The Periyar National Park

The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, along the borders of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most prominent and important national parks in the country, stretched to an extensive area of 925 square kilometers. The site is notable not only for its elephant reserve and tiger reserve but also for its large picturesque lake and thick evergreen tropical forests. It is home to Bengal tigers, macaques, and other rare animals and forms the watershed of two major rivers: the Periyar and the Pamba, the former of which give it its’ name. The unique attractions for visitors are the night safari and the boating safari, along with the normal walking and jeep ones. The park marks the first official endeavor towards safeguarding the wildlife in the state of Kerala. To stop the encroachment of tea plantation in the area near the Periyar River, the Maharaja of Travancore, in the year 1934, confined it as his private game reserve. After the political integration of India during the early post-independence period, the reserve was consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary with the name that we know today.

The Periyar National Park is located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills, soth of the Western Ghats extending parallel to the border of Tamil Nadu. On the map, it is situated in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. The site is approximately 100 kilometers from Kottayam, 110 kilometers from Madurai and 120 kilometers from Kochi. The town nearest to the park is Thekkady. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, which is 114 km from Thekkady. All trains routed for Trivandrum halt in Kottayam. Cabs and buses can be hired from Kottayam to reach the town or the park directly. Additionally, private cabs are available from all major cities. Thekkady is connected with other states and cities via direct buses from Bangalore, Chennai, Salem, Trichy, Hosur, Viluppuram, Krishnagiri and others. Both private and government buses are available throughout the year. The nearest international airports are located in Madurai and Kochi, located 136 km and 190 km from Thekkady respectively.

The summer season in the state, from March to May, is extremely dry, hot and dehydrating. In addition, the monsoon season is not suitable to visit the park at all. There is excessive rainfall, due to which majority of the water activities are temporarily withheld. The animals are mainly in hiding and therefore difficult to spot, and certain other interesting safaris are also restricted at the time. The winters, from October to March, are mild. The water level is good and the flora is flourishing. It is also the time of the inflow of the several species of migratory birds. Therefore, the best time to visit the Park is from December to March, while the weather is subtle, mild and in its full glory.

The best way to scale the entire National Park is through the various Safaris available. In addition to the common jeep safari, there is also a boat riding available. The water safari is the most preferred and the elephant safari is the most common amongst the tourists with children, as it provides trail to even the difficult paths. Besides, a few tigers can also be glimpsed while remaining at a safe distance from them. The jeep safari is specifically for smaller groups, as it concentrates on the tigers residing in the area. It suits the tastes of those who want to click photographs or catch up with the wilder, more dangerous animals. The full day safari starts by early morning and the last trip starts by three in the evening. Elephant safari stretches for 30 minutes. The tour starts by early morning at six and the last trip starts by five in the evening.

The tourist centre at Thekkady offers a two-hour boat safari, arranged by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Through it, the sight of a major wildlife activity in the area can be enjoyed. The highlight of the Park, the elephants, can be viewed best through the water safari, in addition to the darters, egrets and the kingfishers that are flocking around the withered trees rising from the lake. It is also the best way to spot the wild boar and the deers. The Boat cruise stretches for 30 minutes, at different times of the day: 7:25 am, 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm. For those seeking thrill and adventure, a provision for night safari, on foot, is also provided. A three hour night trekking that starts from two points, the Entrance Gate of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and from the Bamboo Grooves, in the company of an armed forest guard and two guides. This provides the visitors a rare opportunity to observe the night life in the park, as well as witness the presence of certain nocturnal animals, especially the ‘Mouse Deer’, that is the only extant member of the infraorder Tragulina. Civets, flying squirrels and the barking deers are also seen at these late hours. This night safari starts by 11:00 pm and ends by 3:00 am. A maximum of 12 people are allowed in a slot, with only those above 12 years in age permitted to go.

The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is not just significant because of the flora and fauna that it protects, but also because of the various tourism provisions that it provides. Rather than confining to the regular jeep safaris, it fully utilizes the natural structure of the site as well, by providing for unique ventures like boat safari and night trekking. A place overflowing with scenic beauty and the untouched nature, the park is a very good option to visit for all those who re intrigued by the creativity of Mother Nature. Besides, the sight of certain rare and endangered species, along with the majestic Bengal Tigers, is always a moment of life. So, do not lose the earliest opportunity you get to enjoy the adventures Periyar National Park has to offer.