Periyar National Park, Thekkady, has everything to mesmerize you. It is in the hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala. It has green landscapes, rich wildlife, and many adventure activities. 

Read below to learn its intriguing history. Discover how to reach and where to stay. Meanwhile, you will also have all the information you need to plan your trip to Periyar National Park.

History of Periyar National Park:

Periyar National Park is in Kerala. It was a hunting ground for the Travancore kings. The park’s story dates back to 1934. Then, Maharaja of Travancore initiated efforts to conserve the region’s rich biodiversity. The area became a forest reserve in 1899. It was later declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1950. In 1978, it was recognized for its ecological significance. It was included in Project Tiger and Project Elephant in 1991. Today, the park is renowned for its biodiversity and a key ecotourism destination.

Can I Go Inside Periyar National Park?

Indeed! Periyar National Park attracts all kinds of visitors year-round. From honeymoon couples to family holidays to those wildlife and adventure sports lovers. Hence, it offers a variety of ways to explore its wonders. 

Seek a boat ride on Periyar Lake, a nature walk, or trekking; the park caters to diverse interests.

How to Plan a Perfect Periyar National Park Trip?

While planning your trip to the Thekkady National Park, keep a check on the following,

Periyar National Park Timings and Ticket Price:

Periyar National Park remains open year-round. The opening and closing hours are 6 AM to 7 PM. It offers ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to explore its diverse ecosystems.

Here is some essential information for your trip to Periyar National Park,

• The best times for animal sightings are early morning and late afternoon. 
• Entry fees: For Indian adults: INR 45, Indian Children: INR 15. Foreign adults are charged INR 500, and foreign children are charged INR 180. 
• Added fees apply for activities like boat safaris (INR 150 for adults) and night safaris after 8 PM, enhancing the wildlife experience.
• Visit the official website of Periyar National Park to learn the exact timings and ticket prices for your visit. 

How to Reach Periyar National Park? 

The Diverse Flora and Fauna:

Periyar National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It features tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. It is home to over 2,000 flowering plants, including medicinal herbs and rare orchids. 

The park is also home to a vibrant animal kingdom. It boasts over 49 mammal species. The star attractions are the majestic Asiatic Elephant, Tigers, and rare lion-tailed Macaque. Birdwatchers can spot over 266 bird species, such as the Malabar grey hornbill. 

The park also hosts 28 reptiles and 112 butterfly species.

Experience Wildlife in Periyar National Park:

As stated earlier, you can enjoy the diverse and rare wildlife at Periyar National Park. On a boat cruise of Periyar Lake, you can see Asian Elephants, Sambar Deer, wild Boars, and many colorful bird species. 

Take expert-guided nature walks within deep forests. Catch views of lion-tailed macaques and tigers. You can also take jungle safaris and cruises to experience the rich wildlife. 

5 Best Places to Visit Near Periyar National Park:

Periyar National Park’s location is the perfect distance from many nearby attractions. You can plan an extensive visit to the following places –

1. Thekkady Rose Garden:

Thekkady Rose Park is a scenic garden and amusement park in Kumily, Kerala. It lies on 10 acres of land, encompassing vibrant rose gardens with several blooms. Above all, here are over 30 fun rides on zip lines, kayaking, and an adventure house with a 20D theater. Also, some activities are fit for family, so one can visit there with friends and family for fun. It creates a peaceful mood and provides lively entertainment during an outing.

• Location: Rose Park, Road, Thekkady, Attappalllam, Kumily, Kerala 685509, India
• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Ticket Price: Adults: Rs 150, Children (3-12 years): Rs 75, Senior Citizens (above 60 years): Rs 100
• Distance: 5 km from Periyar National Park

Read More: 8 Most Popular Tourist Places in Kerala That You Must Visit

2. Sree Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple:

Sree Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine. It is about 11 kilometers from Thekkady in lush forests. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Kannagi. People believe Sree Mangala Devi is Mata Parvati’s avatar. 

The temple presents excellent architecture and carvings rich in the culture of that region. Due to its religious and scenic significance, the temple attracts pilgrims and tourists. As an annual festival, many devotees throng the temple, making this festival lively.

• Location: Idukki District, Kerala 625516, India
• Timings: Morning – 6:00 am to 10:00 am, Afternoon – 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, Evening – 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
• Distance: 11 km

3. Mullaperiyar Dam:

It’s one of the finest engineering feats ever. It was constructed 12 km from the Periyar National Park in 1895. This gravity-based 1,200-meter-long and 53-meter-wide Periyar River irrigation reservoir is the principal supply to Tamil Nadu. 

The whole length of the dam is covered with hill areas and forests. Visitors can tour the dam, learn about its history, enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, and see the value it adds to regional farming.

• Location: Idukki District, Kerala, India
• Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Adults – Rs 60, Children (5-11 years) – Rs 15
• Distance: 12 km

Read More: 9 Famous Dams in Kerala: Get Glimpse of Largest, Biggest & Highest Dams of Kerala

4. Chellarkovil Viewpoint:

Chellarkovil Viewpoint is a peaceful place near Periyar National Park, which is well-known for its panoramic view with rolling hills and valleys. The spot, at around 1,200 meters, offers a fantastic sunrise or sunset view that attracts nature enthusiasts. The dense green cover and a waterfall add to its beauty as one of the best photography and resting places for visitors.

• Location: Chellaracovil-Mettu Road, Kerala 685509, India
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
• Ticket Price: Free
• Distance: 17 km

Read More: Top 18 Must-Visit Hill Stations in Kerala

5. Sabarimala:

Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrimage places in India. Millions of devotees visit Ayyappa Temple. It lies in the Western Ghats, about 100 kilometers from Thekkady. This place is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The trek through dense forests is a difficult one for pilgrims. This temple opens only in some months for the annual season of pilgrimage. People coming from different places visit this temple.

• Location: Sabarimala, Kerala 689713, India
• Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Distance: 100 km

Finding Your Perfect Stay at Periyar National Park:

Thekkady offers a variety of accommodation options for every budget. 

• Anything works here, from comfortable guesthouses to luxury resorts with modern amenities amidst nature. A few of the most liked here are Chrissie’s Hotel, Hills & Hues, and Kochu Mariya Residency.
• Some luxurious resorts are available in Spice Village and Falcon Crest. Generally, the tariff for a 3-star hotel is around 3500 INR and 15000 INR for a 5-star hotel. 
• Many hotels also provide breakfast, spa services, and views of the surrounding nature from the balcony. You should book your stay in advance, especially during peak season.

Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park:

Conclusion:

Periyar National Park offers unforgettable nature and wildlife experiences with experiences rooted in culture. From being the adventure of a lifetime or a relaxing walk amidst nature to unwinding against fantastic sceneries, this place has something for everyone. So, plan well and head on to witness the wide variety of attractions that adorn the park; lose your senses in the magic of Periyar.

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