Extending along the banks of the Periyar river in Kerala, Periyar National Park is nature’s way of mixing great scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. One of the notable parks in the whole of South India, Periyar National Park offers shelter to a large population of Indian Elephants and Tigers. This pride destination in southern India offers serene surroundings and startling sights. Periyar National Park is set high up in the mountains and spreads over the Western Ghats.
Head to Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to experience the wilderness at its best. Exploring the wild on the established tourist trails, which are evenly distributed in the tropical evergreen forest of the national park, feels a lot enjoyable rather than tiresome.
Why visit Periyar?
Periyar is renowned for wildlife and natural beauty, so if you are a nature lover and keen explorer of the wildlife of India, visit Periyar in Kerala. The abundant flora and fauna are ideal for people who love to be in nature away from the chaos of city life. The Periyar National Park and tiger reserve are all you need to see to answer your ‘call of the wild’.
Places to visit in Periyar
Surrounded by nature and good vibes only, there are a few yet fascinating places to visit in Periyar. For instance, Periyar National Park provides a natural habitat for Indian elephants and tigers. Besides this, it is home to bison, sambars, wild boars, and antelopes. Reptiles like monitor lizards, pythons, King Cobras, flying snakes, and flying frogs can surely amaze you if you are lucky to catch a sight of them. Periyar National Park is also a dreamland for bird watchers. Apart from the national park, you can also see the Periyar river, Pullumedu, Spice Garden, and Mangala Devi Temple.
Things to do in Periyar
Periyar being such beauty has quite a few things for you to indulge in. For things to do in Periyar, you can go for a nature walk in the jungles of Thekkady. Treat your tastebuds with Kerala wafers and pickles. Apart from this, go on Periyar Lake Cruise in Periyar, and admire the beauty and peace sitting on the banks of Periyar Lake. Watch the gigantic elephants and tigers in their natural habitat.
Best time to visit Periyar
Periyar National Park can be visited at any time of the year. However, it is advised that one should schedule his travel plans to the renowned national park between the months of September and April. The climate in Periyar is pleasant, which enhances your wildlife tour in Periyar National Park.
How to reach Periyar
To reach Periyar National Park in Kerala, the nearest airports are at Cochin and Madurai. If you are traveling by train, then you must get down to Kottayam railway station. However, the national park can also be reached via frequent bus services from Kottayam, Madurai, Cochin, and Thiruvananthapuram.
How to get around Periyar
As Periyar is basically a nature park, there are no local bus services available. You can get bus services in Kumily and Thekkady run by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) to Munnar, Kottayam, and other nearby places. You can also go for car rentals. Trekking is the best option to see the surrounding areas. The Forest Department has daily treks from Thekkady at the boat landing place to Nellikkampetty and Manakkavala.
Accommodation in Periyar
To make the stay in Periyar National Park full of comfort and in nature’s proximity, there are a lot of places to stay in Periyar. Prominent hotels in the vicinity are Spice Village, Lake Palace, Taj Garden Retreat, and Aranya Nivas, which offer an amazing blend of tradition and modernity. Kumily also has accommodation that suits all pockets with a number of small homestay guesthouses.
Where to Eat in Periyar
There is a wide variety of places to choose from when it comes to what to eat in Periyar. You can visit Spice Garden Restaurant, Coffee Garden – Rooftop Restaurant, Ebony’s Cafe Restaurant, Ambadi Restaurant, Hotel Ariya Bhavan to try South Indian delicacies, Indian or continental cuisine. Crispy dosa with tangy sambar and chutney is a must-try food in Periyar.
Shopping in Periyar
For shopping in Periyar, there are no options but you can visit Thekkady nearby, which has no dearth of quality shopping stores. There are several shops in Thekkady where you can get what you like for yourself and your dear ones. Some of the things to buy in Thekkady include souvenirs, spices, hand-crafted souvenirs, banana chips, tea, & coffee.
