Periyar Tourism

  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.

Places of Interest

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