Why
Periyar
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated high in the ranges
of the Western Ghats, in south Indian state of Kerala. The major attractions
at Periyar are - Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur. Periyar
wildlife sanctuary in Kerala flaunts a picturesque lake at the heart of the
sanctuary. F7ormed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir runs
around the contours of the wooded hills, serving water to the local wildlife
round the year. Though Periyar Kerala is a Tiger Reserve, tourists visit
this place to view the Indian elephants, who wander freely in the sanctuary
in a huge group, consisting of old, adult and baby elephants. The Periyar
National Park was declared the Project Tiger in the year 1972.
Key Factors
State : Kerala, in the southern part of India.
Climate : It enjoys a tropical climate varies between 10 degree
centigrade - 26 degree centigrade.
Area : 777 sq-km.
Travel Tips : Consult the Doctor before you leave for the trip. Get
enough information about the place you are going to visit.
Best Time to Visit : October and June.
Nearest Town : Kumily (4 km)
Get There
International Airport : Chennai International Airport
Airport : Kochi (Cochin) at 200 km or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140
km.
Railways : Kottayam (114 km).
Road : Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both
state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Stay
There
There are numerous accommodation facilities here. The facilities ranges
from luxurious to budget category. Two KTDC wildlife resorts are located
within the sanctuary – Aranya Nivas and Periyar House besides Lake
Palace (in the midst of the lake) – a Taj tourist resort. You can
choose any, according to your budget. But book well in advance or you may be
in for disappointment, as the resorts are full during the tourist season.
Nearby Wildlife
Lodges
Venture Into The Periyar
The most thrilling and ideal way to move into the park is by a boat
cruiser. The boat cruiser will allow you harmonize with the natural
surroundings of the Periyar Sanctuary. The Periyar lake presents an
excellent boating spot for tourists today. Although it is uneasy to see many
animals from the boats, still you come across a family of Elephants, Wild
Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge.
If you want to visit Periyar extensively, then take an Elephant Ride,
Elephant will allow you to go to the remotest part of Periyar. The thickly
covered wooded hills of Periyar are dominated by water bodies, vast
grasslands, thick tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest and even
fatter forest areas. The densely forested valleys presents a vast stock of
flora & fauna.
The
Fauna
The animals you will find here are Elephants, Tigers, Gaur, Wild Pigs,
Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog. There are, now,
an estimated 40 tigers in the Periyar national Park. Four species of
primates found at Periyar are - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri
Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also inhabits the elusive
Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely seen here.
The Avifauna
The birdlife includes - Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar
Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes.
The Reptiles
The reptilian population boasts of Monitor Lizards that can be seen 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.
Additional
Punch
Nearest attractions at Periyar are - Alleppey, Cradomom Hills, Kumily, Boat
Cruises. You can also go to - Kumily (4 km), Madurai (140 km), Cochin or
Kochi (200 km), Kottayam (114 km), Ernakulam. All these place have something
to give to every traveller. Something you should not miss in Kerala are
Backwaters and Beaches. Also taste the exclusive South India cuisine here.
Extend the Trip
Though entire Kerala will keep you preoccupied through out your trip, if
you desire to go to other part of South India, just move towards Tamil Nadu
and Karnataka, both the state has numerous attractions.
Few Difficulties
You might not face any problem here. Periyar is easily accessible and you
can easily wander around the park. But, you may face problems in
communicating with the common people, as only the educated one are able to
speak English here.
Few Suggestions
Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local
culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and
the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on
a wildlife India Tour.
If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us,
whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your
trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.
