Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve
Periyar National Park Details : Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, located in the heart of Thekkady, is one of India's most iconic wildlife sanctuaries and a model for community-based ecotourism. Spanning over 925 square kilometers, the park is a sanctuary for the majestic Bengal Tiger and th e Indian Elephant, set against the backdrop of the verdant Cardamom Hills. The center of attraction is the picturesque Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created by the Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895, which winds through the dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Visitors often experience the unique thrill of water-based wildlife viewing, where herds of elephants and sambar deer can be seen grazing along the banks of the lake from the safety of a boat. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species like the Nilgiri Langur, the Lion-tailed Macaque, and the elusive Malabar Giant Squirrel. For birdwatchers, the reserve is a paradise with over 260 species of birds, including the Great Indian Hornbill and the Malabar Grey Hornbill. The air here is filled with the scent of spices from the surrounding plantations, creating a sensory experience that is both wild and soothing. Managed by the Kerala Forest Department, the park offers a wide range of activities from adventurous tiger trails and night patrols to peaceful nature walks. It serves as a vital watershed for the Periyar and Pamba rivers, ensuring the ecological balance of the region while providing an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers from around the world.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 DayPlace Type:
National Park & Tiger ReserveEntry Fees:
Indian Nationals Entry Fee :
Adult:
45 INR, Child: 15 INR;
Foreigner Entry Fee:
Adu...Indian Nationals Entry Fee :
Adult:
45 INR, Child: 15 INR;
Foreigner Entry Fee:
Adult:
500 INR, Child: 180 INR for a single park entry.
Activity Charges :
Boat safari: 225 INR;
Bamboo Rafting: 2500 INR per person;
Jeep Safari: 2000 INR per vehicle;
Still Camera: 45 INR.Timing:
General Park Timings : The entry gate remains open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, though specific activities have their own scheduled time slots.
Ideal Wildlife Sighting Time : Afternoon boats between 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM are the best times...General Park Timings : The entry gate remains open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, though specific activities have their own scheduled time slots.
Ideal Wildlife Sighting Time : Afternoon boats between 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM are the best times to see animals as they visit the lake for water.Special Events:
Wildlife Week Celebrations : Held in October, this event features educational programs, photography exhibitions, and nature conservation workshops within the park premises.
Tribal Dance Performances : Evening cultural shows where the local...Wildlife Week Celebrations : Held in October, this event features educational programs, photography exhibitions, and nature conservation workshops within the park premises.
Tribal Dance Performances : Evening cultural shows where the local tribes perform traditional dances that depict their deep spiritual connection with the forest and wildlife.Best Photo Spots:
Periyar Lake at Dawn : Capture the dead tree stumps rising from the mist-covered water with the sunrise reflecting a golden glow on the lake's surface.
Elephant Herds at the Banks : The best photo spot is from the top deck of the safari bo...Periyar Lake at Dawn : Capture the dead tree stumps rising from the mist-covered water with the sunrise reflecting a golden glow on the lake's surface.
Elephant Herds at the Banks : The best photo spot is from the top deck of the safari boat during the 3:30 PM trip for clear wildlife shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boating on Periyar Lake : The most popular activity where you can see wild animals coming down to the water's edge to drink during the afternoon.
Full-Day Gavi Jeep Safari : A 40-km drive through the dense forest that includes trekking, birdwatching, and a visit to the scenic Gavi dam and lake.
Bamboo Rafting and Trekking : A combined activity involving a 10-km hike through the forest followed by a peaceful rafting session on the remote parts of the lake.
Border Hiking : A high-altitude trek along the mountain ridges that form the border of the park, offering spectacular views of the valleys below.
Nature Walk and Green Walk : Guided 3-hour treks through different forest habitats that focus on observing smaller animals, butt...
Information
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Why Famous:
Elephant and Tiger Habitat : It is famous as one of the best places in India to spot wild elephants and tigers in their natural, undisturbed forest habitat.
Unique Boat Safaris : It is renowned for its lake-based safaris, a rare feature in...Elephant and Tiger Habitat : It is famous as one of the best places in India to spot wild elephants and tigers in their natural, undisturbed forest habitat.
Unique Boat Safaris : It is renowned for its lake-based safaris, a rare feature in Indian national parks that allows for close-up wildlife observation from the water. -
Architecture:
Eco-Friendly Infrastructure : The park features traditional forest lodges and eco-huts built using local bamboo and wood to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
The Mullaperiyar Dam Architecture : This historic gravity dam is mad...Eco-Friendly Infrastructure : The park features traditional forest lodges and eco-huts built using local bamboo and wood to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
The Mullaperiyar Dam Architecture : This historic gravity dam is made of a lime-surkhi concrete mixture and stands 176 feet high with a length of 1,200 feet. -
How To Reach:
By Air : Cochin International Airport (145 km) is the primary gateway; from there, you can take a pre-paid taxi directly to Thekkady.
By Train : Reach Kottayam Railway Station (110 km) and then board a KSRTC bus or hire a private cab for ... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Elephant Junction (4 km), 2. Kadathanadan Kalari Center (1 km), 3. Spice Plantations (3 km), 4. Mullaperiyar Dam (10 km), 5. Mangala Devi Temple (15 km), 6. Chellarkovil (15 km), 7. Ottakathalamedu (5 km), 8. Pandikuzhi (5 km), 9. Ramakkalmedu (40 km), 10. Gavi (28 km).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety : Wear neutral-colored clothing (green, brown, grey) to blend in, and strictly follow the guide's instructions during jungle treks.
Packing Essentials : Carry binoculars for birdwatching, a good camera with zoom lens, and...
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Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve Tourism:-
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