Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats,
in God's Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar
National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar
wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake
at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with
the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir
meanders around the contours of the wooded
hills, providing a permanent source of water
for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger
Reserve, tourists come here to view the
Indian elephants in the act of ablution
and playfulness by the Periyar lake.
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.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife
sanctuary is from the months of October
and June.
How to Get there
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.
General Info / Tips
Note : After heavy rains, chances of good wildlife
sightings are very slim as the animals only come
to the lake, when water sources inside the forest
have dried up.
For further information contact : Field Director,
Project Tiger,Kanjikuzhi, Kottayam, Kerala.
Day - 1 -- » Delhi - Periyar National Park
Arrive at noon at the resort in Periyar. Enjoy a
afternoon boat ride in Periyar lake for wildlife
viewing. Overnight in the resort.
Day - 2 -- » Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary
Enjoy a morning boat ride for elephant tracking
and bird watching. One can also indulge in wildlife
photography over here. The visit to the Periyar
National Park lasts for about three hours. Return
back to the resort for having breakfast & lunch.
You can also opt for taking up a forest trail and
explore the Periyar park surroundings or bird-watch.
Afternoon boat ride for wildlife viewing. Overnight
stay at the resort in Periyar.
Day - 3 -- » Periyar National Park - Delhi /
Onward Destination
Depart for onward journey after breakfast from Periyar
Southern India Tour Best time to visit - October to May
Day 1:: Arrive Delhi
Arrival in New Delhi before or after midnight.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:: Delhi
Morning free. Afternoon guided tour of New
Delhi. Visit India Gate, drive past President
House
Day 3:: Delhi-Bangalore-Mysore
Fly Delhi-Bangalore in the morning. Arrive
Bangalore and transfer to Mysore (125 km
/ 3 hr.). Guided tour of Mysore visiting
Brindaban gardens and Mysore palace. Overnuse,
Qutab Minar & Humayun's tomb. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day
4:: Mysore-Nagarhole National Park
Transfer to Nagarhole National Park (80 km /
2 1/2 hr.). Afternoon wildlife viewing in jeeps.
Overnight at the wildlife lodge.
Day
5 & 6:: National Park
Morning wildlife viewing and birding in the
park or a Coracle ride on the Kabini river.
Evening drive / elephant ride into the jungle.
Overnight at the wildlife lodge.
Day 7:: Nagarhole National Park-B R Hills
Drive to B R Hills (6 hr.). Afternoon trek in B
R Hills for nature watch. Overnight stay.
Day 8:: B R Hills
Morning and evening wildlife viewing and birding.
Overnight stay in tents in K Gudi Camp.
Day 9:: B R Hills-Bandipur National Park
Morning departure to Bandipur (4hr.). Arrive for
lunch at the resort. Afternoon visit to the wildlife
sanctuary in jeeps. Overnight stay.
Day 10:: Bandipur National Park
Morning & evening wildlife viewing and birding.
Overnight stay in the resort.
Day 11:: Bandipur National Park-Ooty
Early morning drive to Ooty (80 km / 3 hr.). Arrive
Ooty in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in the resort.
Day 12:: Ooty-Munnar
Drive to Munnar. Afternoon drive to Eravikulam National
Park to see Nilgiri Thar. Overnight stay in the
resort.
Day 13:: Munnar-Periyar National Park
Morning visit to the park for wildlife and birding.
Drive to Periyar in the afternoon (3 hr.). Overnight
stay in the resort.
Day 14:: Periyar National Park
Morning and evening boat cruise to see elephants
or go birding. Overnight stay in the resort.
Day 15:: Periyar National Park-Kumarakom
Drive to Kumarakom in the morning (5 hr.) Arrive
Kumarakom in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the resort.
Day 16:: Kumarakom
Morning backwater cruise and evening visit to the
bird sanctuary. Overnight at the resort.
Day 17:: Kumarakom-Cochin-onward journey
Drive to Cochin (3 hr.). Full day guided tour of
Cochin. Transfer to the airport for onward journey.
