Periyar
National Park lies nestled in the Western Ghats, falling in the Idukki
district of Kerala. The lake that constitutes a major portion of the
park came into existence after a dam was constructed on the Periyar
River in the year 1895. The reservoir, measuring 55 sq km in area, led
to the immersion of some of the prime forest area. At the same time, it
resulted in the establishment of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of
Kerala. The beauty of the sanctuary is at its best in winters, however
one can have better animal sightings in summers. 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.
