Periyar National Park, located in the Thekkady district of Kerala, is the realm of the wild Indian elephant. Set amidst the thick forests of Western Ghats with Periyar River snaking through the woods to form the Periyar Lake at the center of the park; this place is blessed with bounties of nature.
Welcome to this exotic wild zone of Kerala where elephants & tigers, spice plantations and spiritual temples offer you a unique Kerala experience.
Enjoy the adrenalin rush as you witness herds of playful elephants bathing & frolicking in the waters of Periyar Lake. Though elephants rule the jungles of Thekkady, Periyar is also a designated Tiger Reserve and home to many more animals including white tiger, wild pig, sambar, gaur, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian giant squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, and sloth bear.
Periyar Lake and its catchment areas are home to scores of birds, both local & migratory that flock around the waters. Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri flycatcher, Sri Lanka frogmouth, Oriental darter, Eurasian woodcock, Steppe gull and black-necked stork are some of the birds that inhabit the park.
Home to over 800 elephants, dozens of tigers, and other animals; the dense jungles of Periyar are quite inviting for a Jeep Safari. You may opt for an Elephant Safari, Open Jeep Safari or a Boat Safari on the Periyar Lake. Boat safari is the most popular amongst all as there are more chances to catch animals near the lakeside.
A thrilling experience as you traverse the jungle terrain under the cover of the night, jungle patrolling is not for the fainthearted. As you navigate through the nocturnal jungle life accompanied by armed guards; the activity tests the limits of your senses of sight, hearing and smell.
The terrain of Periyar is perfect for hiking and trekking. Hike through the tall jungle grass or navigate steep slopes on scenic trekking routes for some adventure in Periyar. However, trekking tours require government sanction and should be accompanied by a certified guide.
An ancient hill top temple, steeped deep in legends & fables, Mangala Devi Temple is located inside the buffer zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The access to the temple is opened only one day in a year on the auspicious event of Chaitra Pournima that usually falls in the months of April or May.
Fragrant with sweet smelling Cardamom plantations, these hills are a part of guided jeep tours in Periyar.
Navigate through the catchment area of the Tiger Reserve on a bamboo raft, accompanied by tribal guides for an adventurous experience in Periyar.
Best Time to Visit The park remains open throughout the year but the peak season is in winters from November to February.By Air- Cochin International Airport, Kerala (160kms) and Madurai Airport, Tamil Nadu (150kms) are the two closest airports to Periyar National Park.
By Rail- Kottayam, around 100kms away, is the closest railhead to Periyar.
By Road- A well-maintained set of roads and highways from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu connect Periyar National Park with the nearby cities.
Book your Kerela Wildlife Tour and navigate through the kingdom of the majestic Indian Elephant. Our detailed itineraries and world-class amenities assure you of a memorable experience in the wilderness of Kerala.
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