Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
About Periyar wildlife sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Kerala’s most popular tourist attractions, its source of pride and an excellent testimony to human invention. A declared Tiger reserve since 1978, Periyar national park sprawls over 777 sq km. and is home to several exotic, colorful and endangered wildlife species.
A protected area since 1950, Periyar wildlife sanctuary is also one of 29 Tiger reserves in the country. The reserve comprises of scenic 5,500 hectare Periyar Lake as its source of water which was formed artificially as a result of Mullaperiyar Dam construction in 1895 and which now meanders through the reserve, nourishing it and also serving for popular boat rides into the reserve. Its Western Ghats are covered with deciduous shrubs, evergreen forests and rolling grasslands, providing ample nourishment and cover to wild animals like gaurs, sambars, elephants, tigers, Nilgiri langurs and lion tailed macaques. With ample nourishment in the form of grasses, shrubs etc. the reserve is ideal for large mammals and providing cover, one of the reason for its rich population of elephants which are estimated to be over 200. Herds of elephants may be seen playing and frolicking in the lake which is one of reserves popular sight for the tourists. The Boat ride in the lake providing opportunity for experiencing wildlife from close quarters Periyar’s one of a kind experience, comparable only to boat ride in Sunderbans national park in West Bengal .
Wildlife attractions at Periyar wildlife sanctuary
Fauna: The star attraction of Periyar national park is its population of elephants and Tigers. However a large variety of other animals also inhabit the park including Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur, Wild Pigs, Indian Wild Dog and Mouse Deer. Primate species include the rare lion-tailed macaque, Bonnet Macaque, the Nilgiri Langur and Common Langur. The endangered Nilgiri Thar is also found here, though rarely seen.
Avifauna: The reserve is home to over 300 species of birds including Cormorants, Kingfishers, Darters, Drongoes and the great Malabar Hornbill and.
Reptiles: Around 45 species of reptiles are found here including Monitor Lizards, Pythons and even King Cobra.
In & around Periyar wildlife sanctuay
Elephant Safari: A tour of the reserve atop an elephant is highly sought after here as Mahouts are well aware of wild animal’s hideouts.
Boat cruise: A boat cruise upon the tranquil Periyar River is a must for anyone visiting the reserve. Observe wildlife from close quarters amidst scenic natural settings.
Eravikulam national park: Another popular wildlife reserve located not very far from Periyar, Eravikulam makes for a perfect excursion trip for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kumily: located at a distance of 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily’ claim to fame were its world famous spice trade, although the tranquil village is full of natural beauty.
Season & Best time to visit
Summer: April-May
Winter: December-January
Monsoon: Periyar region experiences two monsoons- the southwest and northeast with maximum rainfall in july and minimum in January.
The best time to visit Periyar Tiger reserve is from the months of October and June. Besides, the period between February and May is ideal for watching herds of animals coming out to the lake, playing and frolicking in if since the water holes in the forest have all dried up.
Location
The reserve is located in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta, at a distance of 4 km from kumily, Kerala. It is perched high amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats at Tamil Nadu border.
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airports are Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms and Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140-kms.
By Rail: the nearest railway station is at Kottayam, 114-kms away from periyar.
By Road: Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
