Periyar National Park: A Travel Guide For Wildlife Lovers!

Periyar National Park otherwise known by its abbreviation PNP is one of the iconic destinations you must visit if you are travelling to the state of Kerala with the intention to explore its biodiversity and wildlife.

You can also get to see the rich areas of the Western Ghats by visiting the park. There is also a wildlife sanctuary inside it. This national park is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala, in its southern district of Idukki.

Idukki is generally a district having hills and forests all around. This rich landscape has helped the district to contain a national park inside its territory. Apart from the district of Idukki, some parts of Periyar National Park can also be seen in the neighbouring district of Pathanamthitta.

You can also get to see an Elephant and Tiger Reserve in the area of the national park. It was in the year 1982, that the area got declared as a national park by the concerned authorities.

Moreover, a lot of research fellows in the field of wildlife, botany, and so on, can be spotted in the location of the park in order to study various rare species that are about to extinct and can only be seen in the peculiar habitat of Periyar National Park. , Periyar Tiger reserve

You can also spot 2 major rivers of the state of Kerala inside this national park such as Pampa and Periyar. 

Location 

As mentioned earlier, Periyar National Park belongs to the south Indian state of Kerala. When it comes to the district, it falls in the hill station district of Idukki. Kottayam and Kochi are the nearest accessible cities to Periyar National Park.

It also shares boundaries with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. The exact geographical location of the park gets spread over two different hills such as Pandalam and Cardamom. 

Climatic Conditions

Since the national park is situated on a wild hilly landscape, cold weather is experienced most of the time in the location. During the winter months of the year, the temperature is seen falling to 15 degrees Celsius.

Scorching summers are not a thing experienced in the national park. Even during the peak of summer, 31 degrees Celsius is the highest temperature experienced here.

Rainfall is also average and sometimes above the average limit considering the other parts of the territory of Kerala. Even during the summer months, precipitation is quite common in the park region. 

Best Time To Visit Periyar National Park

October – June 

How To Reach Periyar National Park?

Nearest airport: Madurai Airport, Tamil Nadu

Nearest railway station:  Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM)

Attractions in Periyar National Park 

Periyar Tiger Trail 

Periyar Tiger Trail is one of the travellers’ favourite attractions to visit and explore inside the territory of the park. Adventure trekking is also possible in the location. You can also camp nearby if you wish to feel the wilderness of the region with much more intimacy.

A guide would also be there to accompany you while trekking. Cooking your own food while trekking the trail can also be a wholesome experience for sure. 

#DidYouKnow The guides working on the Tiger Trail at the Periyar Tiger Reserves are ex-poachers, who have now become staunch protectors of the magnificent animals. This community-based eco-tourism programme has won global appreciation. #WorldTigerDay

© Explore Kerala Tours In pic.twitter.com/Kc10LYh1V1

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) July 29, 2021

Bamboo Rafting 

Another exciting activity to indulge in while visiting Periyar National Park. The speedy streams inside the national park would rise your excitement levels while rafting.

This is absolutely an adrenaline-pumping activity to try your hands on while enjoying the beautiful green landscape around the stream. 

Clouds Walk 

This is yet another interesting tourist programme set by the government’s eco-tourism wing in the national park region.

Basically, this is a trekking experience along the Tiger Reserve region. Just like the Periyar Trekking Trail you would be accompanied by guides while trekking through the route. It might take an average of 3-4 hours to complete the activity. 

Jungle Patrol 

This would be an exciting activity you can experience without actually clearing the exams or doing the certifications.

Every night certified government professionals undertake a forest patrol and this is a golden opportunity to go with them and be part of the patrol, soaking yourself in the mystery and wilderness of the woods. This activity is done usually between the time schedule from 7 in the night to 4 in the morning. 

Jungle Camp 

If you are a fan of camping experiences, you will definitely fall in love with this activity available in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary region. You can stay on the lap of the forest with the sounds of wild animals and sweet birds accompanying you.

This is also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and vibes of the sanctuary from a close-up perspective. Some of the service providers are also seen offering trekking along with camping. 

Nearest Attractions 

Periyar Lake 

Periyar Lake is part of the river Periyar, which is the longest river in the entire territory of the state of Kerala. This lake and the river are the major sources of drinking water for a lot of people in the area.

A number of hydroelectric power projects have also been established in this particular water source. You can visit this lake region and spend some quality time with your dear and near ones. It is also a perfect destination to enjoy the beauty of nature and the landscape of the national park. 

Connemara Tea Factory 

This tea factory can be spotted in a location called Vandiperiyar nearby the national park location. You can explore a museum and gallery by visiting the location.

This would also be an educational journey for you to understand the economic history of the place that flourished through tea plantations. It also throws light upon the colonial past of the place. 

Abraham’s Spice Garden 

This is a garden visited by most of the tourists who come to see the national park. It is located in a place called Kumily, a neighbouring area to the national park. Cardamom and pepper are the major crops cultivated in this garden. 

Things To Remember While Visiting Periyar National Park 

You can plan a short vacation, but more than a weekend getaway in order to make the most out of a Periyar National Park vacation. Also make sure you do prior registrations for the activities that need the same, to not miss out on them.

Read More:

The Spice Garden Of Kerala, Idukki: Top Tourist Attractions!

Eravikulam National Park: A Diligent Travel Guide For Hikers!