Periyar Wildlife host the most exquisite flora and fauna in the country. With rich biodiversity and great scenic beauty, the Periyar Wildlife is a perfect exemplar of nature's bounty. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. This protected area is spread over an area of 925 km² in the mountainous region of Cardamom hills and Pandalam Hills of the south Western Ghats.

It boasts tropical forest, a mixture of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen sholas and woody grasslands and forms one of the richest habitats of large mammals.

Large herds of Indian elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Gee's Golden Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque can be spotted here. Apart from these animals, the Periyar wildlife includes Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog and Tiger.

Periyar also owns rich bird life like Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Osprey, Darter and Racket-tailed Drongo. King Cobra and the Indian Python are the reptilian fauna found here. It also houses a few Nilgiri Tahr.

Periyar is most famous for its tiger reserve and now it provides shelter to an estimated count of 40 tigers.

 

Best time to visit :

August to September is the best time to visit Periyar Wildlife

Time : 6 AM to 6 PM.

Entrance Fee:

Flora and fauna

The most of the part of Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is covered with evergreen and semi evergreen rain forests. In tree species it has Vateria Indica, Hopea parviflora, Bischofia javanica, Eucalyptus and apart from this there are angiosperms, gymnosperms and around 170 species of ferns that are found in periyar wildlife sanctuary.

Several varieties of Orchids, sweet grass and Fabacea are also found here. In fauna, around 62 varieties of mammals including tigers, elephants, barking deer, moose deer, Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat, bison, Sambar, Langur etc can be seen here. periyar wildlife sanctuary and Tiger Reserve also has 320 avian species, 45 reptile species, 38 varieties of fishes and huge number of reptiles and more than 160 species of butterflies.

Activities

Tiger Trailing is the most exciting and the most adventurous activity people enjoy in this national park. You can go for elephant safari and encounter the wildest of the beasts in the jungle. Boat ride in Periyar Lake is another experience that you are going to have here. Do not miss bamboo rafting and cruising through the lake with submerge trees in it. Early morning Bird watching is again really exciting thing as you can spot more than 320 species of birds in Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve itself.

How to reach

 By Air - Cochin International Airport and Madurai Airport are the nearest airports to Periyar Wildlife which are situated at a distance of 157.6 Km and 148.5 Km respectively.

 By Rail -  Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railway stations to Periyar Wildlife which is situated at a distance of 101 Km.

 By Road - The nearest town to Periyar Wildlife is Kumily which is well-connected to major cities like Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai.

FAQs:

What activities can I do at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?

Visitors to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy a range of eco-friendly activities, including boat cruises on Periyar Lake, jeep safaris, elephant rides, jungle patrols, border hiking, bamboo rafting, and the Periyar Tiger Trail. Other options include jungle camping, Bullock Cart expeditions, and bamboo grove explorations.

Is Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary good for birdwatching?

Yes, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 246 bird species residing in the park. Some notable species include the great hornbill, osprey, darter, cormorant, and the racket-tailed drongo.

Are there accommodations available near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, there are numerous accommodation options near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges in Thekkady. Visitors can choose to stay at eco-friendly resorts, or jungle lodges, or even opt for jungle camping experiences organized by the forest department.

What kind of forests are found in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. It also features grasslands and sholas, which provide a rich habitat for the sanctuary’s diverse wildlife.

What is the significance of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve?

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is designated as a Tiger Reserve, playing a crucial role in the conservation of tigers. It is estimated that around 40 tigers inhabit the sanctuary, contributing to the preservation of the species and supporting India’s Project Tiger initiative.