Periyar National Park: Your 2025 Guide To A Day-Tour In This Beautiful Sanctuary
Periyar National Park in Kerala is a sanctuary for Royal Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, and a diverse range of other captivating wildlife. The lush greenery stretches as far as the eye can see, welcoming visitors with nature’s abundance. While a day is enough to explore its beauty, a well-planned visit requires some essential insights.
This guide provides all the necessary details to help you plan your trip, including the park’s main attractions, ideal visiting time, entry fees, timings, and other important information.
Flora, Fauna And Avifauna
Considered one of India’s finest national parks, Periyar National Park spans 925 sq. km, providing a thriving habitat for a variety of endangered and endemic species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and diverse flora. Nestled in the Cardamom Hills, the park is nourished by the Periyar River and features distinct ecosystems that support a wide range of wildlife.
Flora
Visitors can expect to see trees such as tamarind, rosewood, sandalwood, and Jamun, along with a variety of other plant species. The region is also known for its agricultural plantations, including coffee, tea, and cardamom.
Wildlife
Also called Periyar Tiger Reserve, the park is a prime location for spotting Bengal tigers. Other frequently sighted animals include Indian elephants, Nilgiri langurs, wild pigs, and Nilgiri Tahrs.
Birdlife
A paradise for bird enthusiasts, Periyar National Park is home to species like the Malabar grey hornbill, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and Sri Lankan frogmouth, among many others.
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5 Things To Do In Periyar National Park
When visiting Periyar National Park, there are plenty of activities to enjoy beyond the popular jungle safari, making it one of the must-visit destinations in Kerala.
Exciting Activities in Periyar National Park
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Clouds Walk – This 3 to 4-hour guided trek takes participants to scenic vantage points, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the lush grasslands.
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Jungle Patrol – Experience the thrill of patrolling Periyar Tiger Reserve at night alongside forest guards. Since this activity takes place in the eco-development zone, visitors are expected to maintain discipline.
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Periyar Tiger Trail – A trekking and camping expedition spanning 2 to 3 nights, covering a distance of 20 to 35 km through the heart of the wilderness.
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Bamboo Rafting – This adventure combines rafting and hiking, taking participants through some of the most scenic landscapes of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Two experienced guides accompany the tour, ensuring safety while offering mesmerizing panoramic views.
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Jungle Camp – A tented accommodation experience in the Pullumedu Hill region, featuring trekking, film screenings, and cultural interactions with the local Urali tribe. The program, set along the Periyar River, also includes traditional meals prepared by the tribe.
In addition to these, Bullock Cart Discoveries and Border Hiking are other exciting ways to explore the beauty of Periyar National Park.
8 Places To Visit In And Around Periyar National Park
With its diverse wildlife, Periyar National Park is a destination in itself. However, there’s plenty more to explore in and around the park. Here are some must-visit attractions:
Top Places to Visit in and Around Periyar National Park
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Periyar Lake – A scenic highlight of the park, this 26 sq. km lake was formed after the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam. It’s one of the most picturesque lakes in Kerala and an ideal spot to observe wildlife as animals frequently visit to drink water.
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Abraham’s Spice Garden – While the entire park is enveloped in lush greenery, a visit to Abraham’s Spice Garden is a must. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the uses and benefits of various plants and spices.
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Connemara Tea Factory – A paradise for tea lovers, this tea factory dates back to the 1940s. Visitors can learn about the history of tea plantations, the tea-making process, and the medicinal properties of tea leaves.
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Tribal Villages – For those interested in local culture, exploring the nearby tribal villages offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of indigenous communities.
Since Periyar is just 10 km from Thekkady, don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of the top attractions in Thekkady while visiting the region.
Stay Options Around Periyar National Park
As one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala, Periyar National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler. Whether you prefer hotels, treehouses, homestays, or resorts, you’ll find something that fits your budget. Prices range from as low as INR 1,100 per night to INR 12,000 per night for a luxurious stay.
Where to Stay Near Periyar National Park
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Mid-Range Options: Hotel Ambadi Idukki, Periyar Meadows Leisure Hotel Kumily, Bougainvilla Homestay
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Luxury Stays: Rangerwood Nature Castle, Cardamom County
No matter your choice, staying near Periyar ensures easy access to the park and an immersive experience in nature.
Best Time To Visit Periyar National Park
The ideal time to visit Periyar National Park is between September and June. The monsoon season, lasting from September to early October, refreshes the landscape with rainfall, transforming the park into a lush green paradise with a cool and pleasant atmosphere.
Periyar enjoys a mild climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 31°C.
The summer season (March to June) is the best time for wildlife spotting. As water sources shrink, animals like Indian elephants and Bengal tigers venture out in search of water, increasing the chances of sightings.
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Periyar National Park Timings And Charges
Periyar National Park Timings & Entry Fees
Different activities in Periyar National Park have specific timings and charges. Here’s a breakdown:
Timings
- Park Entry: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Border Hike & Bamboo Rafting: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Guided Nature Walks: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Boat Safari:
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
- 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Entry & Activity Fees
- Park Entry:
- Indians: INR 155 (Adults), INR 5 (Children)
- Foreigners: INR 450 (Adults), INR 33 (Children)
- Boat Safari: INR 150 (Adults), INR 50 (Children under 11 years)
- Periyar Tiger Trail:
- INR 5,500 (1 Night, 2 Days)
- INR 7,500 (2 Nights, 3 Days)
📸 Note: Additional charges apply for carrying a camera inside the park.
Tips Before Visiting Periyar National Park
Visiting Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park is similar to exploring any other wildlife sanctuary, and the general safety guidelines are consistent across parks. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind during your visit:
- Dress in earthy colors like brown and green to avoid attracting the attention of wild animals.
- Keep your voice low and speak in whispers when observing wildlife to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Stay inside the jeep during the safari—do not get off in the middle of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Do not feed the wildlife under any circumstances.
- Book your seat in advance through the Periyar Tiger Reserve’s online booking system to ensure availability.
- Bring extra camera batteries to avoid missing out on capturing wildlife moments.
- Apply or carry mosquito repellent lotion before heading out for safaris or jungle camps.
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How To Reach Periyar National Park
Visiting Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park is similar to exploring any other wildlife sanctuary, and the general safety guidelines are consistent across parks. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind during your visit:
- Dress in earthy colors like brown and green to avoid attracting the attention of wild animals.
- Keep your voice low and speak in whispers when observing wildlife to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Stay inside the jeep during the safari—do not get off in the middle of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Do not feed the wildlife under any circumstances.
- Book your seat in advance through the Periyar Tiger Reserve’s online booking system to ensure availability.
- Bring extra camera batteries to avoid missing out on capturing wildlife moments.
- Apply or carry mosquito repellent lotion before heading out for safaris or jungle camps.
Now that you’re well-versed in everything Periyar National Park has to offer, it’s time to book your Kerala tour and include this stunning destination in your itinerary. With so many attractions, activities, and scenic spots to explore, you’re bound to have an incredible experience. Once you return from your unforgettable journey, we’d love to hear all about your amazing trip and how likely you are to recommend this park to others!