The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in Kerala. This park is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. This park is surrounded by an artificial Periyar lake. This lake was formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river and covers an area of 55 square km. This lake, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, however became an excellent wildlife sanctuary. In 1978, Periyar was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger.

Periyar national park covers an area of 777 square km, out of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. The terrain ranges from lush tropical moist deciduous forests to the hilly and flat grassland areas. The vegetation is of moist evergreen type. This national park is known for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty and attracts visitors from all over the world. The best time to visit the park is from October to June.  

The Periyar National Park is a home of 1965 flowering plants including 171 species of grass and 143 species of orchids. The only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus and the rare orchid Habeneria periyarancis is also found here. About 35 species of mammals are found in the Periyar National Park. The major wildlife attractions in the Periyar National Park are the wild elephants, Tigers and Nilgiri Tahrs. There has been considerable increase in the population of tiger due to proper conversation. Besides these animals various other animals are also found in this park which include Gaur or bison, Leopards, Sambar, Bear, Wild oxen, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Wild dog,

Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Porcupine, Squirrels and Sloth bear. Along with animals, the Periyar National Park is also the home of various reptiles and amphibians like Monitor lizards, Pythons, King cobras and Flying lizards, Frogs, toads, limbless Aeolians including the colourful Malabar gliding frogs, common Indian toads, fungoid frogs and bicoloured frogs. Besides animals and reptiles, various migratory and resident species of birds are also the major attraction of Thekkady. About 265 species of birds including the migratory birds like Darters, Cormorants, Ibises, Grey herons, Mynas, Flycatchers, Orioles, Wood pigeons, Kites, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Thrushes and Parakeets can be seen here. The Periyar lake and stream are rich with several species of fish including the masher, the famous and endangered game fish of India. Otter, the only mammal of the lake can be seen from the boat.