Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary in the south of India and attracts a large number of wildlife lovers each year. The sanctuary covers an area of 777 square kilometers. The sanctuary was established as a Tiger Project and was declared a reserve forest in 1978. Periyar National Park is located in the south Indian state of Kerala. The nearest city to the park is Madurai which is at a distance of 140 kilometers and Kochi at a distance of 200 kilometers. Buses and taxis services are available from both Madurai and Kochi that takes to the border of the park. The nearest railway station is Kottayam and is 120 kilometers away apart from Madurai and Kochi.

The sanctuary is located around the Periyar Lake and is bound by grasslands and swampy marshlands and is an ideal place for animal lovers. The bottom of the hills filled with forests, a man made lake serves as a place for animals to relax and drink their fill. Various animals like Elephants, Gaur and Tigers are spotted there. Bird species include Darters, Kingfishers, Cormorants and racket tail Drongoes are found. Rare species of reptiles like Monitor Lizards, Python and King Cobra can be found in the upper reaches of the hills. The fresh and moist air of the forests gives a feeling of peace and longing for more. Other than Elephants and Tigers the Periyar sanctuary includes Gaur, Sambar, Wild Pigs, Barking Deer, Dole and Mouse Deer. The lion tailed Macaque that is rare in other parts of the world is found in Periyar wildlife sanctuary apart from Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Common Langur. Birds like Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, white bellied tree pie, laughing thrushes and flycatchers. During the tours to Periyar National Park exciting boat cruises in Periyar Lake is available. Check out for more animal species during Periyar Wildlife Tour.