Periyar National Park History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
Pathanamthitta and Idukki
Kerala
Periyar National Park, located in Kerala, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary famous for its large population of elephants and tigers. The park, set around the scenic Periyar Lake, offers boat safaris, allowing visitors to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Its lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Periyar National Park is one of Indias premier wildlife reserves, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Location: Periyar National Park is situated in the Thekkady region of Kerala, India, near the border with Tamil Nadu.
- Area: The park spans approximately 925 square kilometers (357 square miles), with a core area of 305 square kilometers (118 square miles).
- Elevation: The park ranges from 1,200 to 2,200 meters (3,900 to 7,200 feet) above sea level.
Climate:
- Summer (March to May): Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F). The weather can be warm but is generally comfortable.
- Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). The park is lush and green during this period, but travel can be challenging due to the rain.
- Winter (October to February): Pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). This is the most comfortable time to visit.
History of Periyar National Park :
- Establishment: Periyar National Park was established in 1950 as a sanctuary and was declared a national park in 1982. It was also designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1978.
- Cultural Significance: The park area has historical and cultural significance, with several ancient temples and traditional villages located in its vicinity.
Flora and Fauna:
- Flora: The park is rich in diverse vegetation, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and bamboo forests.
- Fauna: Periyar is home to a variety of wildlife, including:
- Elephants: The park is known for its large population of Asian elephants.
- Tigers: It is one of the few places in India where you can spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.
- Other Mammals: Includes leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boars, and Malabar giant squirrels.
- Birds: A variety of bird species including the great hornbill, black-headed oriole, and Malabar parakeet.
- Reptiles: Includes the king cobra and various species of pythons.
Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park :
- Winter (October to February): Ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities due to the pleasant weather and clear skies.
- Monsoon (June to September): Offers lush green landscapes but can be challenging for travel and wildlife spotting due to heavy rains.
- Summer (March to May): Warm temperatures, but the park remains accessible. Wildlife sightings can be good as animals come to water sources.
Things to Do at Periyar National Park :
- Wildlife Safari:
- Jeep Safaris: Explore the parks diverse wildlife and landscapes on guided jeep safaris.
- Boat Safaris: Experience wildlife and scenic views from a boat on Periyar Lake, which is a central feature of the park.
- Trekking and Nature Walks:
- Guided Treks: Several trekking routes offer the opportunity to explore the parks natural beauty and wildlife. Popular treks include the Periyar Tiger Trail.
- Nature Walks: Join guided nature walks to learn about the parks flora and fauna.
- Visit the Periyar Lake:
- Boating: Enjoy a boat ride on the artificial lake created by the Mullaperiyar Dam, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy picturesque views.
- Explore Local Villages:
- Tribal Villages: Visit nearby tribal villages to learn about the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the local communities.
- Bird Watching:
- Bird Trails: The park is a haven for bird watchers with various trails and viewpoints for observing different bird species.
Nearby Attractions of Periyar National Park :
- Thekkady: The town of Thekkady, located near the park, offers additional attractions such as spice plantations and cultural performances.
- Vandanmedu: Known for its cardamom plantations and scenic beauty, located about 30 km from Periyar.
- Munnar: Approximately 90 km away, Munnar is a popular hill station known for its tea plantations, lush green landscapes, and trekking opportunities.
Adventure in Periyar National Park
- Wildlife Safari:
- Boat Safari on Periyar Lake: Spot elephants, bison, and various bird species. The boat ride lasts for about 90 minutes and offers a scenic view of the wildlife around the lake.
- Jeep Safari: Explore the park buffer zone to see wildlife like tigers, leopards, and elephants. Early morning or evening safaris provide the best chance to spot animals.
- Bamboo Rafting: A unique adventure where you raft through the serene Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forest. It is combined with a trek through the jungle for a full-day experience.
- Trekking:
- Periyar Tiger Trail: A guided trek inside the tiger reserve offering a chance to see wildlife and birds in their natural habitat.
- Nature Walk: Led by guides, this walk introduces visitors to the flora and fauna of the park.
- Night Safari: Explore the forest at night to spot nocturnal wildlife and experience the sounds of the jungle.
- Elephant Rides & Bathing: Some nearby resorts offer elephant interactions, where you can bathe and ride these majestic animals.
Budget Considerations for Periyar National Park
- Entry Fees:
- Indian Nationals: ?45
- Foreign Nationals: ?500
- Boat Safari: ?240 for Indians and ?540 for foreign nationals.
- Jeep Safari: Starts from ?1,800-?2,500 per jeep for a group of up to 6 people.
- Bamboo Rafting: Costs approximately ?2,000 per person for a full-day package.
- Guided Trekking: ?300-?1,000 per person depending on the duration and type of trek.
- Accommodation:
- Budget hotels: ?800-?2,000 per night.
- Luxury hotels and resorts: ?5,000-?12,000 per night.
- Food: Meals at local eateries range from ?100-?300 per person. Fine dining can cost ?800-?1,500.
Packing Items for Periyar National Park
- Clothing:
- Light cotton clothes for daytime as Kerala is warm and humid.
- A jacket for cooler mornings and evenings in the park.
- Comfortable trekking shoes for safaris and nature walks.
- Essential Gear:
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Rain gear (umbrella or raincoat) during the monsoon season.
- Insect repellent for protection against mosquitoes.
- Reusable water bottle and snacks for long treks or boat safaris.
- Documents: ID proofs for entry and booking confirmations for safaris.
Hidden Gems at Periyar National Park
- Mangala Devi Temple: Located deep inside the forest and accessible only with a special permit, this ancient temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains.
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Watch traditional martial arts performances, like Kalaripayattu, in a nearby center to experience Kerala rich cultural heritage.
- Chellarkovil Viewpoint: Just a few kilometers from Thekkady, this lesser-known spot offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush forests.
- Spice Plantations: Take a guided tour of nearby spice gardens to learn about cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and more.
Photography at Periyar National Park :
- Wildlife: Capture images of the diverse wildlife including elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
- Landscapes: Photograph the stunning natural landscapes, including the lush forests and Periyar Lake.
- Flora: Document the rich vegetation and unique plant species found in the park.
Entry Fee for Periyar National Park :
- Fees: Entry fees to the park apply and may vary depending on the type of activity and the visitors nationality. Separate fees are usually required for safaris and boating.
- Permits: Foreign tourists may need to pay additional fees compared to Indian citizens. Check with the park authorities for the latest fee structure and permit requirements.
Safety Tips for Periyar National Park :
- Wildlife Safety: Follow park guidelines and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Do not feed or disturb the animals.
- Weather Conditions: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during the monsoon season.
- Local Guidelines: Respect the parks rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Vegan, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Restaurants at Periyar National Park
- Vegan-Friendly & Vegetarian:
- Grandma Café (Thekkady): Specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes like lentil curries, stir-fried vegetables, and fresh fruit smoothies.
- Spice Garden Restaurant: Offers Kerala-style vegetarian meals, including rice with sambar, aviyal, and papad.
- Bamboo Café (Kumily): Offers a variety of vegan-friendly and vegetarian Kerala meals and snacks.
- Non-Vegetarian:
- Bar-B-Que: Known for its non-vegetarian Kerala-style dishes, including fish molee, chicken stew, and spicy mutton curry.
- Ebony Café: A multi-cuisine restaurant that offers seafood and grilled meat dishes, popular with tourists.
- Spice Villa: Offers a variety of non-vegetarian Kerala dishes, including fish curry, beef fry, and Malabar biryani.
How to Reach Periyar National Park:
- By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 190 km from the park.
- Travel: Hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Periyar.
- By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station, approximately 114 km from Periyar.
- Travel: From Kottayam, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
- By Road:
- From Kochi: Approximately 190 km via NH183.
- From Madurai: Approximately 140 km via NH183.
- Buses and Taxis: Regular bus services and taxis are available from major cities and towns to Thekkady.
Hotels In Periyar National Park
- The Elephant Court (Thekkady): A luxurious 5-star hotel offering spacious rooms, Ayurvedic treatments, a pool, and easy access to Periyar National Park. Prices start from ?7,000 per night.
- Spice Village: An eco-friendly resort nestled among spice gardens, offering cottages with thatched roofs and traditional Kerala décor. Prices range from ?8,000 to ?12,000 per night.
- Greenwoods Resort: This resort offers luxury cottages and treehouses amidst lush greenery, with prices starting from ?6,000 per night.
Affordable Hotels in Periyar National Park
- Hotel Sandra Palace (Kumily): A budget-friendly option close to the park entrance, offering clean and comfortable rooms starting from ?1,000 per night.
- Jungle Palace Homestay: A homely stay option offering basic amenities at affordable prices, starting from ?1,200 per night.
- Cardamom County by Xandari (Kumily): A 3-star resort offering rooms with modern amenities at affordable prices, starting from ?2,500 per night.
ATMs in Periyar National Park Area
- Kumily Town: The nearest town to Periyar National Park, which has ATMs from major banks like SBI, ICICI, and HDFC.
- Thekkady: ATMs are available at select hotels and main market areas.
It is advisable to withdraw cash in Kumily or Thekkady as ATMs within the park may not be available.
Medical Facilities at Periyar National Park
- Thekkady Government Hospital: Provides basic healthcare and emergency services, located near the park.
- Private Clinics in Kumily: Several private clinics offer basic medical services in case of minor emergencies.
- Pharmacies: Available in Kumily and Thekkady for over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies.
Parking at Periyar National Park
- Periyar National Park: The park has parking facilities available at the entrance for both private cars and tour vehicles. Parking fees range from ?30-?100 depending on the vehicle type.
- Thekkady and Kumily: Most hotels and guesthouses offer private parking for guests. Public parking spaces are also available near popular tourist spots.
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