Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Pachyderms and their kinds.......
Talking of wild life there is manifestation of innumerable identities and synonyms, but the elephants command special attention here, as if they come down to settle here. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favourite haunt for frolicking in the water. Scores of them can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. Today the Sanctuary boasts of having 100 species of butterflies and 240 birds and 700 elephants. A walk on the jungle trails tells it all. Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

See N do
Activities and excitement teemed with beastly dates constitute the enjoyment component of your vacation. People oriented and park centered community based eco-tourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programs are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. Replete with limitless and danger to follow your kind o choice is your wish. Select your type....

Sail and See
There is no other best way to see Periyar than boating. Pass through the creeks, promontories, small islets that houses many wildlife species.

Walking with wilds
Walk to know more and tracing the paseo is an idea unsurpassed as well as a good opportunity to spot birds and butterflies and occasionally large animals too. Anyways there is a company of a trained tribal guide for each group.

Jungle Unleashed - Bullock Cart
You may feel like transmitted to a completely different era while in a different bullock cart, traversing to the to farms on the jungle tracks.

A raft on Bamboo
A one day pro gramme it includes trekking through different habitats scouting you to inside the forest and back to the trek.

Tribal Heritage Tour
Besides a tour through the village where Mannans- one of the oldest groups to inhabit the forest here-live, visitors can get a glimpse of tribal culture during a visit to the Tribal Heritage Museums and trip to the rituals of the Mannans.

Bamboo Grove
There is a cool option where you can stay in the bamboo huts made exclusively with natural materials. You can boat or trek here according their needs and choice.

Periyar Tiger Trail
This includes two days programmes to be taken only by the medically fit persons. It is conducted by the poacher turned protectors consisting of 25-30 kms of trek with armed guards of the jungle. The best part of the Programmes is not only the fact that you get a chance to see and hear stories but also get to hear a scary jungle stories from the former poachers.

Essential Facts

• September to March is the best time, when you can enjoy greenery without the accompanying rains. If you are a bird-watcher, this is the time to spot migrant birds.
• Board the flight at Cochin International Airport, wheeze to Kochi from Kottayam Junction and drive on the NH220 that links Salem to Theni Via Kottayam.
• Wildlife/Forest Dept Offices- Deputy Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady-6855536.