Periyar Wildlife Park of Kerala is one of the protected areas covered under the 'Project Tiger'. The park has a significant population of tigers. However, the terrain of the area is such that it is difficult to get a glimpse of the majestic animal. Periyar National Park of India stretches over an area of 777 sq km (core area being 350 sq km) and remains open to the visitors only between the months of October and April. The altitude of the park varies from 914 to 1830 m above the sea level. Even today, a number of tribal sects, namely Manans and Ooralis, live inside the premises of Periyar Tiger Reserve of India.
Flora
Western Ghat Hills, constituting a major portion of the park, are
thickly wooded and stand dotted with water bodies, huge grasslands and a
thick forest cover. A number of deeper valleys inside Periyar National
Park of Kerala contain tropical evergreen forests, which are full of
wild vegetation. Some of the level areas forming the park comprise of
marshy grasslands near the edges of the lake and other water bodies.
Apart from Periyar River, the water needs of the Periyar Wildlife Park
of India are met by Azhutha and Mullayar Rivers. There are also patches
of semi-evergreen forest across the boundaries of the park. Fauna
Tigers form the main attraction of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of India. The best place to spot a tiger is the area around the lake. One can also watch Elephants, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Sambar, Nilgiri Tahr, Sloth Bears, Otters, Gaur, etc. Then, there are the magnificent Nilgiri Langurs, Common Langurs, Lion Tailed Macaques, Bonnet Macaques, Porcupines, Malabar Squirrels, Wild Boars, etc.
Reptiles
The reptile population of Periyar Tiger Reserve of India comprises of Python, King Cobra, Dark Monitor Lizard, Flying Lizard, Flying Frog, Flying Snake and a number of other snake species.
Bird Species
Periyar National Park serves as a haven for more than 200 species of birds. The most commonly seen birds at the park include Darters, Cormorants, Ospreys, Kingfishers, Racket Tailed Drongos, Fish Owls, Kites, Great Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Hill Mynahs, Grey Herons, White Egrets and Orioles.
How to Reach Periyar National Park
By Air: Kottayam and Madurai airports are the nearest to Periyar.
By Rail: You can easily catch a train from Kottayam and Madurai railway stations.
By Road: Buses and taxis are easily available from Periyar to Kottayam and Madurai.
