If you want to enjoy an encounter with the majestic Bengal Tigers or the massive Mammoths
during your Kerala trip, you must visit the wildlife abode called the Periyar National Park.
Located in the Idukki district of God’s Own Country, this wildlife protected reserves is
among the most stunning and diverse wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala; and also throughout the
country.
Sprawling over an area of 925sq.km, Periyar National Park; also called Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary, is nestled amidst the fascinating Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the great
Western Ghats. Owing to its scenic location and evergreen ambience, it has become an ideal
home to a large number of rare and endangered wildlife species.
Kerala tours offer an amazing experience for visitors to the Periyar National Park as it has
a plethora of attractions. With the Periyar Lake flowing through the park, visitors can
indulge in boat cruises across the lake and enjoy the wondrous beauty of Periyar National
Park and its dwellers. The park comprises of vast expanses of tropical grasslands and moist
deciduous forests, attracting a large number of bird species, herbivorous mammals, reptiles
and other exotic wildlife species. Kerala tours offer an opportunity to spot the Bengal
Tigers, White Tigers, Indian Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Nilgiri Tahr, Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat,
Sloth Bear, and numerous other species. The park also boasts of its avifauna species like
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Black Baza, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Sri Lankan
Frogmouth, Black-Necked Stork, and lot more.
1. By Road:
Kumily serves as the nearest point or town to the park. The town is well-connected with Kottayam with an ample of private and regional buses. One can also hire taxis or cabs from Kottayam to reach Periyar National Park.
2. By Train:
Kottayam Railway Station; located at a distance of around 114km, serves as the nearest railway station to reach Periyar National Park. Following arrival in Kottayam, visitors can either opt for regular buses or hire independent cabs or taxis to reach the park.
3. By Air:
The Madurai Airport; at a distance of 140km, is the nearest airport to reach Periyar National Park. After this, the Cochin International Airport; at a distance of 200km, can be ideal destination to make it to the Periyar National Park in Kerala.
Periyar National Park blooms at its best during the months of October to June. During this period of the year, visitors can spot a large number of predators, mammals, migratory birds, and other dwellers of the park. It is also one of the best times to indulge in nature or wildlife photography in Periyar National Park.
1. 30-Minutes Boat Cruises:
07:25AM, 09:15AM, 11:15AM, 01:30PM, 04:00PM
2. Jeep Safaris:
Full Day Safari: Till 03:00PM
Night Safaris: 11:00PM to 03:00AM
3. 30-Minutes Elephant Safari:
Between 06:00AM to 05:00PM