Information about Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district in Kerala. This park is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. The Periyar National Park is surrounded by an artificial Periyar lake. This lake was formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river and covers an area of 55 square km. This lake, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, however became an excellent wildlife sanctuary. In 1978, Periyar was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger. Periyar National park covers an area of 777 square kms, out of which 360 square kms are covered by thick evergreen forest. The boat cruise on the lake is the best way to view the wildlife in the reserve. The best time to visit the Periyar National Park is from October to May.

Vegetation in the Periyar National Park
The terrain ranges from lush tropical moist deciduous forests to the hilly and flat grassland areas in the Periyar National Park. The vegetation is of moist evergreen type. The Periyar National Park is known for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty and attracts visitors from all over the world. The Periyar National Park is a home of 1965 flowering plants including 171 species of grass and 143 species of orchids. The only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus and the rare orchid Habeneria periyarancis is also found here. The savannah grasslands on the upper slopes, dense evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests are found in the region. The moist deciduous forests occur interspersed with grasslands around the lake and along the slopes on the north. The grasslands occur around the lake and on the islets. The plantations of Tea, cardamom, clove, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin, garlic and star anise can also be seen here.

Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
About 35 species of mammals are found in the Periyar National Park. The major wildlife attractions in the Periyar National Park are the wild elephants, Tigers and Nilgiri Tahrs. There has been considerable increase in the population of tiger due to proper conversation. Besides these animals various other animals are also found in this park which include Gaur, Bison, Leopard, Sambar, Bear, Wild oxen, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Wild dog, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Porcupine, Squirrel and Sloth bear. Along with animals, the Periyar National Park is also the home of various reptiles and amphibians like Monitor lizards, Pythons, King cobras and Flying lizards, Frogs, toads, limbless Aeolians including the colourful Malabar gliding frogs, common Indian toads, fungoid frogs and bicoloured frogs. About 265 species of birds including the migratory birds like Darters, Cormorants, Ibises, Grey herons, Mynas, Flycatchers, Orioles, Wood pigeons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Thrushes, the great Indian hornbill, peafowl, brahminy kite, black-winged kite and Parakeets can be seen here. The Periyar lake and stream is rich with several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. Otter, the only mammal of the lake can be seen from the boat.

Jungle Safari in the Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park is the only park in India from where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. You can watch the activities of various animals by just having a walk or having a elephant ride in the Periyar National Park. You can also watch the animals from the watchtowers but only after prior permission. A guide will always accompany you during the safari in the park.

How to reach Periyar National Park
By Air:
The nearest airports are located in Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).

By Rail:
The nearest major railway junction is located in Kottayam.

By Road:
The Periyar National Park is well connected by bus service from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), as well as the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (117 km), and Madurai (140 km).