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Periyar

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About Periyar

Periyar – popularly known as the Spice Village is situated in the outlying suburbs of Kerala. The picturesque destination is surrounded by small, captivating cottages amidst the spice gardens of Kerala. Tourist places in Periyar bestows you with an ethnic feel with its distinguishing feature of being a place which is not flanked with noise and pollution.

This serene, tranquil destination is an ideal location for those who are looking to rest in the midst of nature. The lush and greenery with cool atmosphere make this place a calm location. The tiny cottages endow Periyar with a certain charm that you would find nowhere else giving you the feel of homeliness and harmony. There are various spots which you can explore in Periyar.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary that covers about 777 sq km in Thekkady and is considered the most charming natural sanctuary. Surrounded by deep forests, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also a Tiger Reserve. Aside from various animals, the most enthralling feature of the sanctuary are the gigantic elephants frisking in the water.

Periyar River also known as Vandiperiyar flows throughout the center of the village providing sustenance to various tea and coffee plantations across. Vandiperiyar is surrounded with loads of tea factories flanking the tourists to visit the spot to taste the wondrous types of tea and coffee.

Pullumedu quarries along the course of Periyar River. Pullumedu offers a good destination sight at various plantations, lush green vegetation, shrubs, vast spread lawns and greenery. There is also a popular Shree Ayyappa Temple located on the course of Pullumedu. The rare surrounding and vibrant ambiance make it the most tranquil destinations in Periyar. The densely covered forest in Pullumedu endows the feeling of belonging. 

The village of Periyar is considered to be amongst the chief attractions of Kerala and counted among the best tourist places in Periyar. Periyar with its wildlife and remarkable natural setup adds beauty and charisma to the beautiful state of Kerala.

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Periyar FAQ's

Travel advice

  • 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.

Drinking law

You cannot consume or bring alcohol inside the reserve. Drinking during treks or camping is strictly prohibited.


What you will like there?

Eco tourism and hiking activities

There are numerous trekking and hiking tours that are a day long that are available in this area. These are guided and paid trekking tours. They have a fixed schedule and itinerary. You can also take up some water sports activities that are part of a few trekking packages. Canoeing, bamboo rafting, and boat cruises are the only water sports activities available in Periyar. Most of the trekking and camping tours are group tours that comprise of at least 30 people. You cannot take to independent camping or trekking tours at any spots in the Periyar reserve.

Food and shopping

You must taste the spice local cuisine that is made in coconut oil and has distinct taste. You can buy local spices, t-shirts, hats, and terracotta showpieces outside the reserve. You must try the pepper omelette when you visit this reserve. Banana chips are staple snacks in this area and a must buy. Most of the food is served on the banana leaves. Restaurants also serve meat and sea food. There is a bar attached to most of the restaurants. You can have continental, south Indian, Chinese, and authentic Kerala cuisine at most of these restaurants.


Recommended reads for destination

Website

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Books

Periyar Tiger Reserve: sanctuary for the soul by Kerala Tourism


What is the best time to visit Periyar?

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.

How to reach Periyar?

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.

Which are the best places to visit in Periyar?

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

What things can I do in Periyar?

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.

Which are some best resorts to stay in 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.

What is the timing of Periyar National Park Safari? What are the safari charges?

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.

Which are some trekking trails in Periyar?

Following are the listed trekking trails which the tourists must experience:
• Tiger Trekking Trail
• Border Hiking
• Bamboo Rafting & Hiking
• Jungle Night Patrol
• Nature Walks in Thekkady
• Tribal Walks

Periyar Reviews

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Ameyatma Iyer
Reviewed: 26 Jul 2021
5.0/5
We booked two nights at Shalimar Spice Garden with Thrillophilia. We took the Elephant Cottage and it was extremely spacious and well kept. The resort was set just by a spice plantation and offered excellent views from all sides.
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Kanaka Singh
Reviewed: 18 Apr 2021
5.0/5
My partner and I had a great experience of staying here for three days. The property is actually located in the middle of a plantation and our cottage also offered serene natural views all around. The food here is made freshly, and is quite good, though they could expand their menu a bit. The staff ... Read More
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Anuja Butt
Reviewed: 27 Mar 2019
4.0/5
Enjoyable tour. We did not saw tiger though but still it was awesome

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