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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location : Kumily, Kerala
Nearest Access : Kumily (4-kms)
Main Wildlife Found : Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur
Coverage Area : 777-sq-kms
About Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Gods 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.
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-kms 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.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of
October and June.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Reservation Form