Set
high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the Periyar National
Park and Tiger Reserve. It's owe its origin to the Maharaja of Travencore,
who was an avid hunter and nature lover. Spice gardens and plantation
estates surround the national park.
Fauna
Periyar's sylvan environs offer a refuge to many mammals, reptiles and
amphibians and around 320 avian species. The threatened lion-tailed Macaque
and Nilgiri Langur occur here, as does the Flying and Malabar Giant
Squirrel. The elusive Nilgiri Tahr is also present in this park. One can
watch herds of
Elephants
swimming in the Periyar Lake. This lake was constructed by the Britishers in
the year 1895 by constructing a dam across Periyar river. Now one can see
most of the wildlife around this lake by boat launches. The lake also has a
sizable population of turtles like Travancore Tortoise and the Black turtle.
Periyar is also home to
leopard,
wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, monitor lizards and a variety of snakes
and birds. The birds include darter, cormorant, grey heron, ibis, great
malabar hornbill and grey hornbill, kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well
as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the
unusual blue winged paraket and fly catchers. The animals are viewed from
motor launches on the lake and from watch tower
Flora
Due to the presence of large water bodies Periyar National Park is
birdwatcher's delight. It attracts large number of birds both resident as
well as migratory the reason being the presence of astonishingly vast flora.
The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and
evergreen ‘sholas’, the last occurring in the moist valleys and
characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with
extensive patches of grasslands. Periyar’s rich bird life includes the
Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The
Indian Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna. 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.
The
Geographic Location
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is set high in the ranges of the
Western Ghats in Kerala. The park 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. s. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of
Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay.
General Information
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve
Best time to visit : October to April
Accommodation : Lake palace, Spice Village, Taj Garden Retreat
Nearest town : Kumily (4 km)
How to get there : Rail-Kottayam (114 km), Air-Cochin (200 km) or
Madurai (TN) (140 km)
