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Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park

Location: Kerala

Main Wildlife Attractions: Tiger, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, Barking Deer,Elephants, Gaur, Wild Pigs,

Coverage Area: 305 sq.kms

Established: 1982

Best Time to Visit:November to February

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Periyar National Park in Kerala is a protected wildlife reserve. The area covering 350 sq km right in the middle of serene Periyar Lake was declared as a National Park in the year 1982. The National Park is situated right at the heart of Pandalam Hills and Cardamom Hills of Southern Western Ghats.



How to reach Periyar National Park

By Air

Madurai Airport at a distance of 140 km is the closest airport to the protected forests.

By Rail

Kottayam Railway Station, located at a distance of 114 km from Periyar National Park, is closest in proximity.

By Road

Periyar National Park can be reached easily by road from major cities including Kottayam (100 km), Madurai (110 km), Kochi (120 km) and Kumily (4 km).



Periyar National Park in Kerala is a protected wildlife reserve. The area covering 350 sq km right in the middle of the serene Periyar Lake was declared a national park in 1982. It is located in the Pandalam Hills and Cardamom Hills of the Southern Western Ghats.

What is Periyar National Park in Kerala known for?

Periyar National Park is famous for Asian Elephants.

Where is Periyar National Park located?

Periyar National Park is located in the Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts of the South Indian state of Kerala.

What is the best time to visit the National Park?

Periyar National Park remains open for most of the year. The best season to visit is during the winter months of November to February, as the weather remains pleasant. However, the aroma of wet mud during the monsoon season uniquely appeals to the national park, even though a lot of wildlife is not spotted at this time. Elephants searching for water come out during the summer months of March to June; hence, for the best wildlife viewing, summer is the best time to visit Periyar Tiger Reserve.

What are the opening and closing hours of the national park?

  • General Timings: 06:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day
  • Boat Safaris: 07.30 AM – 09:00 AM, 09.30 AM – 11:00 AM, 11.15 AM - 12.45 PM, 01.45 PM - 03.15 PM and 03.30 PM – 05:00 PM
  • Guided Nature Walks: 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM; 2:00 PM to 5:00 hours
  • Border Hike and Bamboo Rafting: 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM

What are the charges inside the National Park?

  • 45 per person for Indian Adult
  • 15 per person for Indian Child
  • 500 per person for Foreigner Adult
  • 180 per person for Foreigner Child
  • 38 for Still Camera
  • 300 for Video Camera
  • 150 for Boat Safari (above 11 years of age)
  • 50 for boat safari (below 11 years of age)

Note: The fee prices are liable to change without prior notice.

History of Periyar National Park

The Periyar lake reserve was created as a result of the Mullaperiyar dam's construction in the twelfth century. The Maharaja of Travancore, Balarama Varma, made the area a private game reserve to prevent the encroachment of tea plantations in the area because this artificial body of water helped several species of flora and animals to grow here organically. The sanctuary was designated as a wildlife reserve in 1950, the year India underwent political unification. The park was established as a tiger reserve in 1978, and it became a national park in 1982.

What are the major attractions in and around the park?

  • Kumily: For enjoying the tranquil surroundings of spice plantations in Kerala, the town of Kumily, located just at a distance of 4 km from Periyar, is the best option.
  • Cardamom Hills: The stunning cardamom hills are a must-visit when on tour to Periyar.
  • Boat Cruises: The best way to traverse the protected forests is by availing of the boat cruises across the Periyar Sanctuary.

What kinds of accommodation facilities are available at Periyar National Park?

The best accommodations suitable for all kinds of tourists visiting Periyar National Park are the wildlife resorts or wildlife lodges situated at a very convenient distance from the wildlife sanctuary. All these lodges and resorts can plan boat safaris or jeep safaris inside the forest for those who stay there.

Also, tourists have an adventurous time staying in these guest houses as they are all located amidst the Cardamom Hills' serene surroundings. Also, one could constantly hear the sounds of wildlife with a stay so close to the forests.

All the requirements are fulfilled at wildlife resorts in Periyar. Some of the best lodges recommended include Jungle Village Resort, Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, Hotel S N International, Hotel Tree Top, Lake Palace Hotel, and Highland Resorts Idukki.

How to Reach Periyar National Park?

  • By Air

Madurai Airport, at a distance of 140 km, is the closest airport to the protected forests.

  • By Rail

Kottayam Railway Station, located at a distance of 114 km from Periyar National Park, is the closest in proximity.

  • By Road

Periyar National Park can be reached easily by road from major cities, including Kottayam (100 km), Madurai (110 km), Kochi (120 km), and Kumily (4 km).

Check out these useful tips on a tour of Periyar National Park National Park

  • Forest officials will not tolerate teasing, harming, or hurting flora and fauna species.
  • No weapons should be taken along when traversing the forest.
  • One is not allowed to drive their private vehicle inside the Forestforest.
  • The best chance to see the wildlife is during the early morning boat safari at 7.30 a.m.
  • Since crowds increase on Saturdays and Sundays, weekend tours must be avoided.
  • It is essential to charge your cameras and keep an extra pair of batteries so that you can click pictures.
  • Patience is a virtue if you wish to spot animals inside the park.

If you are planning to visit Kerala, then you must check out our Periyar National park tour packages.