Periyar

• You can take a flight to the Cochin or Madurai airport and take a bus from there. You can also reach Periyar by train and get down at the Kottayam railway station.

• There are budget hotels, homestays, and cottages available near the national reserve.

• The climate of Periyar is pleasant throughout the year and you can visit this national reserve anytime in the year.

• Carry trekking and camping gear, casual clothes, torches, mosquito repellents, sunscreen, hats, shades, and a camera.

• Do not litter in the forest or take anything away from the forest during trekking or camping.

• Do not make loud noise, play music, or beckon wild animals.

• When you spot a wild animal, view them from a safe distance.

• Do not feed wild animals and birds in the forest.

• Carry energy bars, bottled water, and do not carry meat when taking jungle safaris.

• Be on the scheduled time and keep a list of train and bus timings handy with you.

• Always travel in groups; travelling alone in any of the areas is prohibited.

• Do not smoke or carry any inflammable items with you in this area.

• Do not leave anything behind in the forest or reserve when taking jungle safaris or camping.

• You need a permit to enter and camp at the areas inside the national reserve.

Periyar is one of those vacation destinations, which is open during monsoons too. Tourists can visit Periyar in any season. However, the perfect time to explore and visit the place is in-between September to April.
Month frame - where you should visit & when?
•           Periyar in summer - Between April to July
Periyar generally receives mild summers. April to July is the best time frame to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve as you get the chance to spot rare animals during this time and the climate is also dry and pleasant. During summers, the temperature ranges in between 29 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius.
•           Periyar in rainy season– Between July to August
Amongst the few wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar wildlife sanctuaries are open throughout monsoon. By visiting Periyar during monsoons, one can get indulged in boating, trekking and wildlife safari. During monsoons, the temperature ranges in between 22 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius.
•           Periyar in winter – From October to March
Winter season is the most cherished season in Periyar. Days are sunny and nights are cold during winters. During winters the temperature in Periyar ranges in between 20 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius.

You can reach Periyar by the following ways:
•           By Train: The closest railway station leading to Periyar is Kottayam which is around 11 kilometers away. This particular railway station is connected with major prime railway stations of India by means of a good network of trains.
•           By Air: The nearest international airport to Periyar is Kochi which is situated at a distance of 140 kilometers. The Kochi airport is conveniently connected with all the prime cities of India.  
•           By Road: Regular bus services are available from various other cities of Periyar. A good line of road network connects Periyar with major cities of Kerala like Alleppey, Kumarakom and Cochin.

Periyar with an unspoiled tropical forest and incredible wealth of species and plants is a paradise for travelers. The journey to explore the best place in Periyar would take you through quaint little hill towns and subtly contoured hill slopes.
Following are the must visit places of Periyar:
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mangla Devi Temple
• Abraham’s Spice Garden
• Murikkady – The Spice Capital of Thekkady
• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre – The House of Martial Arts
• Kumily – The Tranquil Countryside
• Chellarkovil – The Sleepy Village
• Pandikuzhi
• Periyar Lake

Periyar is an exotic destination and an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts & travelers who are on a constant lookout for tranquillity. Following are activities which you can perform in Periyar:
• Periyar Tiger Trail Overview:
Tourists trek along the Tiger trail and densely thick vegetation of the Periyar Reserve with tourist guides and Forest officials.
• Bamboo Rafting:
Bamboo Rafting is considered to be a perfect activity for the water sports enthusiasts who visit Periyar National Park. This particular facility is offered by the Forest Department of Periyar fostering the travelers to relish the activity in the catchment area of the Periyar National Park.
• Thekkady Lake Exploration:
Notched in the heart of the jungle, Periyar Lake is popular for wide varieties of wildlife species. Also, the travelers can take a boat ride in the reservoir that provides water to the woods of Periyar.

Resorts in Periyar are called to be beautiful pieces of paradisiacal charm. Set amidst the energizing and harmonious sceneries and splendid landscapes, Periyar resorts are a real charm with natural vibes and surrounding beauty. Following are the best resorts of Periyar:
• Kofiland Resort – Offers complete comfort, tranquillity and coziness.
• Greenwoods – Amidst various shades of green experience absolute extravagance.
• The Elephant Court – For classic and modern NIRVANA.
• Spice Village – Offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
• Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club – It is considered to be amongst the best Ayurvedic resorts of Periyar.
• Cardamom County – Feel the perfect aroma of spices.
• Citrus Thekkady Wild Corridor – Experience the elevated retreat.
• Aranya Nivas – The picturesque forest abode.
• ABAD Green Forest Resort – Endeavour the jungle retreat.
• Woods N Spice – A splendid and peaceful holiday resort.

The Periyar National Park Safari begins in the morning at 5.30 am.
Timings: 5.30 am. to 4 pm.
Safari Cost: INR. 2500/- or 38.5 dollars per person that includes the park entrance fee.
Facilities: Tourist guide, food, beautiful viewpoint, jeep safari and pedal boating.