Periyar National Park
Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world the picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals.

It eventually resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharaja of Travancore. Post-Periyar National Park 975 Periyar finds itself in the enviable position of being a national park as well as a protected tiger reserve.

The Asian elephant is diminutive compared to its larger African cousin but the thrill of spotting a herd of them lumbering through the dense shola forest or wading into a lake is going to be no less than seeing the African elephant in the Masai Mara grasslands. There are more than 700 of these large grey animals that have for a long time been a symbol of Indian exotica. Over a 100 species of butterfly and at least 240 species of birds inhabit the area.

Around the park are some interesting aromatic spice gardens. Many have good guides who'll tell you about the medicinal value of each spice and maybe startle you with how much of the research is millennia old.

The months of March and April constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake in the Periyar National Park. Even the tiger may be spotted approaching the waters in the Periyar National Park. Animals may be seen from motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers set up in the Periyar National Park. There is a good chance of spotting an occasional tiger in this relatively peaceful corner of the Periyar National Park.

Best time to visit
October to April