Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Position high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a charming lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Shaped with the structure of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the forested hills, providing an enduring foundation of water for the local wildlife. Though it’s a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to sight the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and liveliness by the Periyar lake.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park

Separately from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary 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 here. Four species of primates are established at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the home of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be freckled basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra. 
In the knee of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuaries environ is like a picture of many shades. The clean air of the damp deciduous forest gives one a possibility to experience the calm and tranquility and extensive to return for more.

Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumily :  
Positioned just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a rising town where tourism is fastly infectious up just like the spice trade, the main profession of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the outstanding hotels and resorts for accommodation.  
Cradomom Hills:  
Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily discover Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will move toward you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.  
Boat Cruises:  
Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Today the Periyar lake presents an outstanding boating spot for tourists. Although it is strange to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife presentation when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximize you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.

Best Time to Visit Periyar

The most excellent 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, Ernakulum and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.