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Wildlife Destinations
Periyar National Park

Considered to be one of the most popular spots concerned with the protection of elephants and tigers, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is occupying the heart of Kerala at an astounding location.

Periyar National Park - An Overview

This place is a perfect example of nature’s bounty with great scenic beauty, accompanied by rich biodiversity. The protected area of this national park has been covering an area of approximately 925 sq km. Just at the center of the sanctuary, there is a lake situated that adds to the charm of this region and is an artificial 100 years old lake. The wild elephants wandering around the rich and thick Western Ghat forests spend most of their time by the side of the lake, enjoying nature. Many of the intense valleys of Periyar are known to contain tropical evergreen forests with a remarkable tree cover with hardly any sun rays to get penetrated.

Wildlife and Flora in Periyar Sanctuary

Not only for elephants and tigers, but this sanctuary is also famous for other animals such as Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog, and many more. According to an estimate, a total of 40 tigers are present in this park and the four major species of primates are also found here at Periyar. The four species are the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Gee’s Golden Langur, Common Langur, and Bonnet Macaque. Have you ever heard of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr? If you want to witness its beauty, visit this wildlife sanctuary.

Since tropical evergreen forest dominates this region, rich diversity in floral and faunal species can be seen. Apart from tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests are also found here. There are around 49 species of mammals, 246 species of birds, 28 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 22 species of fishes, and 112 species of butterflies present, glorifying this national park with its presence.

Safari in Periyar

There is a wide range of options available for the ones who want to explore and catch the wilderness of the sanctuary. You can go for a jeep safari, elephant safari, and the most charming boat cruises at the lake that will trigger the experience of exploring the park much more rewarding.

The best way to explore this park is by boat cruise because Periyar Lake has been modified into an excellent boating spot for tourists. You can spot a family of Elephants, Wild boar, and Sambar Deer by the water’s edge. If you want to maximize your chances of sightseeing, you can take the 7 am boat. The timings of the boat cruise safari are 7: 25 am, 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm. You can enjoy a night safari from 11 pm to 3 am. Besides, Elephant Safari starts at 6 am and ends at 5 pm, every day for half an hour.

Best places to visit near Periyar:
Mangla Devi Temple

The Mangla Devi Temple is located at a distance of 15 km from the region of Thekkady. This temple tends to attract many pilgrims due to its ancient Pandian type of architecture, situated at the height of 1337 m on the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border.

Pullumedu

This tourist attraction is situated at a distance of approximately 43 km from Thekkady and is quite famous for wildlife sanctuaries and greeneries. Besides, tourists can also visit Sri Ayappa Temple and the Makar Jyothi temple in this region.

Kumily

Kumily is a small town situated near Thekkady and Periyar which has gained popularity for the presence of cardamom hills in this region, in the district of Idukki in Kerala. If you want to explore some of the holy temples surrounding this area, you can visit this town because this place attracts both nature lovers as well as spiritual people.

Best time to visit Periyar

Though this national park can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit is from October to June.