Periyar National Park

The Periyar National Park, that opened its doors in 1950 is situated in the Idukki district and is a top tourist attraction of the backwaters of the God’s Own Country. It has the Western Ghats as a magnificent backdrop and is encircled by the twenty six square kilometers Periyar Lake and the Mullaperiyar Dam. While hilly regions forms its eastern boundary, a tableland forms its western frontiers. The Pamba streams through the wild life sanctuary.

Pleasant climactic conditions prevail in the reserve. The winters ushers 15 degree Celsius and the summers register a rise in temperatures that soar to 31 degree Celsius.

The sanctuary is a variegated treasure trove of lush flora and rare fauna. Rain forests, grass like vegetation, broad- leafed plants dominates the park. Orchids, rosewood, teakwood, bamboo, eucalyptus, ferns- the tourists are sure to be enamored by the verdant splendor. Three hundred and fifty species of plants reared in the sanctuary, have healing properties.

The Periyar wildlife sanctuary, famed to be the biggest wildlife park in the land of coconuts, houses a wide variety of animals, including the imperial tiger, elephants, leopards, deer, goats, the elusive Nilgiri tahr. To spot a tiger, up, close and personal, your lucky star has to shine really bright. You often have to satiate your thirst by witnessing the elegant gait of a chital or a sambar. The visitors to the reserve can also click their shutterbugs to capture the dhole, jungle cats and the carmine mongoose. You may also come across monkeys, perched on tree tops. It is abode of the famous species of macaque which sports a tail like the king of jungle, the lion.

The Periyar wild life sanctuary is a haven for the tourists who are simply enthralled by birds. Flocks of migrating variety fly to the Periyar every year. Thrushes, kingfisher, cormorants, darters, hornbills, stork abound the vast stretches of the sanctuary. Three hundred and twenty species have been spotted till date.

The sanctuary is also the home of a wide variety of reptiles like the magnificent King Cobra, the voluminous python and lizards. Colorful butterflies flutter past you as you take a stroll down the wilderness. The reserve is also a storehouse of an astounding number of fish.

A visit to the Periyar sanctuary gives you the opportunity to participate in trekking, sailing on a bamboo raft down the Periyar Lake and the Periyar tiger trail. Gliding on the water surface in a raft made of bamboo ensures a thrilling encounter with the wild inhabitants of Periyar. The Periyar Tiger Project encompasses the Periyar tiger trail that is a top draw with the tourists. It will surely give you an adrenaline rush. For detailed information you can call the Eco- tourism centre at 04869-224571.

Besides being acquainted with the wild life sanctuary of Periyar, the wander lusty bugs can take a trip to the Tribal Heritage Museum and pay their respects at the Mangaladevi and Sabarimala Temples. A visit to the Connemara Tea Factory and spice gardens should also figure prominently in your itinerary.

The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October and June. The airports of Madurai and Kochi are located at a very short distance from the Periyar park. If you want to avail the rail route then you have to get down at the Kottayam rail station. You can also travel by road that is well connected with Kottayam and Ernakulam.