The Periyar National Park, in Kerala is acknowledged as one of the preeminent wildlife sanctuaries in India. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the fabled land of Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala around the artificially created Periyar Lake. In 1895 a dam was constructed across the Ullaperiyar River and consequently the Periyar Lake was created. The neighboring woods exhibit wildlife in plenteous thereby creating a resourceful hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Travancore. In 1978, Periyar National Park was accredited as a Project Tiger reserve. It flaunts a unique ecosystem consisting of profuse moist deciduous vegetation, intense evergreen jungle and the aquatic locale of the Periyar Lake. The Periyar Lake is indeed an inimitable and treasured wildlife resource.

The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary plays host to animals like tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur or Indian bison, many varieties of Deer, including Barking deer, Chital and Sambhar, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Covet Cat, Mongooses, Nilgiri Langur, Wild Boar and many species of Monkeys. A boat cruise on Periyar Lake is a good way to observe the herd of elephants frolicking along the banks of Periyar Lake as they drink, bathe, play and engage in mock fights. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to over 250 species of birds like black-Winged Kite, Brahminy Kite, great Indian Hornbill, Kingfisher, Darter, Cormorant, Barbet, Plover and Jacana among many others. Reptiles seen in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary include Crocodiles, Tortoises, Frogs and Snakes like King Cobras and Kraits. Stretching out over 777 sq kms, the Periyar National Sanctuary is an ideal place to feel in sync with the magic of nature’s charm enriched with its rich variety of flora and fauna.

Situated far-off from the busy cities of Kerala, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is garnished with tranquil atmosphere, refreshing air and primordial foliage promising you a refreshing holiday. The nearest Airport to Periyar National Park is Madurai in Tamilnadu, which is 143 kms away. The next is the Cochin Airport in Kerala, 200 kms away. The nearest town to Periyar is Kumily, which is 4 kms away. Regular bus service to Kumily from Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai and Cochin is available. The bus sanctioned by the forest department transports tourists to Kumily to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary every day.