Where is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Kerala in
southern India. It lies on the banks of the Periyar Lake, with its nearest
town being Kumily, located at a distance of 4 km from here.
What is it famous for?
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for Indian elephants, frolicking
by the Periyar lake.
How will you gain access?
Cochin (200 km) in Kerala and Madurai (140 km) are the closest airports.
The airports operate both domestic and international flights connecting to
all the major destinations of India and the world. Kottayam (114 km) is the
closest railhead from Periyar. Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar, is
well connected by state and private bus services to Kottayam, Ernakulam and
Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
What is the best time?
October to June is the best time to pay a visit to the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary.
What constitutes the flora, fauna and avifauna?
Thick evergreen forests cover 360 sq km of the park. The high mountain
ranges of the Western Ghats are covered with evergreen moist deciduous
forests and savanna grasslands. Vegetation of tall grasslands can be found
in the marshy areas along the Periyar lake.
Besides the Indian elephants, other animal inmates of the sanctuary include
wild pigs, Sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, Indian wild dog, Dole. Chances
of sporting a tiger are very low. Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langur,
common Langur, Bonnet macaque and Nilgiri Tahr are the other residents of
the park.
The avian world of the park comprises of cormorants, kingfishers, darters,
the great Malabar hornbill etc. The reptilian population mainly consists of
monitor lizards, that can be seen along the lakeshore.
What are the nearby attractions?
»
Kumily
Lying at a distance of 4 km from Periyar, Kumily is a fabulous attraction
for tourists and travellers. Spice trade is the major occupation of the
town. There a number of hotels and resorts here, catering to the needs of
one and all.
» Cardamom Hills
The Cardamom Hills, Kerala's beautiful possession, can be easily accessed
from Periyar and Kumily. Jeeps and taxis can be hired to reach the hills.
» Boat Cruises
The Periyar Lake proves to be an excellent boating spot. It is one of the
best options to watch the excellent wildlife of the Periyar sanctuary. One
can also rent one's own boat, as per the needs be.
