Periyar National Park, Kerala, India

Facts & Figure

Location: Idukki District, Kerala, South India
Also Called: Thekkady
Area: 350 Square Kilometers
Major Attractions: Herds of Elephants, Boat Ride Established: 1982
Best Time to Visit: October to June

About Periyar National Park

Located in Indian state of Kerala in Periyar National Park is a famous Indian wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve. It is one of the most sought after destination for wildlife tourism in the country especially in southern India. Covering in the area of 350 square kilometers the park is also called Thekkady. The park is conveniently accessible from almost all the major towns and tourist destination of Kerala. There is a picturesque Periyar Lake covering area of 26 square kilometer that runs through the park. Tourists can enjoy best of wildlife tourism at this sanctuary by boat ride over the lake.

Major Wildlife Attractions at Periyar National Park

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is best known for Indian elephants. Including elephants the park is home to 60 different species of mammals. Tourists can easily spot here herds of Indian elephants in the jungle or at the shore of lake. Major animals found at this park is tigers, elephants, gaur, wild pigs, sambar deer, barking, deer, mouse deer, wild dogs, 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. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as an excelling destination for bird watching in southern India. It is home 320 different species of birds including darters, kingfishers, cormorants, Malabar hornbills, racked-tailed drongos, etc. There are also 45 different species of reptiles fond at this park.

Tourists can enjoy best of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park by cruising on the picturesque Pichola Lake. Kochi is the most convenient town to visit Periyar National Park, Kerala.

Access From Airport

The park is accessible from Kochi and Madurai airports. Indian Airlines operates daily Delhi-Cochin (8:00), Mumbai-Cochin (11:05), Bangalore-Cochin (13:00) and Chennai-Cochin flights




Access From Railways

The nearest major rail junction to the Periyar National Park is Kottayam, connected to Delhi through the Kerala Exp. (11:30, Daily) to Mumbai through Kanyakumari Exp. (15:45, Daily) to Bangalore through Kanyakumari Exp. (22:00, Daily) and Chennai through Trivandrum Mail (20:00) & Trivandrum Exp. (16:15)




Access From Roadways

The Periyar National Park is well connected by bus service to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (271 km). To access the place from Cochin, take the NH49 to Thripunithara. From there, state highway 15 will take you to Ettumanur via Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu and Vaikom. Take the SH1 to Kottayam and finally NH220 to Thekkady via Kanjirappally, Peermade, Vandiperiyar and Kumily.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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