Best location to spot tigers in Southern India
The Periyar National Park is located in the Indian state of Kerala. It lies peacefully in the Cardamom and the Pandalam Hills. It is known for being one of the best tiger and elephant reserves in Southern India. Tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world come to explore the beauty of the Western Ghats and the hundred-year-old lake in the Periyar National Park. It was declared a National Park in 1982.
According to historical records, the Mullaperiyar Dam was built across the Periyar River in 1895 during the rule of the Travancore kingdom to provide water for irrigation in Tamil Nadu. The Travancore Kings also used the reserve as their hunting grounds. In 1933, Mr. S. C. H. Robinson, a retired Land Commissioner, was appointed as the Game Warden of the reserve by the Maharaja of Travancore. This led to the creation of the Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary. It was later included in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in 1978 by the Central Government after more area was added to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve.
Following are the main tourist attractions of the Periyar National Park:
Flora: Tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests are found in the deeper valleys of the Periyar National Park. The central region features moist deciduous forests. Many trees reach an impressive height of 130–140 feet. Grasslands are visible near the edges of water bodies and lakes. The park is famous for having more than 2,000 species of flowering plants, 171 species of grasses, and 142 varieties of orchids.
The most common trees found in the national park include Bamboo, Rosewood, Banyan, Tamarind, Mango, Peepal and Gulmohar.
Fauna: Currently, there are around 38–50 tigers in the Periyar National Park. There are 62 species of mammals present here, and around 1,000 elephants can be found in the reserve. Other mammals include Mouse Deer, Nilgiri Langurs, Leopards, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Porcupines and Sloth Bears.
Around 180 species of birds are found in the national park. The most common ones are Kingfishers, Malabar Hornbills, Darters and Cormorants.
There are 45 species of reptiles, including lizards, snakes and turtles. 38 species of fishes are found in the park as well, many of which are native to the Western Ghats.
Excursions from Periyar National Park
Following are the main excursions that tourists can enjoy:
Kumily: Located on the outskirts of the Periyar National Park, Kumily is a busy little town known for its spice and tea plantations. It is situated 4 km from the national park and offers excellent hotel and accommodation facilities.
Cardamom Hills: Kumily and Periyar are among the best locations to explore the breathtaking and pristine beauty of the Cardamom Hills in Kerala. They are named after the extensive growth of cardamom in the region.
When to Reach
The Periyar National Park is open throughout the year. However, the ideal time to visit is from October to February when the climate is cooler and drier. The hot months of March and April are the best time for watching elephants.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airports to the Periyar National Park are in Kochi and Madurai.
Rail: The Kottayam railway station, located 114 km away, is the closest major railhead to the Periyar National Park.
Road: Both state and private transport services are available to Kumily, which is located at the edge of the Periyar National Park.
