventure. But if you visit the Periyar National Park during the monsoons, keep in mind that the leeches also come with th rain so make sure you wear the leech proof shocks, available within the park. On the trekking tour make a visit to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - an ages old beautiful old stone temple amidst the Thekkady forest. A morning trek can be rewarding if you are interested in 'game watching'.

Birding :

If you want to feel the real essence of the park, than go for the birding tour. Get up early in the morning, turn up to the lake side area and experience the exciting bird life. Listen to the exquisite bird songs, lake in spectacular sightings of large flocks of water birds and spot the exclusive species of birds. Make sure you carry a good pair of binoculars along with yourself.

Tour to Cardamom Hills :

Apart from the wildlife safaris, book one full day for the excursion trip to the nearby Cardamom hills, where the spices are grown, are also an option for detour. Than you can also make a visit to Kumily, the famous tourists attraction that is worth visiting.


Photo Safari :

Savor the untrammeled pleasure of a natural sightseeing and photo safari tour in the stimulating environs of the Periyar National Park. If you want cherish the memories of this exclusive Park throughout the life, than capture all the wonderful moments in you camera. Where you will get the chance to photograph wild Elephants at close quarters.

Periyar Accommodation :

There are numerous accommodation facilities at Periyar National Park, including the luxurious and budget category. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation runs three luxurious hotels within the park. These are the Lake Palace which costs around 10,000 rupees per night for a double room, Aranya Nivas starting from 4,000 rupees ($90) per night, and the cheaper Periyar House, which starts from around 2,000 rupees ($45) per night. Discounts are available for stays during the monsoon season.