Periyar National Park - पेरियार राष्ट्रीय उद्यान
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 Photo by : HAKANU in flickr More images... |
Periyar National Park lies nestled in the Western Ghats, falling in the Idukki district of Kerala. The lake that constitutes a major portion of the park came into existence after a dam was constructed on the Periyar River in the year 1895. The reservoir, measuring 55 sq km in area, led to the immersion of some of the prime forest area. At the same time, it resulted in the establishment of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala. The beauty of the sanctuary is at its best in winters, however one can have better animal sightings in summers.
Periyar Wildlife Park of Kerala is one of the protected areas covered under the 'Project Tiger'. The park has a significant population of tigers. However, the terrain of the area is such that it is difficult to get a glimpse of the majestic animal. Periyar National Park of India stretches over an area of 777 sq km (core area being 350 sq km) and remains open to the visitors only between the months of October and April. The altitude of the park varies from 914 to 1830 m above the sea level. Even today, a number of tribal sects, namely Manans and Ooralis, live inside the premises of Periyar Tiger Reserve of India.
Best known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all the visitors to Kerala. The Periyar lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary, which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers.
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lake-side and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. In March and April, during the driest period here, the animals spend a lot of time near the lake and the elephants can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir. A glimpse may be had even of the tiger during this season, as it comes to the water. Periyar also harbours the leopard, wild dog, barking deer and mouse deer.
On the rocky out crops along the lake, monitor lizards can be seen basking in the sun. Visitors who trek into the Park often see a python and sometimes even a king cobra. Among the unusual species found at Periyar are the flying lizard and the flying snake. With wings of Nilgiri tahr orange or yellow, the flying lizard is seen as it glides from one tree to the other. The flying snake is also brilliantly coloured in yellow and black with a pattern of red rosettes. The lake attracts birds like the darter, cormorant, grey heron and ibis and they are seen perched on the snags of dead wood that dot the lake. The great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill are often seen flapping their ponderous way between trees. There are kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and fly catchers.
The liquid notes of the Malabar whistling thrush and the loud call of the hornbills are distinctive amid the normal sounds of the jungle. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, common langur and bonnet macaque. Though this is also the habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, this elusive goat is rarely seen. The animals are viewed from motor launches on the lake and from watch towers. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay.
Periyar National Park was established in the year 1950 and is named after the Periyar river. Situated in Idukki district, it is spread over 250sq km. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady surrounding the picturesque Periyar lake, near the Tamil Nadu border in Kerala, was designated a part of Project Tiger in 1973 and is one of the Project Tiger Reserves in India.
Periyar national park is famous for its scenic beauty. It is covered with dense evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with grass lands on the upper slopes. Periyar is probably one of the few places, where one can observe the elephants in their natural surroundings. It is very much known for the tusk less elephants. The animals found in the park are elephant, gaur, sambar, bison, barking deer, Nilgiri languor, pig, tiger, panther, leopard, sloth, bear, jungle cat, small Indian civet and Malabar squirrel macaque. There is a variety of birds in the park including the great Indian hornbill, Indian darter, king fisher, black necked storks, butterflies etc. The tiger and leopard are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.
The best months for visiting the park are from October to April. There is facility for boating. The ideal times for cruise is the dawn and dusk. Elephant rides and jeeps are also available. The ride on an elephant is more to see than the boat trip. There is a special viewing platform inside the forest.
The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen 'sholas', the last occurring in the moist valleys and characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with extensive patches of grasslands. Periyar's rich bird life includes the Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The Indian Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna. Periyar has a few Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God's Own Country, 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 meanders 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.
Periyar Widllife Sanctuary boasts a quite rich and diverse flora. The flora in Periyar National Park chiefly comprises of Tropical Evergreen forests (30,500ha) and Semi-evergreen forests (27,500ha) around the reservoir, and Moist-deciduous forests and Woody grasslands in the central part of the park.
The major flora in the park include the Teak, Rosewood, Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jacaranda (a hardwood timber tree with purple flowers), Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar and Bamboo among many others. The thick vegetation of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses.
In Periyar Tiger Reserve 49 species of mammals, 265 species of birds, 36 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, 35 species of fishes and 160 species of butterflies have been identified so far. Some important mammals are tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri tahr.
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.
In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.
Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Buses and taxis are easily available from Periyar to Kottayam and Madurai.
Taj Garden Retreat
Lake Palace Hotel
Hotel SN International
Aranya Niwas
Cardamom County
Wildernest Resort
Hotel Ambadi
Hotel Treetop
Silver Crest Resort
Lake Palace
Woodlands Prime Castle
The Wildlife Preservation officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkadi, Kerala-685536, Phone-2027 Kumily
The Chief Conservator of Forest (WildLife), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695014 Phone-322217
Nearest Town : Kumily (4 km)
Total Area : 777 Sq km
Core Area: 350Sq km
Buffer : 427 Sq. km
Established : 1950 as a sanctuary, 1978 as a tiger reserve.
Longitude: 76 deg57' and 77 deg25' E
Latitude : 9 deg16' and 9 deg36' N
Altitude : 100m. to 2016 m. above msl.
Rainfall : 2500 mm.
Temperature: Minimum: 15 degC, Maximum: 31 degC
Best Time : October to April
Monsoon : Southwest and Northeast monsoon with maximum rainfall in July and minimum in January.
Summer: April-May
Winter: December-January
Accommodation: Forest Rest Houses, Aranya Niwas Hotel, Edapalayam Lake Palace, Periyar House.
How to get there : Rail-Kottayam (114 km) Air-Cochin (200 km) or Madurai (TN) (140.km).
Nearest Access : Kumily (4 km)
Main Attractions: Tigers, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Sambar, etc
Main Wildlife Found : Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur
Periyar Wildlife Park of Kerala is one of the protected areas covered under the 'Project Tiger'. The park has a significant population of tigers. However, the terrain of the area is such that it is difficult to get a glimpse of the majestic animal. Periyar National Park of India stretches over an area of 777 sq km (core area being 350 sq km) and remains open to the visitors only between the months of October and April. The altitude of the park varies from 914 to 1830 m above the sea level. Even today, a number of tribal sects, namely Manans and Ooralis, live inside the premises of Periyar Tiger Reserve of India.
Best known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all the visitors to Kerala. The Periyar lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary, which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers.
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lake-side and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. In March and April, during the driest period here, the animals spend a lot of time near the lake and the elephants can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir. A glimpse may be had even of the tiger during this season, as it comes to the water. Periyar also harbours the leopard, wild dog, barking deer and mouse deer.
On the rocky out crops along the lake, monitor lizards can be seen basking in the sun. Visitors who trek into the Park often see a python and sometimes even a king cobra. Among the unusual species found at Periyar are the flying lizard and the flying snake. With wings of Nilgiri tahr orange or yellow, the flying lizard is seen as it glides from one tree to the other. The flying snake is also brilliantly coloured in yellow and black with a pattern of red rosettes. The lake attracts birds like the darter, cormorant, grey heron and ibis and they are seen perched on the snags of dead wood that dot the lake. The great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill are often seen flapping their ponderous way between trees. There are kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and fly catchers.
The liquid notes of the Malabar whistling thrush and the loud call of the hornbills are distinctive amid the normal sounds of the jungle. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, common langur and bonnet macaque. Though this is also the habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, this elusive goat is rarely seen. The animals are viewed from motor launches on the lake and from watch towers. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay.
Periyar National Park was established in the year 1950 and is named after the Periyar river. Situated in Idukki district, it is spread over 250sq km. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady surrounding the picturesque Periyar lake, near the Tamil Nadu border in Kerala, was designated a part of Project Tiger in 1973 and is one of the Project Tiger Reserves in India.
Periyar national park is famous for its scenic beauty. It is covered with dense evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with grass lands on the upper slopes. Periyar is probably one of the few places, where one can observe the elephants in their natural surroundings. It is very much known for the tusk less elephants. The animals found in the park are elephant, gaur, sambar, bison, barking deer, Nilgiri languor, pig, tiger, panther, leopard, sloth, bear, jungle cat, small Indian civet and Malabar squirrel macaque. There is a variety of birds in the park including the great Indian hornbill, Indian darter, king fisher, black necked storks, butterflies etc. The tiger and leopard are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.
The best months for visiting the park are from October to April. There is facility for boating. The ideal times for cruise is the dawn and dusk. Elephant rides and jeeps are also available. The ride on an elephant is more to see than the boat trip. There is a special viewing platform inside the forest.
About Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala in SW India. The centre piece of Periyar National park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Periyar river in 1895.The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead tree trunks still jut out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian Elephant with relative ease as well as Nilgiri Langur near Aranya Niwas and the Liontail Macaque in higher areas.The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen 'sholas', the last occurring in the moist valleys and characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with extensive patches of grasslands. Periyar's rich bird life includes the Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The Indian Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna. Periyar has a few Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God's Own Country, 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 meanders 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.
Flora
Western Ghat Hills, constituting a major portion of the park, are thickly wooded and stand dotted with water bodies, huge grasslands and a thick forest cover. A number of deeper valleys inside Periyar National Park of Kerala contain tropical evergreen forests, which are full of wild vegetation. Some of the level areas forming the park comprise of marshy grasslands near the edges of the lake and other water bodies. Apart from Periyar River, the water needs of the Periyar Wildlife Park of India are met by Azhutha and Mullayar Rivers. There are also patches of semi-evergreen forest across the boundaries of the park.Periyar Widllife Sanctuary boasts a quite rich and diverse flora. The flora in Periyar National Park chiefly comprises of Tropical Evergreen forests (30,500ha) and Semi-evergreen forests (27,500ha) around the reservoir, and Moist-deciduous forests and Woody grasslands in the central part of the park.
The major flora in the park include the Teak, Rosewood, Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jacaranda (a hardwood timber tree with purple flowers), Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar and Bamboo among many others. The thick vegetation of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses.
Fauna
Tigers form the main attraction of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of India. The best place to spot a tiger is the area around the lake. One can also watch Elephants, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Sambar, Nilgiri Tahr, Sloth Bears, Otters, Gaur, etc. Then, there are the magnificent Nilgiri Langurs, Common Langurs, Lion Tailed Macaques, Bonnet Macaques, Porcupines, Malabar Squirrels, Wild Boars, etc.In Periyar Tiger Reserve 49 species of mammals, 265 species of birds, 36 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, 35 species of fishes and 160 species of butterflies have been identified so far. Some important mammals are tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri tahr.
Reptiles
The reptile population of Periyar Tiger Reserve of India comprises of Python, King Cobra, Dark Monitor Lizard, Flying Lizard, Flying Frog, Flying Snake and a number of other snake species.Bird Species
Periyar National Park serves as a haven for more than 200 species of birds. The most commonly seen birds at the park include Darters, Cormorants, Ospreys, Kingfishers, Racket Tailed Drongos, Fish Owls, Kites, Great Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Hill Mynahs, Grey Herons, White Egrets and Orioles.Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National 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.
In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.
Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumily
Situated just 4 km 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. 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. You can also consider renting your own boat.How to Reach
Access
Fly to Cochin and drive to Periyar (200 km). The nearest railway station is Kottayam (114 km).By Air
The nearest airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).Kottayam at 114 km is the nearest railhead from Periyar.By Rail
You can easily catch a train from Kottayam (114 km) and Madurai railway stations.By Road
Thekkadi is connected by bus service from Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (114 km), and Madurai, Tamil Nadu (140 km). Forest Department operates bus services between Kumily and Thekkadi.Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Buses and taxis are easily available from Periyar to Kottayam and Madurai.
Accommodation
The KTDC (Kerala Tourism Department Corporation) has three hotels Aranya Nivas, Periyar house and Edappalayam Lake palace. Advance reservations must be made to stay in the forest house inside the forest, from where animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Accommodation is also available at Kumaly. Muckumkal Tourist Home at Kumily (4 kms away from the Lake) is close to the bus stand, Rolex Lodge etc are reasonable. The Spice Village (resort) and Hotel Ambadi at Kumily have expensive and attractive cottages.Wildlife Resorts in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Spice Village HotelTaj Garden Retreat
Lake Palace Hotel
Hotel SN International
Aranya Niwas
Cardamom County
Wildernest Resort
Hotel Ambadi
Hotel Treetop
Silver Crest Resort
Lake Palace
Woodlands Prime Castle
Contacts
Field Director, Project tiger Kanjijunzhi, KottayamThe Wildlife Preservation officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkadi, Kerala-685536, Phone-2027 Kumily
The Chief Conservator of Forest (WildLife), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695014 Phone-322217
General Information
Location : Thekkady, Idukki district of Kerala, IndiaNearest Town : Kumily (4 km)
Total Area : 777 Sq km
Core Area: 350Sq km
Buffer : 427 Sq. km
Established : 1950 as a sanctuary, 1978 as a tiger reserve.
Longitude: 76 deg57' and 77 deg25' E
Latitude : 9 deg16' and 9 deg36' N
Altitude : 100m. to 2016 m. above msl.
Rainfall : 2500 mm.
Temperature: Minimum: 15 degC, Maximum: 31 degC
Best Time : October to April
Monsoon : Southwest and Northeast monsoon with maximum rainfall in July and minimum in January.
Summer: April-May
Winter: December-January
Accommodation: Forest Rest Houses, Aranya Niwas Hotel, Edapalayam Lake Palace, Periyar House.
How to get there : Rail-Kottayam (114 km) Air-Cochin (200 km) or Madurai (TN) (140.km).
Nearest Access : Kumily (4 km)
Main Attractions: Tigers, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Sambar, etc
Main Wildlife Found : Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur
 Photo by : HAKANU in flickr |
 Photo by : Abraham C in flickr |
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 Photo by : PurpleMeru in flickr |
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 Photo by : akshuu2 in webshots |
 Photo by : footprint7 in webshots |
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 Photo by : footprint7 in webshots |
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 Photo by : bmat123 in panoramio |
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