National Parks in Kerala-Periyar National Park

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About:
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district of Kerala, Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats Periyar National Park Kerala and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. Elephant in Periyar is another major attraction. In 1895, the British undertook water resource management plans for the area and started work on a dam and an artificial lake under the auspices of Col. J. Pennycuick. The picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals. It eventually resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharaja of Travancore. Post-1975 Periyar finds itself in the enviable position of being a national park as well as a protected tiger reserve.The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. One can swim in the lake or get permits for angling that are easily available from the Forest Officer in Thekkady. Exhilarating treks through the forest to the temple of Mangla Devi can also be organised. Lectures on wildlife preservation are organized regularly at the park and these can be of help in understanding the wild creatures and their environment. Late afternoon is just right for another walk down the lakeside. The evening walk along the lake is always tinged with forebodings of danger combined with exhilaration at being in such a beautiful place.Periyar was declared a sanctuary in 1934, and became the only Tiger Project in the state of Kerala in 1978. Later, in 1982, it was declared a national park. Today, Periyar is one of the most exciting biosphere reserves in the country with a large variety of flora and fauna.The Periyar National Park is synonymous with elephants and one cannot be thought of without the other. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favourite haunt for frolicking in the water. Scores of them can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. The Indian female elephants do not posses tusks like their African relatives. They are also not as swarthy as their African.The months of March and April constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake. Even the tiger may be spotted approaching the waters. Animals may be seen from motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers. A special permission is required to travel by boat to the source of the artificial lake, the River Periyar. This area is generally not open for tourists, but is the favourite haunt of the sloth bear. There is a good chance of spotting an occasional tiger in this relatively peaceful corner of the forest. kerala holidays The flora here is composed mainly of marshy grasslands. The forests are a mixture of grasslands, fire-resistant low-growth vegetation, deciduous forests, semi-evergreens, and tropical evergreens. It is good to be cautious of the blood-sucking leeches that are found in plenty here.The lake attracts birds like the darter, cormorant, grey heron and ibis and they are seen perched on the snags of dead wood that dot the lake. The great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill are often seen flapping their ponderous way between trees. There are kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and fly catchers. Other wild animals that you can see in Periyar are leopards, Gaur or Indian Bison, many varieties of Deer, including barking deer, chital and sambhar, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Covet Cat, mongooses, Nilgiri Langur, wild boar and many species of monkeys. Birds seen at Periyar Wildife sanctuary include Black-winged Kite, Brahminy Kite, Great Indian Hornbill, kingfisher, darter, cormorant, barbet, plover, jacana, and many others. Over 250 species of birds have been seen at Periyar National Park. Reptiles seen in the wildlife sanctuary include crocodiles in the lake, tortoises, frogs and snakes including King Cobras and Kraits.A visit to the Periyar sanctuary gives you the opportunity to participate in trekking, sailing on a bamboo raft down the Periyar Lake and the Periyar tiger trail. Gliding on the water surface in a raft made of bamboo ensures a thrilling encounter with the wild inhabitants of Periyar. The Periyar Tiger Project encompasses the Periyar tiger trail that is a top draw with the tourists. It will surely give you an adrenaline rush. For detailed information you can call the Eco- tourism centre at 04869-224571.
Location info:
Address: Kumily, Idukki District, Kerala, India
District: Idukki District
Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Kochi, Theni, Palani, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikannal, Chinnar, idukki.
Best time to visit: December to April
Climate/Weather:
It enjoys a tropical climate varies between 10 degree centigrade – 26 degree centigrade.
History:
 
Interesting things to do:
A special permission is required to travel by boat to the source of the artificial lake, the River Periyar. A visit to the Periyar sanctuary gives you the opportunity to participate in trekking, sailing on a bamboo raft down the Periyar Lake and the Periyar tiger trail. Watch the temple of Mangla Devi nearby. Enjoy the Border Hiking, Bamboo Rafting, Jungle Patrol, Tribal Heritage.
Interesting things to Visit:
Kumily :Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.Cradomom Hills :Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala’s beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.Boat Cruises :Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water’s edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat.Avian Species :There are about 260 species of Birds and about 100 varieties of Butterflies that can be seen in the territory of the park. The major types of Birds spotted are the Blue-winged Parakeets, Great Indian Horn bill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black-winged Kite,White-bellied tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes, Fly Catchers, Darters, Cormorants, Barbets and Plovers amongst the many.Periyar Tiger Trail:A unique, nature – friendly trekking project developed with the aim of converting poachers into defenders of the forest.Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km Thodupuzha) Main attraction : Animals : elephants, gaur, samber deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc.Eravikulam National Park:Eravikulam National Park attracts the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. It is spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex.Periyar Lake:It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake. If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of Periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. If you are a keen observer you might get to se the spotted tigers, playful elephants or the red eyed bisons.Murikkady :It is Situated 5 kms from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.Pandikuzhi :This is about 5 kms away from Kumily. Cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border, this picturesque place is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport
Road Transport:The Periyar National Park is well connected by bus service to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (271 km). To access the place from Cochin, take the NH49 to Thripunithara. From there, state highway 15 will take you to Ettumanur via Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu and Vaikom. Take the SH1 to Kottayam and finally NH220 to Thekkady via Kanjirappally, Peermade, Vandiperiyar and Kumily. 
Nearest Visiting places:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.Kuthumkal Waterfalls:The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!Top Station:Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.Lock Heart Gap:This is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.Chellarkovil:This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges. The scenic extravaganza including acres of luxuriant fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.Kuttikanam:This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.Mattupetty:Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairyRajamala:Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.Pothamedu:Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.Devikulam:This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.Pallivasal:Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.Echo point:As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.Nyayamakad:Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.Idukki Wildlife sanctuary:The Idukki Wildlife sanctuary is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha in the Idukki district in Kerala, India and is spread over an area of 77 square kilometers. This wildlife park includes the regions Idukki Wildlife of Udumpanchola and Thodupuzha districts of Kerala, India. The Idukki wildlife park in Kerala, India came into existence in the year 1976.There is a lake located within the Idukki wildlife sanctuary that is worth visiting during your wildlife tours to this wildlife sanctuary.Idukki Dam:The Idukki dam, built across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam. The Idukki dam, lying close to the cheruthoni barrage is 550 ft high and 650 ft. wide. The Idukki arch Dam is also one of the attractions of Idukki district and attracts a large number of visitors.Marayoor:The little town located 36km from munnar.It is famous for the exotic sandal wood forests in the region.Thekkadi:Rolling hills,tea and cardamom plantation welcome you to thekkadi.it is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India,the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is more popular as a tiger reserve.A boat ride on the spendid periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.Here we can see herds of elephents,tiger,sambar,spotted deer etc.Trekking facility is another advantage of Thekkadi.Kunthakulam bird sanctuary:Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is one of the delights for the ornithologists. The sanctuary is situated 33-km south of Tirunelveli in Nanguneri Taluk. Kunthakulam is a small and natural scenic village, which is covered with natural forests and ponds. Tourists who are keenly interested in adventure and trekking will enjoy visiting the place.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
BP Petrol Pump
Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar, Tamil NaduIndian Oil Petrol Pump
Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar, Tamil NaduBP Petrol Pump
Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala.Petrol Pump
SH 32, Pala, Kerala.Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Aranya Nivas & Lake Palace Hotel
Thekkady
Kerala 685 536
Tel:04862 322023.Cardamom Club
V & V Estate, Spring Valley
Thekkady, Kerala 685509
Tel: 09446439252.Edassery resort
Periyar, Kumily Road Kattappana
Thekkady, Idukki Dist
Kerala 685536
Tel: 09945273814.Hotel Mount Sinai
Thekkady Junction, PO Box 14
Kumily, Kerala 685509
Tel: 04869 222605.Paradisa Plantation Retreat
Kottayam Kumily Road
Murinjapuzha
Kumily,Kerala 685532
Tel: 0469 2602828.Hotel Treetop
Thekkady P.O
Thekkady Kerala 685536
Tel: 09895077199.
Things to carry:
Camera, food and water etc.
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Station
Bodinayakkanur,Theni
Tamil Nadu.Kanjirapally Police Station
NH 220, Kerala State.Police Station
Thodupuzha udumbannoor rd(TU rd)
Karimannoor, Idukki
Kerala.Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.Police Station
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Chempenkulam Ayurveda Hospital
7/1100, NH 220,thekkady Jn
Kumily, Kerala 685509
Tel: 04869 222094.RJPM Govt Maternity Hospital
Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar
Tamil NaduAshramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre
Idukki, Kerala
Tel:09746063255.Anandam Clinic
Angaiha road, Rajapalaiyam
Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 686001
Tel: 0481 2582947.
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:http://indian-ecstacies.blogspot.com/2009/07/periyar-national-park-in-kerala-india.html
http://cruise-tiger-travel-new.blogspot.com/2009/10/periyar-national-park-in-kerala-india.html
http://vrakeshkumar.blogspot.com/2009/10/periyar-widlife-sanctuary.html
http://taleindia.blogspot.com/2009/08/periyar-national-park-wildlife.html