The
Park
Based high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in 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 flows 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.
In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's atmosphere is
like a palette with many colours. The fresh air of the moist deciduous
forest gives you a chance to experience the peace and tranquility within the
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.
Not
To Overlook - Attractions
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.
Location : Kumily, Kerala
Speciality : Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur
Best Time to Visit : October to June.
Getting There
By Air : Kochi (Cochin)
at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-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.
Related Storie(s)
Kerala - God's Own Country- By
Adarsh S.V
Kerala – Part of the Indian
Peninsula- By Tarun Rajpal
Bangalore- By Richa Goel
The Grassland Doctrine-
By Pankaj Singhal
Best Of Kerala- By
Soumya Roy
Wayanad – A Picture Perfect
Place In Kerala- By Arpit Mehrotra
