Periyar National Park, Kerala – The retreat of the wilds
Periyar National Park spanning over an area of 777 sq. km is the hub of the wild animals. It is known as an elephant and tiger reserve. The place is located in between the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills. It lies in the south of Western Ghats along the border with state of Tamil Nadu in India. In the year 1978 Periyar was declared a tiger reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the creation of the dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contour of the wooded hills. This lake forms a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.
Places to see in Periyar: Apart from the varieties of wild life species there are also some spots to see at Periyar which are described below:
Kumily
Just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fast 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. There are all kinds 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.
Nearby attractions around Periyar: The park is in itself the attractions of the area. There are varied wild life species in Periyar. 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.
Things to do at Periyar: Enjoy the boat cruises which are the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Today the PeriyarLake 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.
Best time to visit Periyar: The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.
How to go ?
By Air
Kochi (Cochin) Airport is located at a distance 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar.
By Rail
Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar.
By Road
Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Where to stay ?
There are plenty of private hotels and lodges and also government guest houses available in Periyar. Some options are:
Periyar House (KSTDC): +91-04869-222026
Aranya Niwas (KSTDC): +91-04869-222589
Hotel Treetop: +91-4869, 223286, 223287 Website: www.hoteltreetop.com
Hotel High Range Residency: +91-04869–224654, 09249123898 Website: www.highrangeresidency.com
Hotel Regent Tower: +91-04869-322570, 322670
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
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