Located in the lush hills of the Western Ghats, Periyar National Park is one of India’s most well-managed and scenic wildlife destinations. Centered around the picturesque Periyar Lake, this protected area combines dense evergreen forests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife.
Situated near Thekkady in Kerala’s Idukki district, Periyar is both a National Park and a Tiger Reserve, making it a key conservation landscape in South India.
Overview of Periyar National Park
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Location: Thekkady, Idukki District, Kerala
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Established as Wildlife Sanctuary: 1950
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Declared National Park: 1982
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Tiger Reserve Status: 1978 (Project Tiger)
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Area: Approximately 925 sq km (including buffer zones)
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Altitude: 900–1,800 meters
The park lies within the globally recognized Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
Wildlife at Periyar National Park
Periyar is best known for its large population of Asian elephants and protected tiger habitat.
Key Mammals
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Bengal Tiger
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Asian Elephant
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Indian Gaur (Bison)
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Sambar Deer
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Wild Boar
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Nilgiri Langur
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Leopard
Elephants are frequently spotted along the lake shores, especially during boat safaris.
Periyar Lake – The Highlight of the Park
The man-made Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, is the park’s most iconic feature. Dead tree trunks rising from the water create dramatic scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Boat cruises on the lake allow visitors to observe:
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Elephant herds bathing
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Deer grazing on the banks
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Birds perched on submerged tree trunks
Birdlife and Biodiversity
Periyar is home to more than 250 bird species.
Common sightings include:
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Great Hornbill
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Malabar Grey Hornbill
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Kingfishers
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Darters
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Cormorants
The park’s combination of evergreen forests and wetlands makes it a stronghold for Western Ghats endemic species.
Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park
October to April is the best period for wildlife tourism.
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Pleasant climate
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Better animal visibility
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Ideal trekking conditions
Summer (March–May) offers higher chances of wildlife sightings near water sources. Monsoon (June–September) brings lush greenery but limited safari access.
Safari and Eco-Tourism Activities
Periyar offers structured and eco-friendly tourism options managed by the Kerala Forest Department.
Popular Activities:
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Boat Safari on Periyar Lake
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Guided Nature Walks
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Bamboo Rafting
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Jungle Trekking
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Border Hiking
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Night Patrol Programs
Unlike many national parks, Periyar focuses heavily on community-based eco-tourism.
How to Reach Periyar National Park
By Air
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (approx. 140 km)
Cochin International Airport (approx. 150 km)
By Rail
Nearest railway station: Kottayam (approx. 110 km)
By Road
Well connected from:
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Kochi
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Madurai
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Munnar
The park is located near Thekkady, a popular hill station destination.
Conservation Significance
Periyar plays a major role in:
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Tiger conservation under Project Tiger
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Elephant habitat protection
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Western Ghats ecosystem preservation
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Watershed management
The park is also recognized as a model for participatory forest management involving local communities.
Why Visit Periyar National Park?
Periyar is ideal for travelers looking for:
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Reliable elephant sightings
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Scenic boat-based wildlife viewing
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Well-organized eco-tourism
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A combination of wildlife and hill station climate
It offers one of the most accessible and family-friendly wildlife experiences in South India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Periyar National Park a tiger reserve?
Yes, it has been part of Project Tiger since 1978.
2. What is Periyar famous for?
It is famous for elephant sightings and boat safaris on Periyar Lake.
3. Are jeep safaris available in Periyar?
Boat safaris and guided trekking programs are more popular than jeep safaris.
4. How many days are enough for Periyar?
2 to 3 days are sufficient to explore major eco-tourism activities.
Final Thoughts
Periyar National Park stands out as one of India’s finest wildlife reserves, combining conservation success with sustainable tourism. Its misty hills, tranquil lake, and thriving wildlife population make it a must-visit destination in Kerala.
For a complete Western Ghats wildlife circuit, travelers often combine Periyar with Munnar and nearby forest reserves to experience Kerala’s rich ecological diversity
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