How to Reach Periyar National Park?
Periyar National Park is a part of Thekkady, in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is a premier wildlife sanctuary known for its thriving populations of elephants, tigers, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Located near Thekkady, the park is a popular destination for those seeking an immersive experience in nature. Despite its location in a relatively remote area, Periyar National Park is easily accessible through well-established transportation networks. Whether you are traveling by air, train, or road, reaching the park is convenient and offers the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Kerala en route. This guide provides detailed information on the best ways to travel to Periyar National Park.
Reaching Periyar by Flight, Train and Car/Bus
Reaching Periyar by Flight
While travelling to Periyar National Park, there are two options of airways - Cochin International Airport, Kochi, Kerala and Madurai Airport, Chennai.
1. Cochin International Airport (COK): The nearest major airport to Periyar National Park is Cochin International Airport, located approximately 143 km away. Cochin Airport is well-connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Goa, and many more. The airport is also connected to several foreign countries like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Bangkok, Colombo, London, etc. From the airport, one can easily hire a taxi or arrange for private transportation to reach Periyar, which takes about 4 to 5 hours by road.
2. Madurai Airport (IXM): Madurai Airport is another option for travelers, situated around 155 km from Periyar National Park. This airport mainly serves domestic flights and connects to key cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad. After landing, tourists can take a taxi or a bus to Thekkady, with the drive taking approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Reaching Periyar by Train
The journey by train although takes longer than flights to reach the destination, but undoubtedly a money-saving mode of transport. In order to reach Periyar National Park, tourists get three railheads to board their trains - Kottayam Railway Station, Ernakulam Junction and Madurai Junction.
1. Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM): The closest major railway station to Periyar National Park is Kottayam Railway Station, located approximately 101 km away. Kottayam is well-connected to major Indian cities with regular and weekly trains running from these locations. From Kottayam, the onward journey to Periyar can be made by road which involves a 3-4 hours drive.
2. Ernakulam Junction (ERS): Ernakulam Junction, situated around 148 km from Periyar, is another well-connected railway station. This station, located in Kochi, is a major hub for trains arriving from across India, making it a convenient point to disembark before traveling to the park by road for 4-5 hours.
3. Madurai Junction (MDU): For travelers coming from Tamil Nadu, Madurai Junction is another viable option, located about 141 km away. It serves as an excellent alternative for those approaching from the eastern part of India or Tamil Nadu. Alighting the train at Madurai Station, the rest of the journey has to be done by road encompassing 405 hours drive.
Reaching Periyar by Road Transport
Reaching Periyar National Park by road is a convenient and scenic option for travelers, offering the opportunity to experience the lush landscapes of Kerala. Being located in the Idduki district of Kerala, the serene location is well-connected by a network of highways to major cities and towns in the region. Road trips from neighbouring cities like Kochi, Kottayam, Tirunelveli, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, and Madurai are quite common. All of these cities are connected to Periyar National Park through national highways and state highways like NH 85, NH 183, SH 8, and NH 44.
