Periyar

Periyar Wildlife, jungle safari, beautiful lake and boat cruises. Periyar is undoubtedly the ultimate destination to have a thrilling time.

Introduction

Periyar in Kerala’s Idukki District is famous for its distinctive wildlife and natural beauty. Located in the high ranges of the Western Ghats and spread in an area of 777 sq km, the place is very rich in vegetation. Out of this, its 350 sq km area is notified as Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve. It is a perfect retreat for people looking for adventure, wildlife, nature and thrill. The calm surroundings of Periyar are going to leave you spellbound. An ideal destination, Periyar is simply a heaven on earth offering so many things to explore.

Places to explore

Periyar National Park

The park is a protected wildlife reserve for elephants and tigers. It is home to many endangered and endemic flora and fauna. Rich in biodiversity, the park has got a unique charm, and is surrounded by the scenic Periyar Lake. This artificial lake, formed with the construction of a dam, functions as a source of water for wildlife. The Periyar Tiger Reserve, one amongst the 27 tiger reserves in India, provides shelter to 265 species of birds, 12 species of amphibians, 49 species of mammals, 160 species of butterflies, 35 species of fishes and 36 species of reptiles. It is a haven for mammals like gaur, sambar, mouse deer, dholes (Indian wild dogs), mongoose and nilgiri langur; whereas the birdlife mainly includes cormorants, great malabar hornbill, kingfishers, darters and racket-tailed drongoes. You may see a python and sometimes a king cobra while exploring the reserve. With many shades of nature and wildlife available here, tourists get one of the best lifetime experiences here.

Boat Cruises

The wilderness of Periyar can be best seen through boat cruises on Periyar Lake. People flock the lake to get the glimpse of sambars, elephants and wild boars. Renting a boat is preferred in case you are touring with a group. The chances of seeing wildlife increase in summer season as animals come often to the lake in search of water. Rose billed roller, ratchet-tailed durango, osprey and Ceylon frog-mouth are few rare species of birds often seen by tourists here. Apart from boat rides, bamboo raft rides are also there.

Jungle safari

One can also catch the wildlife in Periyar National Park by opting for elephant safari. While exploring the woods, a lot of exciting moments await visitors. The lush greenery scattered all over the park fills one’s heart with immense joy. Another interesting activity waiting for you is jeep safari. The dense woodlands of Periyar with a wide variety of flora and fauna give you an amazing experience during a jeep safari allowing you to watch the wildlife very closely.

Spice Plantations and Tea Gardens

The spice plantations and tea gardens in Periyar attract tourists from India as well as abroad. Take a stroll to the spice plantations of Murikkady. You will get captivated by the pungent and alluring aroma of spices scattered all over the area. Over 12 varieties of spices are cultivated which consist of cardamom, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, clove and nutmeg. A visit to the hillsides of Murikkady covered with lush green tea gardens is absolutely refreshing one. Here, you can also go to various factories which are involved in the processing of tea and spices. There are arrangements for visitors’ stay in beautiful cottages near tea estates. Your day is completely made when you are served with morning tea made of finest leaves imbuing exotic aroma.

Spring Valley Mountain

Also known as Kurisumala among locals, the Spring Valley Mountain is an extremely popular tourist destination. It is a beautiful hummock providing ideal trails for trekking. The hill provides panoramic views of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as well as of the stunning Periyar Lake. One can also visit the church located on the hilltop.

Accommodation

There are luxury hotels in Periyar offering comfy stay. These hotels, with all modern amenities, ensure a pleasant stay with nature’s touch. Surrounded by the famous Cardamom Hills, Hotel Spice Village is considered the best hotel in Periyar. A fine example of traditional Kerala architecture, the hotel comes with 52 well-furnished private cottages (AC & non AC). This charming hotel offers facilities such as swimming pool, tennis & badminton courts, ayurveda centre, conference hall, games room, multi cuisine, etc. It also has a spice garden which makes the air pleasant and aromatic. Adjacent to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the hotel is committed towards use of ecological methods to provide matchless hospitality.

Elephant Court, a premium luxury hotel, promises excellent services and style. It is known for its magnificent interiors and beautiful antique furniture. The suites and rooms come with balconies/patios, sitting areas and desks, coffee/tea-making facilities, TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, library, spa and yoga club. Guests going for upgraded options get to enjoy whirlpool tubs/private pools.

Likewise, Kofiland Resort offers a comfortable stay with amazing memories to cherish. Ideal for leisure travellers, this boutique resort gives you a chance to view the enchanting beauty of a lake and plush greenery from your room. You can avail all contemporary facilities offered by the resort such as outdoor amphitheatre, business centre, health club, multi-cuisine restaurant, reading room and curio shop along with others. Elegantly decorated rooms with attached bathroom and Jacuzzi ensure guests out-and-out relaxation.

As its name suggests, Greenwoods Resort is set amidst the beautiful woods near Periyar. It is one of the best resorts in Kerala providing absolute stay to leisure and business travellers. Each day spent here is full of complete relaxation. Here you get to pamper yourself with the high-end facilities provided by the resort.  

Shopping

The exotic spices top the list when it comes to shopping in Periyar. Handicraft items such as sandalwood and rosewood sculptures, jute and bamboo products have many takers here. There are speciality nature shops where organic/eco-friendly products are available. One also finds a wide range of antique goods like household utensils, furniture, kitchenware and traditional lamps. Getting there

By Air: Cochin, nearest airport at 136 km

By Rail: Kottayam, nearest railway station at 114 km

By Road: State-run and private buses regularly ply from Kottayam, Munnar, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin to Periyar.

Preferable time to go: October to February is the best time to visit when the weather remains pleasant in Periyar. However, to get the best view of wildlife, summer season from March to June is recommended when animals especially elephants come to the lake to drink water.

Periyar - Encompassing pristine beauty and thrill

Blessed with nature’s bounty, Periyar is a picturesque place to enjoy wildlife and serene environs.