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Being set in the high ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Periyar is spread in a tropical forest area, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen and characterized by tall trees, and a closed canopy. Periyar boasts of a rich bird life, animal life and plant life.

The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. You may even get a glimpse of the tiger during this season. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay. Spice gardens and plantation estates surround the national park.

Sightseeing at Periyar -

Wildlife : The Periyar region is mostly tropical; a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen forests. On your tour to Periyar you can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The region offers a refuge to many mammals, reptiles and amphibians and around 320 avian species. Periyar has a few Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.

Kumily : The main attractions at Periyar include Kumily, a plantation town closely associated with Thekkady. It is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping center and spice trade center, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is found in Kumily.

Murikkady : Another important place of visit is Murikkady which is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi : Pandikuzhi is one of the popular picnic spots of Periyar, situated between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border.

Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best bet to explore the wilds of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Today the Periyar Lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge.

Cradomom Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills.

Reaching Periyar -

Air : The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).
Rail : The nearest major rail junction is Kottayam.
Road : The park is well connected by bus service from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), as well as the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (117 km), and Madurai (140 km).

Shopping in Periyar -

In Kumily, close to Periyar, you will find majority of souvenir/craft shops. The best buys are - Silk scarves and paintings, jewelery, ornaments and trinkets.