Periyar National
Park
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the
16 Project Tiger Reserves in India located in the in the Cardamom
Hill Ranges in the southernmost part of western Ghats in Kerala.
A dam that was constructed on the River Periyar in 1895 resulted
in the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharaja
of Travancore. The resulting Periyar Lake and its surrounding
forests, provide protection to the animals within. The forests
are a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen trees
with patches of marsh and grasslands.The picturesque lake in
the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans
an area of 55 sq km. Animals started trooping in due to this
perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion
of large tracts of forestland. Eventually the adjoining forests
were granted protection by the Maharaja of Travancore. Post-1975
Periyar finds itself in the enviable position of being a national
park as well as a protected tiger reserve
Although a Tiger Reerve, the Sanctuary is most famous as Elephant
country. About 800 reside within these natural surroundings.
Apart from Elephants, other animals here are the Gaur, Wild
Pig, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Indian Wild Dog and sometimes the
Tiger, which are 40 in number.
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.
Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary
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.
When to visit
The months of March and April
constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the
animals spend a lot of time near the lake in the Periyar National
Park. The temperature during summers (April-June) ranges from
21°C to 24°C. During the monsoon (July-August), it ranges
from 19°C to 21°C. Winter season lasts from October
to March and is cool and pleasant.
Access
Air : Kochi
(Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the
nearest airports from Periyar.
Rail : Kottayam
at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar.
Road : Kumily,
the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and
private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil
Nadu.
