Included among the oldest ones in India, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve was established in lush greens of Kerala way back in 1895 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. With an area up to 777 sq km, Periyar National Park also has 360 sq km under thick and dense evergreen forests. Enveloped by dense forests, Periyar National Park is also very popular for Periyar Lake. Tourists can spot the ferocious carnivore - Tiger - in the national park which is an ideal habitat for Indian Elephant. Wooded hills and the forest are homing the resident animals and Periyar Lake is their vast water resource. Periyar National Park is included among the best wildlife sanctuaries in India for wildlife photography, bird watching, elephant herds and tiger watching.
Wildlife in Periyar National Park
The animals commonly seen in Periyar National Park include gaur, wild pigs, sambhar, barking deer, mouse deer, dole and Indian wild dog besides the elephant and tiger. Thanks to persistent efforts of zoo officials, the number of tigers in this national park has rose to forty. Four primate species are also the centre of attraction. These are - rare lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, common langur and bonnet macaque. This wildlife destination is also recognized as the only habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, which can only be spotted luckily. Around 100 species of butterfly and 240 bird species inhabit this national park. It is encircled by aromatic spice gardens that can deeply be explored by the help of good guides. Each spice has its distinct medicinal value.
Elephants in Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park in Kerala, South India is one of the premier natural habitats for Asiatic elephants in the country. Closely watching herds of elephants gathered near the vast Periyar Lake is one of the most enthralling experiences while touring Periyar National Park in Kerala. More than 800 Asiatic elephants are living fearlessly in Periyar National Park. You may gaze at elephants sucking in liters of water in their trunk and bathing each other and their little ones or capture them taking pictures of elephants while entertaining themselves. If you ride an elephant at Periyar wildlife sanctuary, you are most likely going to fall in love with this sensitive and caring creature.

Other Attractions in Periyar National Park
Periyar Lake: This enchanting lake attracts numerous birds including grey hornbill, grey heron, ibis, the great Malabar hornbill, kingfishers, ospreys, kites, flycatchers, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets and blue winged parakeet and orioles.

Kumily : Located just 4 km away from Periyar, this former spice trade centre still grows the spices largely. Plenty of opportunities are available for accommodation in the hotels and resorts in the town.

Cardamom Hills : These scenic and exotic cardamom hills can be easily approached from Periyar and Kumily.

Boat Cruises : Two hour Boat Cruises in the early morning or evening hours are the best way to explore the nook and corner of Periyar National Park.
How to Reach Periyar National Park
By Air : Nearest airports from Periyar are Kochi or Cochin (200 km) or Madurai (140 km) from Periyar.

By Rail : Nearest railhead from Periyar is at Kottayam (114 km).

By Road : Kumily is the nearest town from Periyar which is well connected with Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu by regular and frequent buses. You can pick the buses from Ernakulam (6 hours), Kottayam (4 hours), Trivandrum (8 hours), Kovalam (9 hours), Munnar (4 hours) and Kodaikanal (6 hours).