Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park in Thekkady is the perfect example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. The park is regarded as the best-protected sanctuary for elephants and tigers in this incredible region of Kerala.

The Periyar National Park, one of South India’s most well-known national parks, is perched high in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. The protected area encompasses 925 square kilometers. Periyar National Park is a captivating destination that offers a unique wildlife experience and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the region’s natural beauty, cultural traditions, and conservation efforts.

Quick Fact

Periyar National Park, a well-known tourist destination, is one location where bamboo rafting can be experienced in the Mullaperiyar Dam catchment area. Additionally, visitors can take a night safari tour of Periyar’s forest.

One of the most biologically diverse areas in the world and the best-protected reserve area in India is Thekkady, Kerala’s Periyar National Park. The park, renowned for its beauty, greenery, and stillness, is home to many important species, including magnificent elephants, royal tigers, and numerous reptiles, fish, and birds.

History of Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park has a rich history and has played a significant role in conserving biodiversity and protecting the Western Ghats ecosystem. The Mullaperiyar dam was built over the west-flowing river Periyar during the Pandava reign in the 12th century. As a result, it made an artificial lake in the spot that is now the sanctuary’s center, significantly improving its attractiveness. In addition, the valley’s features and surrounding terrain underwent a significant shift due to the construction of this lake.

When the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests began Project Elephant in 1992 to safeguard the wild Asian elephant populations roaming free in different Indian states, the reserve also became a component of that initiative.

Flora and Fauna of Periyar National Park

Set amidst the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills of the western ghats in Kerala, Periyar National Park is home to some of the most exotic fauna in the world. There is a rich diversity of vertebrates in Periyar National Park, including tigers, elephants, sambars, and several species of reptiles, birds, and aquatic life.

There is a wide variety of vegetation in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The flora in Periyar National Park primarily consists of tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests around the tank. Some of the famous flora of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Gulmohar, and others.

Places to Visit Near Periyar National Park

Due to several species residing in its precincts, Periyar National Park is an attraction. Yet there’s a lot left for sightseeing. Some of the best places to see in and around are listed below:

Kumily

A small town in Kerala’s Idukki district, close to Thekkady and Periyar, best known for its cardamom hills. This location draws nature enthusiasts and spiritual folk because of the profusion of holy temples.

Mangla Devi Temple

The Mangla Devi Temple is situated 15 km away from Thekkady. The temple, which is 1337 meters high and located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, features old Pandian-style architecture. Only once a year, during April and May, on a full moon day, are prayers held in this 2,000-year-old temple.

Periyar Lake

This lake, a well-known symbol of the national park, is one of Kerala’s most picturesque lakes and covers a total area of 26 square kilometers. It was created after the Mullaperiyar Dam was built and is the ideal location to see a variety of wildlife species that come here to quench their thirst.

Safari in Periyar National Park

Night Safari

When you take a safari in a national park, you can do something completely different from what you often do. Because of how different the forest seems at night when the stars and moon shine, the Periyar government offers night safaris in Periyar National Park. The moonlight and stars shine so brightly that you can spot nocturnal animals.

Apart from elephants, the other animals in the Periyar Sanctuary are wild pigs, Sambar, Gaur, mouse deer, and tigers. There are now estimated counts of 40 tigers in the Periyar National Park. Periyar also has the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, Gee’s golden langur, the common langur, the Bonnet macaque, and the other four significant primates. You can spot some of these animals.

Safari Timings

  • 11:00 p.m. to 03.00 a.m.

Jeep Safari

The Periyar Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari road passes through sections with thick vegetation that makes walking through them nearly impossible, as well as spice plantations and tumbling waterfalls. Off-road driving enthusiasts can enjoy the adrenaline rush of watching Thekkady’s rarely-seen wildlife up close and personal and the thrill of watching a jeep scramble over boulders and veer ferociously from side to side. At the same time, the gas pedal is pressed to the floor.

Safari Timings

  • Check on the official website.

Boat Safari

Boating cruises are available at the nearby lake through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. In addition, you might see wild boar and goat herds on the grasslands near the coastlines. Darters, egrets, and kingfishers are just a few of the birds that can be seen resting on dead tree trunks that protrude over the lake. There is a good chance that you will see the Smooth Indian Otter acting silly while on the boat.

Safari Timings

  • Morning: 7:30 a.m.: 9:30 a.m.: 11:15 a.m.
  • Afternoon: 01:45 p.m. : 03:30 p.m.

Elephant Safari

An elephant safari in Kerala’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an engaging activity for visitors on wildlife safaris in India. Periyar National Park is attractive due to its diverse flora, animals, and surrounding vegetation. A fascinating wildlife safari in Periyar National Park is an elephant safari, which allows you to ride an elephant through the park’s lush woodlands and observe its diverse fauna. An elephant safari is the first choice of tourists who appreciate exploring every square inch of a stunning forested area.

Safari Timings

  • Every day: 06.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m.

Resorts in and around Periyar National Park

Tourists can choose from various lodges based on the categories they require. Prior booking is required for accommodation. Due to high demand, getting accommodations during peak season is rare. Some of the lodges are:

  • Spice Village
  • Niraamaya Retreat Cardamom Club – Periyar
  • Fragrant Nature Resort
  • Taj Garden Retreat

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

    The park enjoys a semi-tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Monsoon season makes the park inaccessible due to heavy rains. Get more details about the best time to visit Manas National Park and tips for a more pleasant wildlife experience.

    SUMMER SEASON

    (March to May)

    The best time of year to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is during the summer. In general, Periyar’s summers are bearable and inviting. The constant temperature range is between 28°C and 36°C. It is a good time for travelers to spot rare animal species that are usually difficult to see due to the dry weather. Several elephants are drawn to the lake by the dry weather.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (June to September)

    One of the uncommon wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar, allows visitors to tour the jungle even during the monsoon season. The entire forest area blossoms with rich vegetation as the monsoon season approaches, providing travelers with breathtaking landscapes to scale through.
    Though the park remains open, safari could be a lot smoother. It is preferred by true adventure and wildlife lovers. Travelers have a variety of fascinating ways to visit the park, including hiking, wildlife safaris, and watercraft.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to February)

    One of the best times of year to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the winter. There has been barely any precipitation this season, and the weather is lovely. During this welcoming season, the flowers are blooming, and animals can be spotted easily. Also, migratory birds settled here for the season.

    HOW TO REACH PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    The shortest method of travel to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is by plane. The airport in Madurai, is the nearest to the sanctuary. In addition to this airport, Kochi International Airport, also offers vital access to Periyar.

    The Madurai Airport provides numerous daily connecting choices to other critical national metropolises. Regarding international connectivity to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kochi International Airport has greater chances. Tourists can take one of the local buses or auto rickshaws to get to their destination after arriving at these airports.

    Kottayam is home to the railroad station that is most convenient to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This famous train station is a hub for many local and express trains that provide convenient access to the nation’s other main cities.

    Whether they are superfast or express trains, Kottayam is frequently served by trains from Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. As visitors arrive at the station, they can take a private taxi, public transportation, or a private vehicle to get them where they need to go in the city.

    Almost 4 km separate the town of Kumily from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. However, a good network of roads links Kumily to other vital cities nationwide, providing seamless access to the sanctuary. Furthermore, Thekkady is conveniently connected to other cities via the state highway. In addition, KSRTC-operated buses travel to every part of the state.

    The other option for tourists is to get to Kochi International Airport; from there, you can take a private car and reach the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. We also provide the vehicles at an additional cost for your convenience.

    TIPS FOR PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

    • Dress in earthy hues like brown and green to avoid attracting wild creatures’ attention.
    • Do not exit the jeep on the safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Don’t provide any food for wild animals.
    • With the Periyar Tiger Reserve online booking system, reserving your seat in advance is always a good idea.
    • Ensure your camera has additional batteries.
    • Use or pack insect repellant when going on a safari or to a jungle camp.

    FAQs

    Why is Periyar National Park famous?

    Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The sanctuary is well known for its herds of Asian elephants, which can number up to fifty.

    What is the best time to visit the Periyar National Park?

    The ideal months to explore Periyar National Park are from September to June. However, due to the monsoon season’s rainstorms, the national park is covered in lush flora from late September to early October.

    Is Periyar National Park worth visiting?

    This park is situated in the Pandalam Hills and Cardamom Hills, which are south of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. The beauty of the place is unique because of its outstanding location. Therefore, a trip to the South is complete only by stopping at this national park.

    What are the Periyar National Park timings?

    This national park is open every day of the week from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    What is the Periyar National Park ticket price?

    This national park is open every day of the week from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.