Being
set in the high ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Periyar is spread in
a tropical forest area, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen and
characterized by tall trees, and a closed canopy. Periyar boasts of a rich
bird life, animal life and plant life.
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve has a picturesque lake at the
heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this
reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a
perennial source of water for the local wildlife. You may even get a glimpse
of the tiger during this season. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of
Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay. Spice
gardens and plantation estates surround the national park.
Sightseeing at Periyar -
Wildlife : The Periyar region is mostly tropical; a mixture of
deciduous, semi-evergreen forests. On your tour to Periyar you can visit the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The region offers a refuge to
many mammals, reptiles and amphibians and around 320 avian species. 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.
Kumily : The main attractions at Periyar include Kumily, a
plantation town closely associated with Thekkady. It is situated on the
outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping center and
spice trade center, the main bus station and most of the medium range
accommodation in the Periyar region is found in Kumily.
Murikkady : Another important place of visit is Murikkady which is a
panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi : Pandikuzhi is one of the popular picnic spots of
Periyar, situated between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border.
Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best bet to explore the wilds
of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Today the Periyar Lake presents an excellent
boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from
the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer
by the water's edge.
Cradomom Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points
from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills.
Reaching Periyar -
Air : The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai
(140 km).
Rail : The nearest major rail junction is Kottayam.
Road : The 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).
Shopping in Periyar -
In Kumily, close to Periyar, you will find majority of souvenir/craft
shops. The best buys are - Silk scarves and paintings, jewelery, ornaments
and trinkets.
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Periyar Attractions
