Introduction

Periyar’s location close to the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu makes it an ideal base for a journey across the Western Ghats between Madurai and the coast. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread out over approx. 777 square kilometers in the dense cardamom hills region of the Western Ghats. It is a convenient base for an excursion to the cardamom hills, combined with the well-known pilgrimage centre ‘Sabarimala’, a couple of tea factories, spice plantations, and some beautiful waterfalls along the way. About 350 square kilometers of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary forming the core region was declared a National Park in 1982.

Nestled at an altitude with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degree Celsius, the park skirts a serene artificial lake, the Periyar Lake. Wildlife excursions can be taken up either on elephant back or by trekking into the lush cardamom wilderness with a nature guide in tow. But the most sought after way of wildlife viewing is a steamer cruise on the Periyar Lake past protruding bare tree limbs, while looking out for elephant herds by the water’s edge, sambhars peeking from a thicket, wild boars running amok, and if you are lucky, the Great Indian Tiger languishing in a clearing of the forest. Always keep your binoculars handy, you could spot a blue-winged parakeet or a solitary kingfisher perched on an ancient tree limb jutting out of the lake. Of birds, you stand a chance of spotting Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied tree pie, laughing thrushes and flycatchers to name a few. For a closer look at the wildlife a trek into the park is highly recommended – you will be shown the more remote reaches of the forest, and might spot the elusive Malabar flying squirrel or the strip-necked mongoose!

It was in 1899, the cardamom jungle around the lake was declared as Periyar Lake Reserve. And in 1934, the sanctuary came to be known as Nellikkampetty Sanctuary. It was also included in the Project Tiger in 1979. Within the park, sambhar, Indian bison and wild boar form the prey of the Great Indian tiger - the cattle fringe area forming the prey base.

A trek or boat cruise into the depths of the Periyar forest opens up tranquil views of the mirror-still lake disturbed only by an occasional ripple from a rising fish, the verdant wilderness curving on either side, and a clear sapphire sky reflected in the waters. And you will feel a calm too overpowering, to the extent of being therapeutic.

The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle, the timings for which are: 1000 to 1700 hours. The duration of a trip is 30 minutes at Rs 30 per person. You can collect your tickets from the wildlife information counter (Tel: 91-486-322028).

The starting point of your excursion to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the boat house, about 2 kilometers from the entry gate, from where all treks, boat rides and walks begin. Tourists can register for trekking and other activities at the Eco-tourism Centre, near the boat house. To suit your requirement boats of varying capacities are maintained by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Kerala Forest Department. Such motorboats can be hired for a 2-hour cruise, an easy option for sighting wildlife. Boat timings are: 0700 hours, 0930 hours, 1130 hours, 1400 hours, 1600 hours. KTDC boating charge for the upper deck is Rs 110 and lower deck Rs 55, and Rs 350 for a trip on a small 2-seater boat.

Special Attributes

The setting of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary makes it a unique wildlife excursion, unlike any you have experienced before.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

 Carry a lot of light cotton clothing for summer, and in winter a layer of woolen suffices.

Connectivity

You can take a bus to Kumily either from Kottayam (about 4 hours) or Ernakulam (approx. 6 hours). At the Kumily bus stop, there are ample minibuses to take you to the park. Local transport such as auto-rickshaw takes you to your hotel of stay in Thekkady.

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens, Backpackers, Kids, Honeymooners

Exposure

The climate is really pleasant in this part of Kerala. The sky is mostly overcast, allowing you to enjoy your time viewing wildlife in the sanctuary.

Avoidable Season

July, August, September

Facilities

The park offers boating, trekking and elephant rides. Besides, there are two watchtowers within the sanctuary for wildlife viewing.

Things Not Allowed

If you are trekking inside the park, you will not be allowed to carry any food items.

Tip

Wear your trekking shoes, carry prescribed medicine and flashlight. A pair of binoculars and camera are intrinsic to enhance the experience. Though, you are advised to carry your own binoculars as those on hire are generally of poor quality.

Type of site

National Park, Tiger Reserve