Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary) is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India and perhaps the finest in south India. Located in the scenic surroundings of the Western Ghats hills in the state of Kerala, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 777 sq km. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also has the privilege of being one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1934 as the Nelliampatty Sanctuary. After its enlargement in 1950, the sanctuary was named as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in the year 1978 under the Project Tiger Plan. The Periyar Tiger Reserve attained the status of a national park in 1982 (The first notification to make the core area (30,500ha) of the tiger reserve a national park was issued in 1982). The most scenic national park in South India, the Periyar National Park attracts thousands of wildlife enthusiasts from all around the world.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also noted for its diverse geographical features such as geomorphology and climate, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. The terrain of the park is highly undulating and boasts numerous narrow water streams. A 90 km long and high ridge of the Western Ghat forms the north-eastern boundary of the park, separating the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. But, the most important geographical feature of the Periyar National Park is the Periyar Lake (Area- 26 sq km), situated in the heart of the park, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.
According to estimates, the Periyar National Park has a forest cover of about 360 sq km, mainly comprising of thick evergreen forest. The high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats have dense cover of evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. In addition, the marshy areas along the fringes of the Periyar Lake are full of tall grasslands, making the region one of the richest habitats of large mammals. The thick vegetation of the Periyar National Park provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. The scenic Periyar Lake also serves as the waterhole for the wild animals.
The Periyar National Park is home to a unique and diverse wildlife. The major wildlife found in the Periyar National Park includes Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr to name a few. The Periyar National Park also has a sizable population of birds. Over 260 species of birds have been spotted in the park. The list of major species of birds found in the Periyar National Park include the Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black-winged Kite, Blue-winged Parakeets, Great Indian Hornbill, White-bellied Tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes, Fly Catchers, Darters, Cormorants, Barbets and Plovers among many others.
Though the Periyar National Park is a Tiger Reserve, the greatest attractions of the park are the herds of wild elephants, who come to the Periyar Lake to frolic in the water.
The Periyar National Park is the only wildlife sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. You can also enjoy elephant rides in the Periyar National Park. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also offers the unique opportunity to photograph wild animals at close quarters.
Best Time to Visit:
October to June is the best season to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach There
By Air: The nearest airport from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is Cochin (190 km).
By Rail: The nearest Railway Station from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is Kottayam (114 km).
By Road: The nearest town from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is Kumily (4 km), which is well-connected by roads to other major towns of Kerala.
Wildlife in Periyar National Park
Birds in Periyar National Park
Flora in Periyar National Park
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