Thiruvananthapuram

Munnar

Ponmudi

People and Culture
Fairs and Festivals
Shopping
Places of Worship
Cusines
Travel Agents
Restaurant  


  

PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
In the Idukki district of Kerala, a 350 sq. km area consisting of lush grasslands, man-made lakes and hills have been reserved to ensure protection to a large variety of flora and fauna. In 1934, the area was notified as a National Park and thus, came into existence the premier national park of South India -The Periyar National Park. Today, it has become the Cynosure of wildlife enthusiasts all over the world. Its many splendoured attractions lure visitors not only from all over India but also from abroad. The park boosts of a spectacular scenery.

The park boasts of spectacular scenery.
The wildlife, especially the main attraction:
The elephants are very much visible. However, the Tigers numbering nearly 40, are rarely sighted. (On the other hand, the park authorities have been unable to control the menace of poachers whose favorite victims are the tuskers and the Black Nilgiri Langur, the former for its valuable tusks and the latter for its blood, flesh and organs, which are said to be endowed with medicinal properties.)

The ‘PROJECT TIGER’ has included this park, within its ambit. Although it has not helped to increase the tiger population, it has arrested the decrease in their numbers.

 The ‘PERIYAR LAKE’ is a major attraction of the park. It is man-made and is 914 Metres above sea level. The lake attracts both humans & wildlife. Besides it being the latter's watering hole, it also appears to be an amusement park for the elephants that can be seen gamboling in the lake, providing the visitors with an unforgettable experience.

Besides the elephants (numbering nearly 600) and tigers, the wildlife in the park is represented by Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Monitor Lizards, Snakes, Pythons, Flying Frogs, Porcupines, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Otters, Sambhar Etc. Another major attraction of the park is the Lion-tailed Macaque which is famous for the sound it emits -coo-coo! However, their numbers are dwindling due to the deletion of its food source. Locally, it is known as the Goduma Bandar. Like the lion, it has a tuft of hair at the end of its tail hence the name ‘Lion -tailed'. In the hills are found the other major attraction of the park - The Black Nilgiri Langurs.

Nearly 200 species of birds have been sighted here, making the park a bird watchers paradise. Darters, Cormorants, Fish Owls, White Egrets, Kingfishers, Grey Herons, Grey Hornbills etc are some of the birds that can be seen.

The best season to visit the park is from April to September. During the dry season, lessening of the vegetation, coupled with the increased need of the animals for water, provides the park visitor with an unforgettable experience, as the animals congregate in large numbers along the lake. However, if one wishes to see elephants, the ideal time to visit the park would be during March and April. It is best to avoid visiting the park during October-April (On account of the Southwest monsoons)

The ideal way to explore the park is by boats. Motor boats are also available. Independent movement without the permission of the park authorities is not allowed. It is advisable to employ the services of professional guides. Care should be taken to avoid the Periyar Leeches, who view the human blood to be equally nutritious! Another sound advice is to make prior booking for accommodation. The forest rest houses, private hotels, Periyar House, Aryan Niwas, Lake Palace are some of the places where you can stay. The nearest town is Kumily (4km). The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (114 km) and the nearest airport is at Madurai (145 km)