About Periyar National Park
Situated
within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of
Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most
captivating wildlife parks in the world. The picturesque lake in the heart
of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55 sq km.
This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion of
large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals. It eventually
resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharajah
of Travancore.
Periyar (also Thekkady) is a park where one can witness playful pachyderms,
whose population is currently around 800. The population of tigers is also
increasing appreciably. The terrain ranges from hilly to flat grassland
areas at the edges of the lakes. The vegetation is of moist deciduous type.
The months of March and April constitute the driest part of the year,
because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake in the
Periyar National Park. Even the tiger may be spotted approaching the waters
in the Periyar National Park. Animals may be seen from motorboats on the
lake or from watch towers set up in the Periyar National Park. There is a
good chance of spotting an occasional tiger in this relatively peaceful
corner at the Periyar National Park.
Wildlife Attraction in Periyar National Park
Elephant
While at Periyar you just cannot miss enjoying the Fauna. Periyar and
elephants are synonymous and one cannot be thought of without the other.
Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favourite haunt
for frolicking in the water. Scores of them can be witnessed bathing and
swimming here. The Indian female elephants do not possess tusks like their
African relatives. They are also not as swarthy as their African
counterparts.
Avian Population
Some 260 species of birds are found at Periyar. These include darters,
cormorants, ibises, grey herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons,
kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and an appreciable number of
blue-winged parakeets.
Other Residents
Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer,
mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines,
squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar, and sloth bear. There are
approximately 40 tigers in the area as per the latest census. The tigers,
along with the Nilgiri tahrs (a kind of a wild goat), are elusive creatures.
However, an early morning visit, with luck on one's side, can yield positive
results.
Fauna Attractions
The flora here is composed mainly of marshy grasslands. The forests are a
mixture of grasslands, fire-resistant low-growth vegetation, deciduous
forests, semi-evergreens, and tropical evergreens. It is good to be cautious
of the blood-sucking leeches that are found in plenty here
Safaris
Boat rides offered on the Periyar lake provide you with the best chance of
observing wild life. Sightings of large herds of elephants and other animals
are quite frequent during boat rides. The timings for boat rides are 7, 9,
11 AM & 2, 4 PM.
Other Attractions
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve offers plenty of
opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. One can swim in the lake or get
permits for angling that are easily available from the forest Officer in
Thekkady. Boat rides on the lake are definitely a must, and motor launches
are available throughout the day from 6 am to 4 pm. Exhilarating treks
through the forest to the temple of Mangla Devi can also be organised.
Lectures on wildlife preservation are organized regularly at the park and
these can be of help in understanding the wild creatures and their
environment. Late afternoon is just right for another walk down the
lakeside. The evening walk along the lake is always tinged with forebodings
of danger combined with exhilaration at being in such a beautiful place.
How to get there
By Air : The park is accessible from Kochi and Madurai
airports. Indian Airlines operates daily Delhi-Cochin (8:00), Mumbai-Cochin
(11:05), Bangalore-Cochin (13:00) and Chennai-Cochin flights
By Rsail : The nearest major rail junction to the
Periyar National Park is Kottayam, connected to Delhi through the Kerala
Exp. (11:30, Daily) to Mumbai through Kanyakumari Exp. (15:45, Daily) to
Bangalore through Kanyakumari Exp. (22:00, Daily) and Chennai through
Trivandrum Mail (20:00) & Trivandrum Exp. (16:15).
By Road : The Periyar National Park is well connected by
bus service to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (271 km). To access the
place from Cochin, take the NH49 to Thripunithara. From there, state highway
15 will take you to Ettumanur via Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu and Vaikom.
Take the SH1 to Kottayam and finally NH220 to Thekkady via Kanjirappally,
Peermade, Vandiperiyar and Kumily.
Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 2234 km
Mumbai : 1230 km
Bangalore : 497 km
Kottayam : 119 km (SE)/2 hrs.
Cochin : 200 km (SE)
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The only entry point to the park is through Thekkady village (4 km
from Kumily). The starting point is the boathouse (2 km from entry
gate), from where all treks, boat rides and walks begin. The tourists
can register for trekking and other activities at the Eco-tourism
centre, near the boat house.
- The best way of observing the place would be to take a boat ride in
the Periyar lake.
- Park charges Entry Fee : Rs. 25 (Indians) & Rs. 300
(foreigners), Cameras : Rs. 25 (still) & Rs. 200 (video), Vehicle
entry : Rs. 50, Boat ride : KTDC Rs. 110 (upper deck), Rs. 55 (lower
deck), Rs. 350/trip for a small 2 seater boat. We will complete all the
formalities so you get to experience a hassle free and enjoyable
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- Park timings are 6 AM to 6 PM.
- The best time to spot animals is during the dry months as after a
shower the water resources fill up and the animals do not feel the need
to come out in search of water.
- Carry all the essentials including prescribed medicine, a flash light
etc. A pair of binoculars and a camera will enhance your experience. It
is advisable to carry your own binoculars as those available for hire
are generally of poor quality.
Jungle
Resorts in Periyar
| Periyar
Jungle Resort |
Situated within the
confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala,
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating
wildlife parks in the world. Enhance your experience with a stay at the
luxurious Taj Garden Retreat
|
"The
night walk called the 'jungle patrol' through the forest was a unique
and exciting experience tinged with a sense of danger and
fear...something you should not miss."
