Periyar

Periyar, best known for its Wildlife, is a must – see for all visitors to Kerala. One can view the animals in their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake. Periyar’s   wildlife includes the tiger, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, lion tailed macaque, Malabar squirrel and sloth bear.

Periyar River is the second longest river in the state of Kerala with a length of 244 km. The river is also known as “The Lifeline of Kerala” as it is one of the few perennial rivers of Kerala. It provides drinking water for major towns.

It originates from the Sivagiri Peak of Sundaramala in Tamil Nadu. The total length is about 300 Km. On its journey to Arabian Sea at Cochin, the river is augmented with minor tributaries like Muthayar, Perunthuaiar, Chinnar, Cheruthony, Katappanayar and  Edamalayar.

Periyar has been performing a vital role in shaping the economic prospects of Kerala.

Its usage is in power generation, domestic water supply, irrigation, tourism.

Periyar is undergoing eco-degradation due to various anthropogenic stresses, deforestation, water pollution, large scale sand mining.

Periyar is also known for its Periyar National Park. This park is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The Periyar Lake is the central point of the famous Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park covers an area of 780 square km , out of which 360 square km is thick evergreen forest. In 1978 Periyar was declared as a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger.

One can behold some very beautiful sights in Periyar. Like elephants grazing or playing with each other or drinking water on the bank of river. The best time to visit Periyar National Park is in the winter season from October to March.

Boat Cruise in the Periyar Lake is the best way to see the wildlife in the park.

Herds of elephants come often to the lake for water. Hence the lake becomes a prime site for animal watching.
One can enjoy a bewildering boat ride on the Pamba River, which flows on the Western side of the reserve. Get into one of those motor boats and takes a stroll during the day and one can see the Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri Langurs and the great Indian elephants.

The tourists get the immense pleasure to view the wildlife while on a boat. One can see some rare species of bird that frequently visits Periyar, these include the Ceylon frog-mouth, and rose billed roller, Osprey and Ratchet – tailed Durango.

Herds of elephant can be seen on the bank of the Periyar Lake. Tourists can hear the squeal of the elephants. They squeal when they are very happy.

Fauna in Periyar
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district, central Kerala.

It is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake – an artificial lake, at Thekkedy. It is clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forest. . In this thick green roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and nilgiri langurs.

This sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarter. In Periyar Tiger Reserve 49 species of mammals , 265 species of birds , 36 species of reptiles , 12 species of amphibians , 35 species of fishes and 160 species of butterflies are identified. Herds of elephant, sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lake side. Among the usual species found at Periyar are the flying lizard and the flying snake. With wings of orange and yellow, the flying lizard is seen as it glides from one tree to the other.

The loud calls of hornbills are distinctive amid the jungle. The great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbills are seldom seen flapping their ponderous way between trees.

The park is the nucleus of the Tiger Reserve. Its main prey is Sambar. The other prey animals of the tiger are the Indian bison and the wild boar. Cattle in the fringe area also form an important prey base.

Jungle Safari in the Park
One can watch the activities of different animals at close quarters by having a boat ride on the lake or by just having an elephant ride.

Along with animals, the Periyar National Park is also the home of various reptiles. Otter, the only mammal of the lake is a frequent sight from the boat. The thick vegetation of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses.

How to Go
The nearest railway station for Periyar is the Kattayam, which is at a distance of 177 km distance. This railhead connects Periyar with tourists.

Cochin airport at a distance of 200 km and Madurai airport at 140 km serves the nearest air transportation for Periyar.