Area : 777 sq km / 77,700 hectares

Established : 1950 as a sanctuary, 1978 as a tiger reserve.

Description

Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala in SW India. The centrepiece of the park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Periyar river in 1895. The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead treetrunks still jut out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest hanitats ofor large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian Elephant with relative ease as well as Nilgiri Langur near Aranya Niwas and the Liontail Macaque in higher areas.

The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen 'sholas', the last occurring in the moist valleys and characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with extensive patches of grasslands. Periyar's rich birdlife includes the Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The Indian Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna. Periyar has a few Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.

Season

Open year-round, the best period being November-April.

Access

Fly to Cochin and drive to Periyar (200 km). The nearest railway station is Kottayam (114 km).

Accommodation and facilities

Hotel description

SPICE VILLAGE (First Class Modern hotel Traditionally Styled)

Spice Village is located at 140 km from Cochin airport and is just outside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The hotel has 52 air-cooled cottages in the middle of spice plantations. Other facilities include one multi-cuisine restaurant, heated swimming pool, ayurvedic health spa, indoor sports, money change and a stay here is the perfect way to appreciate and respect the environment. Each aspect of the village has been carefully chosen to preserve the environment, like the elephant grass roofs of the cottages at the village.

TAJ GARDEN RETREAT (Standard Grade Modern Hotel)

Taj Garden Retreat is located at 140 km from Cochin airport and is just outside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The hotel has 32 charmingly rustic, thatched roof villas on stilts. Each of the guestrooms comes replete with fine wood d?cor, adorned by beautiful natural fabrics The other services include Multi-Cuisine Restaurant and Bar, swimming pool, Ayurvedic treatment and massage, Money Change, travel desk. Each room has an attached bath with shower.

Near the lake within the park is a tourist complex run by Kerala Tourism, including Aranya Niwas, Periyar House and Lake Palace (further inside the park). The Spice Village is at the park entrance. The park is best explored by boat. It is also possible to walk along selected trails in the park with a local guide.

Mammals