Periyar National Park, Kerala, India

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Periyar National Park is in the Western Ghats, in Kerala which is also a National Park and Tiger Reserve. A picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary formed by a dam sourrounded by wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Covering an area of 777 sq. km. of lush green tropical forests, it is the natural habitat of elephant, bison, spotted deer, sambar, bear etc. Colourful variety of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey jungle fowl and the Jungle Myna are seen.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady, one of India's major sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife areas encircle. In addition to the wild life, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting in for one or two weeks of serious observations.

Animals Seen in Periyar National Park

Herds of elephant, gaur and wild pigs can be seen in the lakeside if you cruise the lake. During the summer seasons of March and April, animals frequent the reservoir and elephants bathing and swimming in the reservoir is a common sight.

Periyar National Park Tiger Reserve

You can see Tigers, wild dogs and deer during the summer season.

Snakes found in Periyar National Park

Snakes such as cobras and and python along with lizards are aslo visiile inside the park. Flying snakes and lizards which fly from one tree to the next is a peculiar sight at this national park.

Birds in Periyar National Park

Many bird species can be seen in the woods such as darter, cormorant, grey heron, ibis, kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets.

Primates found in Periyar National Park

Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, common langur and bonnet macaque.

Habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr

This types of goats are rarely seen if you chose to cruise along the reservoir.

General Information about Periyar National Park

• Nearest Airport is Cochin (200 km)
• Best Time to Visit is October to April.
• Nearest Town is Kumily (4 km)
• Nearest Railway Station is Kottayam (114 km)

Where to Stay?

The following Jungle Resorts are famous:

• Ambadi
• Spice Village
• Arayan Niwas
• Tree Top
• Periyar House

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