Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
| Location : |
Kumily, Kerala |
| Nearest Access : |
Kumily (4-kms) |
| Main Wildlife Found : |
Elephants, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur |
Coverage Area :
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777-sq-kms |
Preliminaries
Situated within the confines of the western ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. |
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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 Inhabitants Of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
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 bird life 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.
Significant Places & Activities
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.
Ideal Time to Visit Periyar National Park
The best season to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from the months of October and June. |
