An Overview: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

By Author: aimee jacob
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To experience nature at its best in Kerala, there is no better way than paying a visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This Sanctuary is not just one among the largest wildlife reserves in the country it is a much sort after tourist destination as well. Located amidst the Cardamom Hills in the Western Ghats at about 900-1800m, you would be able to experience the cool temperature here that range between 15 to 30 degrees. So make sure to pack warm clothes when you visit this place.
Even though spotting tigers at any wildlife reserve is unlikely these days, you would have a fair chance of crossing paths with gaur, wild boar, sambar, elephants and an array of birds. The best time to schedule a visit here is during the dry season that falls within the months of December to April. The nearest village to this reserve is Kumily.
While you are here you have several options before you. Since Kumily is a tourist hub now, you can ask travel agents or your hotel to arrange tours for you. There are several tours that are available outside the park, where you would be able to visit tea factories, spice plantations as well ...
... as avail elephant rides. You could also opt for a boat ride, which is a nice way of getting a panoramic view of the entire area. However, as the day progresses they become rather crowded, so catching the 7 am trip would be ideal to get some peace and take in the beauty of this place.
If you are an outdoorsy person then you could go on a guided trek accompanied by tribal guides. The length of these trips can vary from 3 hours to 3 days, depending on your taste. Additionally, the Forest Department also organizes tours that you could take up, for which to need to make a booking at the Eco Tourism Centre located in Ambadi Junction. Another way of getting a close look at the wildlife is by taking a bamboo rafting trip, which would be exciting as well as a more eco friendly means of getting around the sanctuary. Or you could settle for a jeep safari that would take you through the jungles and the perimeter of the park.
While you are here you could stay at the sanctuary itself. However, make a note that there is limited accommodation making it more expensive and you would need to make reservations in advance. If you would prefer to stay at a quieter location, you can opt for the smaller hotels in the periphery of the park that have a lovely view of the forest.
To reach Kumily you can either hop on a bus or car from Kochi that would take 6 hours, Kottayam or Munnar that would take 4 hours. The path to your destination would be spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful. In case you hire a car, then your travel time would reduce and you’d have an opportunity to take a lot of pictures as well.
This wildlife sanctuary is one of the fine example of the wonders that Mother Nature has endowed Kerala with. So make sure that you wont miss this destination in your Kerala holiday packages.