Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park

Park At A Glance

IUCN Category	II (National park)
State	Kerala
District	Idukki
Area	350 sq. km. Buffer 427 sq. km.
Longitude	76o 57’ and 77o 25’ E
Latitude	9o 16’ N 9o 36’ N
Altitude	100 m to 2016 m
Rainfall	2500mm
Temperature	Min. 15o C to Max 31o C
Seasons
Sunner	April – May
Monsoon	South – West and North – East monsoon with maximum rainfall in July and minimum in January.
Rainy Season	Mid – June to mid- Nov
Winter	December – January
Year of Notification	1982 (27.10.82)
Topography	Marshy grasslands, lake rolling or steep hills.
Altitude	900 m to 2000 metres
Rainfall	203 cam (June to October)
Temperature	(deg C)
Semmer	Max 29o C, Min 18o C;
Winter	Max 21o C, Min 15.5o C.
Best time to visit	October to April 2, 2008
Reptiles	Monitor lizard.
Recommended Period for Visit	October – April
Nearest town	Kumily (4 km.)
Nearest Railway Station	Kottayam (114 km.)
Nearest Airport	Madurai (145 km.)

About Periyar Wildlife Park: Set 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 picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a

Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park: Apart 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 found at Periyar – the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat 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 spotted 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 lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary’s environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.

Sightseeing in Periyar Wildlife Park: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a fascinating natural wildlife reserve spread across 777 sq. km, which was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Sanctuary is centred around the 24 sq km artificial lake formed by Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. There are three watch towers to observe wild life at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi.

The Mangladevi Temple (12 km away), on the northern boundary of the reserve, the famous plantation town Peermede, named after the Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, Munnar, the popular hill station known for Neelakurinji, a flower which washes the hills in a blue hue every twelve years and the highest peak in South India, Anamudi (2695 m), are places worth visiting.

Activities Periyar Wildlife Park: The forest department arranges plantation eco-tours through the spice, coffee and tea plantations, as well as visits to tea factories, tribal hamlets in and around the hills. To enjoy the forest experience you can go for elephant rides, boat cruises on the Periyar Lake, and trekking in Kurisumala, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu, Grampi, Nellikkampetty and Manakkavala.

Shopping in Periyar Wildlife Park: Shopping in Thekkady is fun, as you will find many small knick-knacks to buy for yourself and family and friends. Thekkady does not have many big shopping areas, but one important area is Kumily, which is located at a distance of 4 kilometers. The question of what to buy in Thekkady shouldn’t bother you much as this place is full of those little items that are petty but still beautiful in its own way.

Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Park:

Kumily: Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.

Cradomom Hills: Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala’s beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach 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 excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual 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 viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.

Best Time to Visit Periyar Wildlife Park: The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.