Periyar National Park, located in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala, India, is a stunning protected area encompassing 925 square kilometers (357 square miles). The park is most famous for being a tiger and elephant reserve, but it's home to a much wider variety of flora and fauna.
The park is centered around the Periyar Lake, a man-made lake formed by the Periyar Dam in 1895. The lake is a beautiful place to boat, offering visitors a chance to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and wild boar.
The park is also a great place for trekking and jungle safaris. There are a number of trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats. Visitors can also take a jeep safari into the park, where they may be able to see tigers, leopards, and other wild animals.
The town of Kumily, located just outside the park, is a great place to stay while visiting Periyar National Park. There are a number of hotels, resorts, and homestays in Kumily, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
Here are some of the things to do in Periyar National Park:
- Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake Boat ride, Periyar National Park, India
- Go on a jeep safari
- Hike through the forest
- Visit a spice plantation
- Visit a tea plantation
- See a Kathakali performance - a classical dance drama form of Kerala Kathakali performance, Kerala, India
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the animals are more likely to be out and about.
Getting to Periyar National Park is relatively easy. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu, which is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the park. There are also regular trains and buses to Kumily from major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.