Periyar National Park
South India Region
Periyar National Park, located in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India, is a renowned protected area spanning approximately 925 square kilometers. Established officially as a national park in 1982, it forms a critical wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve within the biodiverse Western Ghats. The park is situated amidst the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills, featuring steep, rolling terrain and dense tropical moist forests. It encompasses Periyar Lake, a 31 square kilometer reservoir created by the Mullaperiyar Dam, which provides a vital water source for the park's wildlife. The park is home to rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna, including significant populations of Asian elephants, tigers, and herbivores such as sambar and gaur. The flora includes a diverse range of flowering plants, grasses, and orchids, with over 1900 taxa recorded. The park's landscape features prominent peaks like Kottamala, the highest at 2019 meters, and serves as the watershed for the Periyar and Pamba rivers. The climate varies with altitude, experiencing warm summers and cooler winters with heavy monsoon rains, fostering rich biodiversity. This sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the ecological richness and natural beauty of the Western Ghats while supporting critical conservation efforts.
Planifiez votre voyage en Inde avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: The best time to visit Periyar National Park is during the cooler months from October to May, avoiding the heavy monsoon season between June and September. Visitors are advised to book guided wildlife tours and boat rides on Periyar Lake in advance to ensure availability. Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best chance to spot wildlife. Discounts may be available for students, senior citizens, and group bookings. Carry appropriate clothing for variable temperatures and insect repellent for forest excursions.
Faits intéressants
- •Periyar National Park is home to the highest peak in the park, Kottamala, which stands at 2,019 meters and is the southernmost peak in India exceeding 2,000 meters.
- •The park serves as the major watershed for two important rivers in Kerala: the Periyar and the Pamba.
- •Periyar Lake, within the park, was formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam constructed in 1895, creating a 31 square kilometer reservoir vital for local wildlife.
- •The park hosts over 1,965 taxa of flowering plants, including 171 species of grasses and 140 species of orchids, some of which are possibly extinct.
- •The park's terrain includes steep hills and plateaus ranging from 100 meters valleys to ridges above 1,700 meters in altitude.
Histoire
The conservation efforts at Periyar began in 1934 when the Maharaja of Travancore declared the forests around Periyar Lake as a private reserve to prevent tea plantation encroachment.
Originally known as Nellikkampatty Reserve, it was consolidated into a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 following India's political integration.
In 1978, the sanctuary was included in the Indian government's Project Tiger and renamed Periyar Tiger Reserve.
It gained national park status in 1982, marking its importance as a protected area for wildlife conservation in Kerala.
Guide du lieu
Periyar Lake1895
A large 31 square kilometer reservoir formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, the lake meanders through the park providing a permanent water source critical for the survival of diverse wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy boat rides to observe animals along the water's edge.
Kottamala Peak
The highest peak in Periyar National Park, standing at 2,019 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Western Ghats. It is the southernmost peak in India exceeding 2,000 meters in elevation.
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
These forests dominate the park's landscape, providing habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The dense canopy supports elephants, tigers, and numerous bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Contact
Téléphone: 085476 03066