Periyar National Park

Located in Thekkady, Kerala, the Periyar National Park and wildlife sanctuary is famed as elephant and tiger reserve. Attracting thousands of tourists every year for safari, rafting, and other activities, the park lies in the middle of cardamom hills. Covering 357 square miles of land, Pamba and Periyar rivers run through the park helping the flora and fauna to thrive in this region. The Periyar National Park is where the Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, and various other wild and fascinating creatures reside.

Attractions

The Periyar National park is bliss for the nature lovers. A well planned tour is what one needs to explore everything in the best possible way. The Periyar National Park is a great place to spot Bengal Tigers. One might spot Indian Elephants, Nilgirir Langoors, Wild Pigs, and Niligir Tahrs. A treasure trove for bird lovers, Malabar grey hornbill, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and Sri Lanka frogmouth are among the birds residing here.

Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride to the Periyar Lake situated near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Offering a beautiful view of Elephants grazing near the edges of the shoreline, Deer, Sambar, Gaur and Wild Boars flocking around the place at regular intervals, the boat ride will be a surreal experience, and is highly recommended if you are in the area. A majority of the wildlife activity in the area can be viewed during the summer months of March and April.

Activities in and around Periyar National Park
The Park offers number of activities to indulge in along with jungle safari. Below are some of the activities one can try when in Periyar National Park.

Clouds Walk
This 3 to 4 hour guided walk takes you to the vantage point of the park. The vantage point offers a 360 degree view of the grasslands.

Jungle Patrol
Take a thrilling tour of the Park at night along with the guards, and since the activity is about roaming in eco-development zone, visitors are expected to be disciplined.

Periyar Tiger Trail
The Periyar Tiger Trail is a trekking and camping program offered for 2-3 nights. The trail covers an area of 20 to 35 km.

Bamboo Rafting
You get to experience some of the verdant areas of Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the tour is guided by two professional guides and panoramic views on the way are a visual treat.

Jungle camp
Jungle Camp is a travel accommodation program that features film shows and trekking. Located on the banks of Periyar River, the program gives you an opportunity to know more about local Urali tribe. Also, you'll be served food prepared by them.

Best Time to Visit
September to June is considered the best time to visit Periyar National Park.
Monsoon season lasts from September to early October and brings rain showers that bestow the national park with lush vegetation. The panorama gets greener and the weather stays pleasant. Summer season starts from March and ends in June. It is the best time to spot Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and other animals, as the animals come outside in search of water in summers.

How to reach
By Air: Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms and Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar.

By Train: Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railway station 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.