The Periyar National Park is simply spectacular. Aptly called the land of blare, trumpet and song, this forest of flowing river, blue waters as well as teak and sal variegated glades is a world to Asian Elephants, where unexpected sights and sounds present themselves at almost every turn. Set in the hills of the western ghats in the state of Kerala, Periyar National Park is also a popular Tiger Reserve. Also known as Thekkady, it is one of the oldest protected areas in the country. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary, formed by the building of a dam towards the end of the last century in 1895. The reservoir of this dam passes through the wooded hills and is a perennial source of water for wildlife. Periyar is gloriously rich in an amazing variety of fascinating wildlife, ideally characterized by a unique and pristine ecological system. The best time to plan out the trip to Periyar National Park lies between the month of September to March.
Flora of Periyar National Park :
The rich flora of Periyar National Park comprises of Moist Deciduous Forest. Tropical Evergreen Forests and Semi Evergreen forests. The marshy areas near the edges of the lake and other water bodies are full of tall grasslands, making the region one of the richest habitat for some of the rare and endangered species. The thick vegetation in the park comprises of succulent shoots and grasses. The major trees in the park include the Teak, Rosewood, Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar and Bamboo among many others.
Fauna of Periyar National Park :
Periyar is one of the finest habitat of the Asian elephants. Large herds, with the baby elephants elephants roaming in th park can be spotted quite easily. Apart from Gaur, Sambar, Wild pigs, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog, Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, Gee's Common Langur are the other attractions of the park. There are estimated 40 Tigers in the Periyar National Park. The lake inside the park also attracts lot of bird life – darters, grey herons and cormorants and the great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill.
Things to See and Do :
Cruising :
Taking an boat ride in the park is an experience in itself, you may get the chance to view the large herds of elephants or even the tigers and the thrill is even greater. The reservoir itself has many creeks and islets that serve as the habitat for the wide variety of wildlife. Make you bookings at the Forest Department well in advance, as the park conducts limited number of boat trips and they get fully booked very soon. The boats that ply here are run either by the Forest Department or the Kerala Tourism Development Cooperation.
Elephant Safari :
The elephant safari at the Periyar National Park in the early hours of the morning will unfold before you a lucrative chance to spot the tigers or the hundred of rare species of the birds near the river area. Clambering onto an elephant at an elevation of 9-10 ft, makes you comfortable as well as gives the feel of the royal era like the Rajas and Maharajas. It also gives you the chance to film the wilds with your digital handycam. Elephant Safari will help you rid you mind of its clutter and your body of its comatose.
Bamboo Rafting :
The area around the river and Tiger Reserve is ideal for trekking. This programme mainly involves involves rafting that lasts for approximately three hours. It starts at the boat landing at 8 am, the forests officials take you inside the jungle for a trek and than back to your raft to sail back in the evening. Charges for this programme is Rs 1000 per person.
Periyar Tiger Trailing :
There are some tourists that visit the park especially for spotting the tigers. Trailing the tiger while taking the elephant safari is something a wildlife enthusiast crave for. But you need to be patient, as you may not be lucky to sight a tiger but you may certainly hear a roar or see his pugmarks. The thrill and adventure of Tiger spotting will keep you fascinated and excited through out the tour. But keep in mind that only the medically fit and people those in the age of 16-65 age group can take part in it.
Tour to the Cardomom Hills :
Tourists can take a excursion trip to the Cardomom hills. Pristine environment, scented tea gardens and spectacular mountain valleys is what makes Cardamom Hills a must visit. Visitors can make a visi to the Connemara Tea Factory, where you get the chance to witness tea leaf processing at the factory. Besides that you can also visit the tribal villages where Mannans, one of the oldest tribal groups lives.
