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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 kms, out of which 360 square kms are covered by thick
evergreen forest. The boat cruise on the lake is the best way
to view the wildlife in the reserve. The best time to visit
the Periyar National Park is from October to May.
Vegetation in the Periyar National Park
The terrain ranges from lush tropical moist deciduous forests
to the hilly and flat grassland areas in the Periyar National
Park. The vegetation is of moist evergreen type. The Periyar
National Park is known for its geomorphology, diversity of
wildlife and scenic beauty and attracts visitors from all over
the world. 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. The savannah grasslands on the upper slopes,
dense evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, moist
deciduous forests are found in the region. The moist deciduous
forests occur interspersed with grasslands around the lake and
along the slopes on the north. The grasslands occur around the
lake and on the islets. The plantations of Tea, cardamom,
clove, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin, garlic and
star anise can also be seen here.
Wildlife and Birds in Periyar National Park
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, Bison,
Leopard, Sambar, Bear, Wild oxen, Wild boar, Spotted deer,
Wild dog, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet
macaque, Porcupine, Squirrel 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. About 265 species
of birds including the migratory birds like Darters,
Cormorants, Ibises, Grey herons, Mynas, Flycatchers, Orioles,
Wood pigeons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Thrushes, the great Indian
hornbill, peafowl, brahminy kite, black-winged kite and
Parakeets can be seen here. The Periyar lake and stream is
rich with several species of fish including the masheer, the
famous and endangered game fish of India. Otter, the only
mammal of the lake can be seen from the boat.
Jungle Safari in the Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park is the only park in India from where
you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at
close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. You can
watch the activities of various animals by just having a walk
or having a elephant ride in the Periyar National Park. You
can also watch the animals from the watchtowers but only after
prior permission. A guide will always accompany you during the
safari in the park.
How to reach Periyar National Park
By Air:
The nearest airports are located in Cochin (200 km) and
Madurai (140 km).
By Rail:
The nearest major railway junction is located in Kottayam.
By Road:
The Periyar National Park is well connected by bus service
from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), as well
as the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (117 km), and
Madurai (140 km). |
