Top 5 Tips for a Seamless Periyar Jeep Safari Experience
02/Jan/24- Periyar National Park, situated in the heart of Kerala, invites nature enthusiasts to delve into its....
Kerala is one of India's most beautiful states. Among several tourist attractions, Periyar National Park boasts exceptional beauty in nature and wildlife. The best and most unique way to explore the wild and mesmerising beauty of Periyar National Park is a boat safari. The Periyar Lake is the heart of the national park. Periyar is located in the Kumily district of Kerala, in the Thekkady region. Explorers who love to visit destinations with natural beauty find Periyar an ideal destination.
The boat safari on the Periyar Lake is indeed full of fascination in Periyar National Park. Here, one can experience the outstanding beauty of the national park, right in the middle of the forest. Tourists can perfectly feel the wilderness in the steady ride of the boat safari. There are other entertaining offerings than boat safari as well, such as Trekking, Camping, Night Trekking, Nature Walk, Green Walks, Bamboo Rafting, and many more. Those fulfilling experiences will remain unforgettable to the visitors. Tourists can enjoy the boat safari throughout the day, right from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. There are multiple safari slots of 1.5 hours each. The safari needs to be booked online and in advance. Various wild animals can be spotted on the banks of the Periyar Lake. The animals that you can spot are Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge, teaming well with a few beautiful water bodies. In addition to wildlife exploration, tourists can also visit tea, coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations, adjacent to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Periyar National Park is known to be one of the finest forests in India. The forest region of Periyar National Park is 925 sq. km., and the hilly terrain adds to the picturesque beauty of the national park. Several activities are organised by the forest department for tourists to explore the wildlife of Periyar. Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to rich plant life. It has more than 1,965 flowering plants, including 171 types of grasses and 143 kinds of orchids. The forest also has the only conifer tree found in South India, called Podocarpus wallichianus. There is also a wide variety of fauna that encompasses the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Bison, Sambar deer, Indian wild dog, barking deer, leopard, smooth-coated otter, and so on. Wildlife can be sighted during the boat cruise in Periyar.
The beauty of Kerala lies in every inch of the state. Similarly, there are multiple tourist attractions near Periyar National Park, where tourists can visit and explore beyond wildlife. The place is covered in natural beauty. Hence, it attracts travellers and explorers of all age groups. Here are some of the places mentioned below that are located near Periyar National Park -
Kumily is a lively town located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and very close to Thekkady. It serves as the main entry point to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. With its busy streets, shops, and local culture, Kumily is a favorite spot for tourists. The town offers a mix of nature, activity, and local charm that makes it enjoyable for visitors.
Murikkady is a peaceful picnic spot situated about 5 km from Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala. Surrounded by green hills and tall trees, the area is known for its beautiful spice plantations. Visitors can see farms growing coffee, pepper, and cardamom, making it a refreshing place to relax and enjoy nature.
Vandanmedu is a quiet hill region covered with dense forests and scenic landscapes. This less-crowded destination is perfect for those who enjoy calm and natural beauty. The area is rich in biodiversity and is especially famous for being one of the largest producers of cardamom in the region.
The boat ride on Periyar Lake is one of the most enjoyable experiences inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This 1.5-hour boat safari allows visitors to explore the peaceful waters while enjoying views of the forest. Spotting wildlife along the shores adds excitement and makes the ride a memorable adventure.
The Periyar boat safari is indeed the topmost attraction in Periyar National Park, but the above mentioned places are also worth paying a visit to, which will rejuvenate the soul with their verdant beauty.
There are innumerable options for accommodation near Periyar National Park. Staying options for all budgets are located here. The resorts and lodges are wrapped in the serenity of the forest and greenery. Most of the accommodations offer a wide range of facilities like spa treatments, swimming pools, bonfires, gyms, and so on. The primary aim is to provide top-notch comfort to tourists, especially after returning from safari or other activities.
The boat safari on Periyar Lake is a truly fascinating experience. As the boat moves slowly across the calm waters, you can clearly feel the raw beauty of the forest around you. The peaceful ride allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the surroundings at a relaxed pace. Apart from the boat safari, visitors can also enjoy many other activities such as trekking, rafting, camping, night trekking, nature walks, green walks, and more. These experiences leave lasting memories and make the visit even more special. Many tourists prefer taking the early morning boat safari, which starts as early as 7 am. You can also book a private boat for yourself and your family.
The boat cruise takes you across different parts of the lake, offering beautiful views from every angle. Along the shores, you may spot animals like elephants, wild boars, and sambar deer coming near the water. The upper deck of the boat is ideal for enjoying clear views of the surrounding flora and fauna during the ride.
Apart from tigers and elephants, Periyar National Park is home to many other wildlife species. Visitors may come across wild pigs, sambar deer, gaur, mouse deer, barking deer, and Indian wild dogs, also known as dholes. The park is estimated to have around 40 tigers. It is also known as a habitat of the rare Nilgiri Tahr, which is difficult to spot but is known to exist in the region.
Planning your visit carefully can increase your chances of experiencing the park’s rich wildlife. Spending a few days surrounded by the forest allows you to truly enjoy its natural life and peaceful jungle atmosphere, making the experience both exciting and rewarding.
By Air: Cochin Airport is the closest airport, and it is almost 154 km away from Periyar.
By Rail: The closest railhead is located in Kottayam, which is approx at a distance of 100 km away.
By Road:Reaching the nearest airport or railway station, the rest of the distance has to be covered by road, either by booking a private cab or boarding a bus to Kumily bus stand, just 2 km from the national park.
Periyar National Park is as beautiful as you have seen in varied media. This national park's rich biodiversity is on point. The mesmerizing blend of wildlife and adventure attracts tourists from around the globe.
