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The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is a wonderful wildlife park with a rich biosphere of flora and fauna. The park whose total area is about 778 km sq, is located 1200 to 1800 m above sea level. Dense vegetation surround the man-made Periyar lake. The flora varies from low-lying grasslands near the lake to steep hills, further away.
Periyar National Park is one place that nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts cannot afford to miss. There is a diverse variety of wildlife that you can spot near the scenic lake and the view across the hill tops is simple breath-taking. The park also offers plenty of recreational opportunities for tourists. You can go swimming in the lake or you can get permits for angling that is easily available from the Forest Officer in Thekkady. Boat rides on the lake are a real treat for the senses. Or if you want to just relax and unwind, just take a walk along the lake and you’ll feel one with the natural beauty that surrounds you.
History of Periyar National Park
The park came into existence in 1895, when the Periyar dam was built and the lake serves as a permanent water source for the diverse wildlife that call this picturesque locale, their home. The region was declared a national park in 1982.
Flora and fauna:
The entire area is covered with unspoiled evergreen or semi-evergreen rain forest. Tropical tree species like Vateria indica, Cullenia exarillata and Bischofia javanica create a thick canopy 40 to 50 meters high. Eucalyptus trees are also found in abundance in this region. Tourists throng Periyar National Park to see elephants play gleefully beside the lake. Nearly 1000 elephants inhabit this region. Other animals that can be spotted here include gaur, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, nilgiri tahr and leopards. 320 different kinds of birds have been spotted here. Several types of fishes thrive well in the pure waters of the Periyar lake. Although the area is a tiger reserve, you’ll hardly be able to spot a tiger in broad daylight.
Special attractions in and around Periyar National Park:
- Periyar Tiger Reserve: Go on the Jungle Track when you visit the tiger reserve. There is a 4 hour track during the day and a night track with the forest guard for the brave at heart. Don’t forget to pray for a little luck in spotting a tiger!
- Kumily: 4 kms from Periyar, Kumily is famous for its spices
- Cardamom Hills: Explore these beautiful hills on a taxi or jeep with guide who can be hired for a reasonable rate.
- Boat Cruises: Take a boat ride on the Periyar lake. It’s sure to be one of the best experiences in your life. Boat cruises are offered all through the day. You can also consider renting your own boat.
- Trekking: Trek through the forest to the temple of Mangla Devi. Talk to the Forest Officer before you go on your trek.
Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park:
October to June
Location of Periyar National Park:
State: Kerala
District: Idukki
Distance from Kumily – 4 km; Madurai -140 km
How to reach Periyar National Park:
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport – 200 km; Madurai Airport – 140 km
Nearest railway stations: Kottayam Railway Station – 114 km
Directions by road from nearby cities: Buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai ply frequently to Kumily, the nearest town to Periyar
Contact
Kerala Tourism Information Office
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram,
Tel: +91-471-2321132
Climatic Conditions: 21°C to 24°C during summers; 19°C to 21°C during monsoons.
Clothing: Cottons around the year, rainwear during monsoons
Tourist places near Periyar National Park: Sabarimala, Madurai, Thekkady
This article was contributed by Rupa
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