Periyar Travel Guide

Periyar is every nature lover’s dream travel destination! This protected forest region in Kerala is popular for its rich biodiversity, scenic lakes, sprawling greenery, and thriving population of endangered species. Be it a walk through the jungle or exploring mysterious temples like Mangala Devi Shrine, the place has everything to keep you excited! This Periyar Travel Guide is all you need to plan your next vacation to Kerala’s well-kept secret.

Why Visit The Place?

• Unique Wildlife Encounters – Periyar takes you closer to wildlife like tigers, elephants, bison, deer, monkeys, and bird species.

• Lush Plantations – You can walk through organic farms and purchase fresh spices like cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg.

• Eco-tourism experiences – The Kerala Forest Department focuses on low-impact exploration to spread awareness about wildlife conservation. You can participate in their programs like bamboo rafting, night patrols, and nature walks.

• Pleasant Year-Round Climate – Thanks to its elevation, Periyar remains cooler than much of Kerala even in Summer.

• Tribal Connections – It’s your best chance to engage with indigenous traditions through village visits, handicraft shopping, or performances rooted in the local tribal heritage

What Are The Top Places to Visit?

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 900 sq. km and is one of India’s most well-managed tiger reserves. It’s known for its rich biodiversity, and is home to tigers, elephants, sambar deer, and over 260 species of birds. The sanctuary also supports important conservation programs under Project Tiger and Project Elephant.

2. Periyar River

This is Kerala’s longest river that originates from the Sivagiri Hills in the Western Ghats. Although it flows mainly through central Kerala, its upper course passes through the Periyar Reserve area, contributing to the lake system and supporting the region’s biodiversity. It plays a vital role in irrigation and hydroelectric projects too!

3. Spice Gardens

There are several state-owned and private Spice Gardens in Periyar. All the crops are grown using sustainable and eco-friendly practices. You can indulge in a guided tour to see traditional pressing methods and the sprawling crops across the hilly region.

4. Mullaperiyar Dam

The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed in 1895 and is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It diverts the water from the Periyar River eastward to Tamil Nadu. It’s one of India’s oldest functioning gravity dams and remains a key point of discussion in Kerala-Tamil Nadu water-sharing debates.

5. Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple

The Mangala Devi Temple is present deep within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at an altitude of 1337 meters. Constructed with ancient stone architecture, it is believed to be 1000 years old. Dedicated to Kannagi, a legendary Tamil heroine, the temple is open to the public only once a year during the Chitra Pournami festival.

Local Experiences and Activities in Periyar

1. Educational Tour at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

• A protected reserve where you can see tigers, elephants, and endemic species

• Take part in eco-tourism programs like nature walk, and bamboo rafting in the Periyar River

• Great for birdwatching and landscape photography

2. Boating on Periyar Lake

• Best for viewing Wildlife by boat within the sanctuary

• High chance of spotting elephants, sambar deer, and birds

• Scenic, forested lake surroundings add to the thrill of boating

• Safe and eco-regulated by the forest department

• Multiple daily time slots are available for boating trips

3. Spice Plantation Tours

• Explore working farms in the Cardamom Hills

• Get guided tours with expert insights about traditional spice processing methods and organic cultivation practices.

• You can buy fresh, farm-direct spices

4. Try Local Kerala Cuisine

• Try traditional meals like sadhya (vegetarian banana leaf meal), fish curry, and puttu

• Go to restaurants offering tribal-style food

• Food places have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options with rich flavours

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Periyar is during the tourist peak season from October to February (winter).

How to Reach Periyar?

• By Air: The nearest airports are Madurai Airport (154 km) and Cochin International Airport (165 km). From here, you can avail of taxi services and private transfers to Periyar.

• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kottayam (110 km). It’s well-connected to cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Chennai. From Kottayam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Periyar via Kumily.

• By Road: Periyar is accessible via Kumily. You can drive or take a KSRTC bus from Kochi (165 km), Madurai (140 km), Kottayam (110 km), or Thiruvananthapuram (205 km). NH183 and NH185 connect these routes efficiently.

What are the festivals and events that happen in Periyar?

Chitra Pournami Festival (April – May)

The festival is celebrated annually at the Mangala Devi Temple. People from Kerala and Tamil Nadu arrive to offer prayers and do rituals at the religious abode of the Goddess. The local trial communities also take part, performing special poojas within the protected forest reserve. You need to take permission from the forest department to reach the temple during this time.

Tribal Dance Events During Onam (August – September)

Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival that celebrates the harvest and homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. During this time, the Forest Department organises several events that showcase dance forms like Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and tribal performances.