Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala in SW India. The centre piece of Periyar National 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 tree trunks still jut out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of 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 bird life 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.

Situated at cool altitudes with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C, the park centers on a vast artificial lake The Periyar Lake. In 1899, the forest around the Lake was declared as Periyar Lake Reserve. In 1934 the sanctuary came to be known as Nellikkampetty Sanctuary. It was included into the Tiger Project in 1979. Sambhar, Indian Bison and Wild Boar are prey animals of Tiger. Cattle fringe area, however, forms the prey base.

Boat cruises on the lake are the best way to explore the park. There are boat services, which will take you around the lake. You can also indulge in trekking and elephant rides in the sanctuary. The tours to the natural world will be guided tours.

Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers.

How to Reach :

Air : The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).

Rail : The nearest major rail junction is Kottayam.

Road : Well connected by bus service to the major cities
 

Best Time to Visit :

The best Time to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from December to January.