Introductiona Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park a haven for incredible biodiversity lies nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats stunning Cardamom and Pandalam Hills. Located in the scenic districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. this protected area is renowned as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The park which spans 925 square kilometers was declared a National Park in 1982. It is not just the wildlife that makes Periyar special but also the serene and tranquil vibe that surrounds it.

Periyar National Park is an amazing place teeming with wildlife like giant elephants and powerful tigers. Plus it has a beautiful lake called Periyar that makes the scenery even more stunning. This park is extra special because it protects rare animals that you won’t find in many other places. Whether you’re crazy about nature curious about wild animals or just love exploring Periyar National Park promises an unforgettable trip into the heart of the wild.

Periyar National Park History

Periyar National Park’s story began in 1934 Back then a king called the Maharaja of Travancore, whose name was Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma wanted to protect the wild animals and plants around Periyar Lake. He saw that people were cutting down trees to plant tea bushes, and he didn’t want this to destroy the animals’ homes. he king realized the forest needed protection. He made a rule no one could cut down trees. He called this special area the Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary, like a giant “Off Limits” sign for the forest.

After India became one country in 1950 they decided to improve the Periyar area by joining it all together and calling it a Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1978 the government launched a special program called Project Tiger to save these magnificent creatures. Because Periyar is an important home to tigers they renamed the area again to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Today Periyar National Park is a super cool place that shows how much India cares about protecting its plants and animals!

Periyar National Park Famous Animals

1. Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus): The Indian Elephant is one of the key attractions of Periyar National Park. These gentle giants can often be spotted near the Periyar Lake, bathing or grazing.
2. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris): The park is a tiger reserve, and it’s estimated that there are about 40 tigers in the park. see a tiger in the natural habitat is a thrilling experience.
3. Sambar (Cervus unicolor): The Sambar is a large deer native to the Indian subcontinent. They are a common sight in the park and are a major food source for the park’s predators.
4. Gaur (Bos gaurus): Also known as the Indian Bison, the Gaur is the largest species of wild cattle. They are impressive to behold due to their size and strength.
5. Leopard (Prionailurus bengalensis): Leopards are elusive and are known for their incredible strength and climbing abilities. Spotting one is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
6. Indian Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus): Also known as Dholes, these wild dogs are highly social animals and are known for their cooperative hunting strategies.
7. Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak): The Barking Deer, or Indian Muntjac, is the smallest deer species in the park. They are called ‘barking’ deer because of the barking sounds they make when alarmed.

Periyar Park Safaris Types

1. Jeep Safari: This thrilling adventure takes you through the remote areas of the park, offering a chance to spot a variety of wildlife.
2. Elephant Safari: A fun and exciting way to enjoy the beauty of the park, the elephant safari offers a unique perspective of the park’s flora and fauna.
3. Boat Cruise: The best way to see Periyar Lake is on a boat cruise! It’s a relaxing ride where you can soak up the beautiful scenery of the lake and surrounding areas. This popular safari is a favorite with tourists. It is a great way to spot wild animals like elephants and wild boar.
4. Bamboo Rafting: This unique safari offers a chance to explore the park’s waterways and spot a variety of bird species.
5. Nature Walk: A guided walk through the park’s trails, the nature walk is a great way to learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems.
6. Canter Safari: The main type of safari in Periyar National Park is Canter (minibus) safari inside the National Park.

Park safari Prices And Booking Process

1. Entrance Fee: For Indian adults, the price is INR 45 and for Indian children, it is INR 15. For foreign adults, the price is INR 500 and for foreign children, it is INR 180.
2. Boat Safari: The charges for the boat safari are INR 150 for adults and INR 50 for children below 11 years.
3. Periyar Tiger Trail Treks: The cost for the Periyar Tiger Trail Treks is INR 5,500 for one night and INR 7,500 for two nights.
4. Jeep Safari: The safari costs INR 8,500 for two people and INR 2,000 per person if there is a group of six people.

Booking process for Periyar National Park

The booking process for the safaris is quite straightforward. You can book your safari online in advance through the official website of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This guarantees the best possible rates and ensures your spot on the safari. You can also make a same day booking by visiting the official booking counter in Periyar at least one hour before the safari booking starts. However please note that both advance booking and same day counter booking are subject to availability.

Best Time to Visit For Periyar Park

Best Resorts and Hotels Nearby The Park

1. Spice Village: Resembling a traditional tribal village Spice Village offers thatched-roof cottages with a minibar. The rustic cottages come with a private verandah which overlooks fruit trees and herb beds. The resort also provides a tour desk, laundry services and airport shuttles at an extra price.
2. Forest Canopy Thekkady: This resort offers free WiFi, a spa centre, and an outdoor pool. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV offering satellite channels and a minibar. Some rooms feature a seating area where you can relax.
3. Sterling Thekkady: Sterling Thekkady have outdoor swimming pool, terrace with restaurant and bar. With free WiFi, with 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
4. Chrissie’s Hotel: Look no further than Chrissie’s Hotel! They welcome pets and offer free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel so you can stay connected and share your vacation pictures. Every room has a balcony This way you can chill outside and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
5. Cardamom County: Cardamom County is a luxury resort located in the heart of Thekkady.This resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. They have a spa for pampering a pool for splashing around and a gym to stay active. click here and book your dream resort or hotel.

Must Visiting Places Nearby The Park

• Periyar Lake: This picturesque lake is located within the Periyar National Park. It’s a great place to spot wildlife, especially elephants that come to the lake to drink. Boat rides are available for tourists to enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.
• Cardamom Hills: These hills are known for their lush greenery and aromatic spice plantations. A trek through these hills offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Pullumedu: Pullumedu is a hill town located near Periyar National Park. It offers best views of the Periyar River and the holy shrine of Sabarimala.
• Mangla Devi Temple: This ancient temple, located inside the park, is dedicated to Goddess Mangla Devi. It’s a popular journey site and offers adventures views of the surrounding hills.
• Kumily: This small town near Periyar National Park is famous for its spice markets and plantations. It is a great place to enjoy in local.

How to reach Periyar National Park

By Air: The nearest airports for periyar national park. Madurai Airport to 140 km away and Cochin International Airport in Kochi approximately 190 km away. These airports receive flights from major cities worldwide.

By Rail: The closest railway station is in Kottayam, which is 110 km away. From the railway station, you can hire taxis, private cabs, or take a bus to reach Periyar.

By Road: There are good roads connecting it to all the big cities in Kerala. Think of it like having a highway with multiple exits. This highway takes you straight to Thekkady from places like Kochi, Kottayam, Kothamangalam, Munnar, and even Trivandrum. No matter which city you start from, you can get to Periyar. There are also plenty of buses to choose from, both public ones run by Kerala tourism and private taxis. So pack your bags and pick your city get ready for an adventure.

Conclusion 

Periyar National Park is like a real-life jungle adventure! Imagine a place with tall, green trees, a sparkling lake, and wild animals roaming free. That’s exactly what Periyar is  a treasure trove of nature.

Animals, galore! Elephants, tigers, deer, and many other amazing creatures call Periyar home. You might even spot some on a special jeep or elephant safari ride!
Plant paradise! From giant trees to colorful flowers, Periyar is bursting with life.
Protecting what’s precious! The park rangers here are like superheroes for nature. They work hard to keep the animals and plants safe

Whether you’re spotting a Bengal tiger on a jeep safari, enjoying the serene beauty of Periyar Lake on a boat ride, or simply soaking in the tranquil vibes of the park, a visit to Periyar National Park is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in the heart of nature at Periyar National Park.

Periyar National Park location and Map

Best National Parks in India

Jim corbett national Park
kanha national park
kuno national park
pench national park

FAQ’s:

1. Q: Where is the Periyar National Park located?
   Ans:Periyar National Park can be found in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It’s spread across two districts: Idukki and Pathanamthitta.
2. Q: What is Periyar National Park famous for?
   Ans: Thrilling wildlife awaits at Periyar National Park! Elephants and tigers roam free in this vast area. Breathtaking scenery complements the exciting animals. Lush forests and a sparkling lake create a picturesque landscape.
3. Q: When was Periyar National Park established?
   Ans: Periyar National Park was established in 1982.
4. Q: What are the some best animals you can see in Periyar National Park?
   Ans: Periyar National Park is home to a diverse range of animals such as Indian elephants, Bengal tigers, sambars, gaurs, leopards, Indian wild dogs, and barking deer.
5. Q: What are the different safari zones in Periyar National Park?
   Ans: Periyar National Park offers exciting ways to explore its wonders! You can ride in a jeep or on an elephant for a close-up adventure. Hop on a boat or a bamboo raft to see the park from the water. For those who love to hike, there are nature walks, and for a larger group experience, there’s even a canter safari.
6. Q: How much cost to visit for Periyar National Park?
   Ans: The entrance fee for Indian adults is INR 45 and for foreign adults, it is INR 500. The prices for safaris vary.
7. Q: What are the best time to visit Periyar National Park?
   Ans: The best time to visit Periyar National Park is during the cooler, drier months from October to February.
8. Q: What are some of the best resorts near Periyar National Park?
   Ans: Some of the best resorts near Periyar National Park include Spice Village, Forest Canopy Thekkady, Sterling Thekkady, Chrissie’s Hotel, and Cardamom County.
9. Q: What are some must-visit places near Periyar National Park?
   Ans: Here are the Some must-visit places near Periyar National Park include Periyar Lake, Cardamom Hills, Pullumedu, Mangla Devi Temple, and Kumily. these are the famous for periyar national park
10. Q: How can I reach Periyar National Park?
    Ans: Periyar National Park can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airports are Madurai Airport and Cochin International Airport. The closest railway station is in Kottayam. The park has good road connectivity with all major cities of Kerala.
11. Q: Can you tell me about the historyof Periyar National Park?
    Ans: Periyar National Park was starting known as Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary. It was renamed as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 and was included in Project Tiger in 1978.
12. Q: What is the size of Periyar National Park?
    Ans: Periyar National Park spans an area of 925 square kilometers.
13. Q: What is the significance of Periyar National Park?
    Ans: Periyar National Park is significant for it is rich biodiversity and it is efforts in conserving various species of flora and fauna. Many different kinds of creatures, big and small, live protected in the park.