Periyar National Park, National park in Kerala, India
Periyar National Park is a protected area in Kerala, India, spanning forested hills and an artificial reservoir. The reserve sits in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats and includes rainforest valleys, highland grasslands, and shoreline vegetation along the water body.
The forest area served as royal hunting grounds from the late 19th century and was officially designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1950. In the late 1970s, the reserve joined the nationwide tiger protection program, expanding conservation efforts for endangered big cats.
The name derives from the river that flows through the park, revered by local communities for centuries. Visitors walking forest trails can spot traditional spice plantations at the sanctuary edge, farmed by families whose ancestors lived here before the park was established.
Boat rides on the lake and guided walks operate between October and June during favorable weather, with early mornings offering better wildlife sightings. Visitors should bring sturdy shoes and binoculars, as trails can be uneven and animals are often spotted from a distance.
The reservoir was formed by a dam completed in 1895, making it among the oldest in South India. Water levels rise during monsoon season, reshaping the shoreline annually and creating new habitats for waterbirds.
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