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 One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady wild life sanctuary, this place is appropriate to watch and observe the animals in their natural habitat. The forest of this sanctuary slope into the man made lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the water hole for the animals and they come here to drink or bathe. Thus one gets a good view of the animals when they come to the lake. There are Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tiger which can be spotted here. |
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How to reach |
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By Air |
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The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km). |
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By Rail |
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The nearest major rail junction is Kottayam |
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By Road |
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Periyar is well connected by road from Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), as well as the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (117 km), and Madurai (140 km). |
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Places to Visit |
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Boating on the Periyar Lake |
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A boat safari on the Periyar Lake - a nineteenth century reservioir around which the sanctuary is based - extends a life-time's chance to sport exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. This lake serves as the water hole for the animals and they come here to drink or bathe. Thus one gets a good view of the animals when they come to the lake. There are Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tiger which can be spotted here. |
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Trekking |
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Periyar is one of the few Indian reserves which allows trekking. It is another wonderful way to view the wildlife from close quarters. Early morning trekking to the jungles can be arranged. Four days trekking into the Periyar jungles with overnight tent camping can also be arranged. Trekking with a local guide familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees and flowers that are come across here. |
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Plantation Tours |
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Spices are found in abundance in Periyar. A guided Plantation tour to familiarize you with different spices and plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic etc. is a main attraction of Thekkady. |
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Kumily |
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This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is in Kumily. |
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Mangala Devi Temple |
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This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 M above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the other side of the ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. |
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Vandiperiyar |
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The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium. |
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Pullumedu |
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The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed from a jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Joythi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here. |
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Other Activities in Periyar |
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Bullock cart safari, Stay in Jungle lodge, Bamboo rafting, Border hiking, tiger trails etc. |
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