'' Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala in Southern India. A combination of the forests of the Periyar tiger reserve and the mountains of Munnar is more than anything a tourist can ask for. Just 200 km from Kochi, is the thickly forested wildlife sanctuary the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Periyar is one of the most popular national parks in southern India, but these days this is more for its tranquil feel than sightings of wildlife, which many people complain can be few and far between at times. The park is known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered.
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It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1978 and the first research started in 1991. The results indicate 49 species of mammals, 246 species of birds, 28 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 22 species of fishes and 112 species of butterflies. The core area is 350 sq.kms. The final notification of the buffer area is pending. The national park and the tiger reserve is rated as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India for wildlife photography, bird watching, elephant herds and tiger watching.
Attractions in Periyar National Park
Boat rides on Lake Periyar : Periyar Tiger reserve are mainly conducted by boats in the Lake Periyar. This is an incredible way to experience the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary. Boat rides offer an excellent opportunity to view the Flora and Fauna of the Sanctuary.
Bamboo rafting and trekking : This is another unique activity in the Periyar National Park, where you can take a hiking and rafting trip through the deep jungles of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.The trip begins with a 2-3 hour trek through the Jungles, followed by a 3 hour Bamboo raft ride, very close to the edges of the Periyar lake.
Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.
How to Reach 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.