One of India's most popular wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated in Kerala. The park is in the cardamom hill ranges in Western Ghats of the state. The park was formed after the construction of a dam in 1895. Though a tiger reserve, people come here in large numbers also to have a look at the gigantic elephants. Also known as Thekkady Tiger Reserve, Periyar is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves of the country. As the chances of wildlife sightings become very slim during monsoons, tourists are advised to visit the sanctuary at any time between the months of October and June.

Accommodation and Connectivity:

To reach Periyar, one can travel by air to either Cochin or Madurai in Tamil Nadu. They are at a distance of 200 kms and 140 kms respectively. The nearest railhead is at Kottayam at a distance of 114 kms. Kumily is the nearest town from Periyar located at a distance of just 4 kms. Kumily is well served by both state transport and private buses from many different locations of the state. Kumily has emerged as a major tourist hub in recent times due to the presence of the park.

As accommodation facilities in the park are limited, it is always advisable to avail advance booking benefits.

Periyar Attractions

Mammals

A variety of wildlife species are the major attractions of this magnificent wildlife sanctuary. They include gaur, wild pigs, sambar, barking deer and mouse deer among others. Though around three dozen tigers are estimated to be present in the park, tigers are seldom spotted here. The primate species found at Periyar include the rare lion-tailed macaque, common langur and bonnet macaque. The nilgiri tahr is also found here but remains mostly elusive.

Birds

Cormorants, darters, kingfishers, the great malabar hornbill and racket-tailed drongoes are some of the famous bird species found here. A few varieties of migratory birds may also be spotted during winters. Park authorities say that the population of a few bird species have increased in recent times.

Reptiles

The reptile population basically includes the monitor lizards and python. One would be lucky to spot a king cobra also.

Boat Cruises

Boat Cruises offer a great option to explore the Periyar Sanctuary. Infact, Periyar lake has become an excellent boating spot for tourists. An early morning boat cruise is most sought after by the tourists. Though the possibilities of seeing many animals from boats is remote, the lucky ones could still spot a family of elephants, sambar deer and wild boar by the edge of water. The unadulterated greenery of Periyar is another great delight to the visitor.