Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerela: A Green’s Delight
Located in the lush environs of the southern end of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a green’s delight and is one of India’s most prominent wildlife sancturies. One of the largest and most visited wildlife reserves in India, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the serene and beautiful Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats. Occupying an area of 777 sq kms, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many animals such as the sambar, Indian elephant, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked mongoose, wild pig and gaur.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to more than 260 species of birds including the blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied tree pie, flycatchers and laughing thrushes. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border; the elevation of the Periyar sanctuary lies between 750 and 1500 m.
PLACES to SEE in Periyar
The region around the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to many tourist spots. Prominent among these is the picturesque town of Kumily, which is situated a mere 4 kms away from Periyar. A growing tourist town, Kumily is well known as a major centre for the spice trade. Kumily also offers an excellent choice of hotels and resorts for accommodation. Periyar is also a comfortable entry point for any excursion or trip to Kerala’s beautiful Cardamom Hills. Note that the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a very convenient resting point and is frequented by many tourists who are making the long journey across the Ghats from Madurai to the coast.
Periyar- TRAVEL TIPS
- Languages: Malayalam and English are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and as such communication should not be a problem. Hindi, however, is somewhat less prevalent.
- Cuisine: Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Periyar.
- Camera: Wildlife photography and camping are highly recommended.
- Cruise: Boat cruises too are a good way to enjoy this wildlife park.
Many tour operators in India offer package wildlife tourism trips and wildlife tours.
BEST TIME to visit Periyar
The best time to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of October and June. Note that visiting the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary after heavy monsoons is somewhat likely to be less fun as the chances of good wildlife sightings are considerably low because the animals only come to the lake when water sources inside the forest have dried up. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com
BEST WAY to reach Periyar
- By Air: Madurai, located 140 kms away in Tamil Nadu, is the airport nearest to the Periyar Sanctuary.
- By Rail: The nearest railhead is Kottayam (a little over a 100 kms away), which lies on the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram main line, and as such is well connected to major cities in the region.
- By Road: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected to all the important cities in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary abounds in family holiday resorts. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via package tours.