Places to visit in Periyar
Periyar is one of the finest examples of why Kerala is fondly known as God’s Own Country. Renowned for the Periyar National Park, this wildlife destination in the southern state of Kerala is among the most celebrated wildlife reserves in India and the world. Periyar is one of India's designated Project Tiger Reserves and is also an important Elephant Reserve. Nestled in the scenic Cardamom Hills, the sanctuary is blessed with rich biodiversity, including several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Rolling hills, dense forests, grasslands, and the waters of the Periyar and Pamba rivers create a spectacular natural landscape that attracts wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the globe.
The picturesque terrain enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, making Periyar an ideal destination in every season. Interestingly, it is one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India that remains open even during the monsoon. Spanning over 777 square kilometers, the reserve is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Gaur, Sloth Bears, Dholes (Indian wild dogs), Nilgiri Langurs, and many other mammals. Birdwatchers can spot numerous endemic and migratory species such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, White-cheeked Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Black-headed Cuckoo shrike, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Rufous Babbler, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Ruby-throated Bulbul, and White-bellied Treepie. Many of these species are unique to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.
One of the most distinctive experiences in Periyar is wildlife viewing by boat on the serene Periyar Lake, located at the heart of the sanctuary. As the lake serves as a vital watering hole, visitors often enjoy excellent sightings of elephants, deer, bison, and a variety of birds along its banks. Apart from boat safaris, Periyar offers a range of exciting eco-tourism activities, including guided nature walks, bamboo rafting, border hiking, birdwatching, and jungle trekking. Night patrol and guided night treks provide adventurous travelers with a unique opportunity to experience the forest after dark. Comfortable wildlife resorts and jungle lodges further enhance the experience of staying amidst nature.
Just a short distance from the sanctuary lies the charming hill town of Thekkady, another major attraction of the region. Visitors can stroll through aromatic spice plantations, learn about Kerala's world-famous spices, shop for fresh cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surrounding hills. A visit to Periyar offers the perfect combination of wildlife, adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic Kerala experiences.
Elephant Junction Thekkady
We at elephant junction believe that the close interaction between the elephants and the human benefits all, so guests are encouraged to spend as much as time possible during stay in getting to know those wonderful animals. Undisturbed by the mechanical roar of a car or jeep. Open to the skies accompanied only by the rhythmic – scuff- scuff- scuff of elephant’s feet and creaks of the wooden howdah. The ride can be a mix of moments of pure terror interspersed with long period of utter peace.
Perunthenaruvi Falls
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls are waterfalls 36 km from Pathanamthitta in Pathanamthitta District, Central Travancore region, Kerala State, India. It is a popular tourist destination situated in Vechoochira Panchayat of Ranni taluk. The one shore of this waterfall is Kudamurutty and Vechoochira is the other. The main route to this waterfall starts from Ranni - Athikkayam - Kudamurutty - Perunthenaruvi. It is a fine place to spend time with family in a very serene atmosphere
Gavi
Gavi ( under the Forest Dept. ) 01 hr 30 minutes drive one way from Periyar town , thru the Forest area , they can see some animals on the way picturesque land, is the major off-the-track destination ideal for a wilderness retreat replete with trekking, birding, canoeing and facilities for boarding. This biological garden, with hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grass lands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantation, is home for many endangered species like lion tailed macaque; nilgiri tahrs etc. and they can be sighted also.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park's north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.
Boat Ride On Lake Periyar
Morning group boat ride around Lake Periyar. You might belucky enough to spot some of the estimated 700 wild elephants roaming withinthe wildlife sanctuary, as many come down to the banks of this lake to bathe.
Mullaperiyar Dam
Mullaperiyaru Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala It is located 881 m above mean sea level, on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala, South India. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick and also reached in an agreement to divert water eastwards to the Madras Presidency area. It has a height of 53.6 m from the foundation, and a length of 365.7 m. The Periyar National Park in Thekkady is located around the dam's reservoir. The dam is built at the confluence of Mullayar and Periyar rivers. The dam is located in Kerala on the river Periyar, but is operated and maintained by the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Although the Periyar River has a total catchment area of 5398 km² with 114 km² downstream from the dam in Tamil Nadu, the catchment area of the Mullaperiyar Dam itself lies entirely in Kerala and thus not an inter-State river. However, by the principle of estoppel it is considered otherwise. On 21 November 2014, the water level hit 142 feet for first time in 35 years.
Spice Plantation
Keralahas grown and exported spices around the world since the 14thCentury and later you will take a fascinating tour of a spice plantation highin the Cardamom Hills. Learn about the cultivation and processing of the area’snatural bounties including pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, mace andanise.
Pattumala Matha Church
Pattumala Matha Church is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite pilgrim shrine in Kerala dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. It is served by the Congregation of the Missionary Brothers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Architect J.P Bright, Thiruvananthapuram, is the designer of this church. The church is built entirely of granite and situated in the midst of tea plantations. The name Pattumala means "Hill Draped in Silk." It is located 8 kilometres from Peermade and 24 kilometres from Thekkady.
