Periyar Kerala

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is one of India's best National Parks. The Periyar National Park is a scenic attraction and has an abundant population of wild animals and birds. You can see the tropical forests of Kerala and their unique wildlife when you travel to Periyar, India.

A unique feature of the Periyar National Park is the large lake surrounded by dense forest. Created by the construction of a dam across the Periyar River, the resulting artificial Periyar Lake attracted many species of wildlife to its thickly forested banks. The Periyar Lake covers an area of 55 sq Km and is a perennial source of water for the animals of Periyar National Park. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary covers an area of over 770 sq Kilometers and is home to many species of birds and animals, which you will see when you travel to Periyar, India.

Periyar is famous for herds of Indian elephants that can be seen along the banks of the Periyar Lake. Usually seen in sociable groups, led by an older female elephant, these gentle giants come down to the edge of the lake to drink and bathe in the water. The sight of the elephants of Periyar playfully splashing each other and jostling along the lakeside is an enchanting sight. You can take a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake and see the animals along the bank of the lake from a short distance away, so the animals are not disturbed and you can see them in their natural surroundings.

Among the species of animals and birds seen at Periyar National Park are the tiger, leopard, Gaur or Indian Bison, many kinds of deer, mongoose, squirrels, including Malabar Flying Squirrels and small mammals. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a bird watchers delight with over 250 species of birds found here. Some of the bird species, which you will see when you travel to Periyar India, are tree pies, bee eaters, barbets, thrushes, parakeets and Nilgiri wood pigeons. Kingfishers, cormorants and fishing eagles can be seen along the Periyar Lake.

There are a number of hotels and resorts near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, so you can find excellent accommodation when you visit Kerala and travel to Periyar India. Periyar is easily accessible from Trivandrum and Cochin in Kerala India. The best time to visit Periyar is from October to March.