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One of India's most
popular wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar National Park
and Tiger Reserve is situated in Kerala. The park is
in the cardamom hill ranges in Western Ghats of the
state. The park was formed after the construction of
a dam in 1895. Though a tiger reserve, people come
here in large numbers also to have a look at the
gigantic elephants. Also known as Thekkady Tiger
Reserve, Periyar is one of the 16 Project Tiger
Reserves of the country. As the chances of wildlife
sightings become very slim during monsoons, tourists
are advised to visit the sanctuary at any time
between the months of October and June.
Accommodation and Connectivity:
To reach Periyar, one can travel by air to either
Cochin or Madurai in Tamil Nadu. They are at a
distance of 200 kms and 140 kms respectively. The
nearest railhead is at Kottayam at a distance of 114
kms. Kumily is the nearest town from Periyar located
at a distance of just 4 kms. Kumily is well served
by both state transport and private buses from many
different locations of the state. Kumily has emerged
as a major tourist hub in recent times due to the
presence of the park.
As accommodation facilities in the park are limited,
it is always advisable to avail advance booking
benefits.
Periyar
Attractions
Mammals
A variety of wildlife species are the major
attractions of this magnificent wildlife sanctuary.
They include gaur, wild pigs, sambar, barking deer
and mouse deer among others. Though around three
dozen tigers are estimated to be present in the
park, tigers are seldom spotted here. The primate
species found at Periyar include the rare
lion-tailed macaque, common langur and bonnet
macaque. The nilgiri tahr is also found here but
remains mostly elusive.
Birds
Cormorants, darters, kingfishers, the great malabar
hornbill and racket-tailed drongoes are some of the
famous bird species found here. A few varieties of
migratory birds may also be spotted during winters.
Park authorities say that the population of a few
bird species have increased in recent times.
Reptiles
The reptile population basically includes the
monitor lizards and python. One would be lucky to
spot a king cobra also.
Boat Cruises
Boat Cruises offer a great option to explore the
Periyar Sanctuary. Infact, Periyar lake has become
an excellent boating spot for tourists. An early
morning boat cruise is most sought after by the
tourists. Though the possibilities of seeing many
animals from boats is remote, the lucky ones could
still spot a family of elephants, sambar deer and
wild boar by the edge of water. The unadulterated
greenery of Periyar is another great delight to the
visitor.
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