Kerala Tourism
Periyar Tourism Photo Gallary
Periyar Travel Guide
Periyar, located in the lap of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a marvelous place with plush greenery, placid waters, and exotic wildlife. Known for its verdant beauty and adventure, it is famous for the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, where nature and adventure attract tourists from around the globe. Whether it's a boat ride on the beautiful lake of Periyar or a trek through lush green forests, the destination promises to be a very unique experience. Adding to all this is the spice plantation that fills the air with the sweet scent of cardamom and pepper. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and peace-seekers.
Periyar is actually a treasure trove in terms of natural beauty as well as cultural diversity. Within Periyar is found the world-renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses great herds of elephants, Bengal tigers, and a diverse array of plants and animals. It is one of the rare places in India where one can take a safari in a boat, floating through serene waters while observing animals in their habitat. The jungle treks, bamboo rafting, or camping in the wild are some of the top things to do for adventure lovers.
Its spice plantations and tea gardens offer a chance to experience where some of the famous spices of Kerala come from. Pullumedu, with rolling green hills and pristine landscapes, adds to the Periyar's charm. The quietude of the Periyar Lake and the Periyar River makes this destination even more ideal for rejuvenation. A little something for every traveler makes Periyar a gem to be visited in Kerala.
Periyar has an enormous number of places to explore that satisfy everyone's interest and imagination. Exploring Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers both boat rides and jungle safaris in the thick greenery. The lake and River Periyar give a peaceful atmosphere for boating and also serves as a photographer's paradise. The spice gardens showcase Kerala's agricultural legacy, allowing the exploration of aromatic plantations. Pullumedu offers scenic views of rolling hills. All these places make Periyar one of the ultimate holidaying destinations in South India. Here is a list of top visiting places in Periyar.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the jewel in the crown of Kerala tourism. Also known as Periyar National Park, it boasts of rich biodiversity and eco-tourism experience. It covers an area of 777 square kilometers and houses elephants, tigers, leopards, and a list of rare bird species. Visitors can roam the expanse by boat safari rides on Periyar Lake and have various chances to spot animals interacting with their real habitats. Guided jungle treks and bamboo rafting are for the adventure-loving enthusiast. The sanctuary is not only an ideal wildlife destination but also a perfect place for healing one's soul, which makes it one of the top tourist places in Periyar.
The heart and blood of the region, the Periyar Lake and River offer scenic experiences and beautiful landscapes. Artificially created Periyar Lake is a reservoir by the Mullaperiyar Dam and is a focal point for ecotourism activities. A ride on the lake allows visitors to appreciate its calm beauty and witness the wildlife along the banks. This river is a main water supply and nurtures greenery in the region. The lake and river are both top tourist places for nature photography, relaxation, and immersing oneself in nature.
Pullumedu—which means the ‘green meadows’—is a sweet, untouched spot near Periyar. Standing amidst mist-covered hills, it offers views that are breathtaking in an untarnished atmosphere. The perfect getaway for a secluded nature walks and a picnic, Pullumedu forms one of the major pilgrimage centers, with a view of the Sabarimala temple from here. A pristine environment combined with a peaceful atmosphere creates an offbeat destination that complements the adventurous side of Periyar, making it one of the must-visit attractions in Periyar.
The spice gardens of Periyar give multiple sensory stimulations for those who enter them as visitors because they open a window to the rich spice heritage of Kerala. They offer visitors passage through the cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla plantations, providing them with insights into cultivation and processing. Guided tours provide such interesting insights into the medical and culinary uses of these spices. Not only are the gardens informative, but they are also spectacularly beautiful, with greenery and aromatic surroundings. These plantations are some of the best places to visit for anyone who is really interested in Kerala's agricultural bounty.
The optimum months for visiting Periyar are from October to March, when the weather get pleasantly mild and almost perfect for outdoor activities. The temperature during this time remains in a range of 15°C to 30°C, and they are best for exploration of the wildlife sanctuary, trekking, or boat safaris.
Monsoons in the period between June and September add vibrancy in a green way but are sometimes unfriendly to the said activities. Rain makes for great beauty in the forests and is best enjoyed by nature lovers.
Summers between April and June get hot but are great for spotting animals coming to water holes. Each season has its own beauty, but winter probably remains the most comfortable time to enjoy the whole Periyar experience.
Periyar has road, rail, and air connectivity with all the major cities. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, which is 140 kilometers away from Periyar, while Cochin International Airport is 190 kilometers from Periyar. Kottayam is approximately the nearest railway station at 114 km. You can hire cabs or use bus services from these points to reach Periyar. Regular bus services from major cities such as Kochi, Trivandrum, and Madurai make travel by road easy. And, of course, the travel through the Western Ghats is quite picturesque. Local transport such as taxis and auto-rickshaws are available within Periyar.
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