Kerala, southwest of Indian peninsula is a state that is often referred to as ‘God’s own country’. Blessed with diversified flora and fauna along with the innumerable beaches, backwaters and hill station, Kerala is undoubtedly a paradise for the tour lovers. This emerald piece of land on the lap of Western Ghats has several tourist hotspots. Periyar, also known as Thekaddy is one of the major tourist destinations in the southern most part of India. Periyar in Kerala is reputed for the Periyar National Park.

Periyar is a protected area that was designated as Project Tiger Nature Reserve on the hilly ranges of Western Ghats bordering Tamil Nadu. Periyar lying in between the districts of Idduki and Pathanamthitta has its core zone demarcated into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. At times this national park is also called as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala.

Periyar National Park is a breath-taking and captivating wildlife sanctuary that was given the status of a sanctuary in the year 1934; in 1978 it earned the credit of being the sole Tiger Project reserve in Kerala. Periyar National Park is home to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects. Mighty herbivore, elephant resides in close contact with the ferocious carnivore, tiger. They find partners in different species of deer, porcupines, monitor lizards, snakes, mongoose bison and wild boar. Innumerable species of birds like cormorants, kingfishers, great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes grace the sanctuary along with colorful variety of butterflies. Sparsely available species Nilgiri Tahr is only to be seen in Periyar wildlife sanctuary. The Periyar National Park is the elephants’ haven and the Periyar Lake is their favorite nook for fun and frolic. The picturesque Periyar Lake and river meandering through the contours of the wildlife sanctuary is a perennial source of water for the several herbivores and carnivores.

Schedule your trip to Periyar wild life sanctuary in the months of December to January; though months ranging from October to June can be opted for. If you plan a summer trip to Periyar you can see elephants and deers in herds. There are several wildlife tours in Periyar National Park which can be availed with prior arrangements and permission from the forest department of Kerala. At Periyar National park you can go for boat ride or trekking or visit the ancient temple of Mangla Devi. Wildlife photography, bird watching and several other activities is sure to give you ultimate thrill and excitement in one of the oldest national park in India.