One of the most visited wildlife reserves of India and situated in the high ranges of the Western Ghats, this is the only tiger reserve in Kerala. Originally declared as a reserved forest in 1899, it officially became a national park in 1978.

The terrain is undulating with a reservoir of 2600 hectares. The vegetation comprises mainly of tropical evergreen forest and semi evergreen forests. Deciduous forests and grasslands dominate the center of the park.

Periyar National Park is the Habitat for tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, gaur, wild boar, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, sloth bear, etc. More than 180 species of bird life including Grey heron, darter, hornbills, ibis, and cormorant are recorded.

Though a tiger reserve, this is the best elephant sanctuary in India. Herds of elephants and other animals those will wander down to the lake. Although walking tour are offered the best way to see the reserve is to take a boat ride on the manmade lake.

The best season to visit the reserve is from September to May. The annual temperature generally varies from 15^oC to 32^oC, April -May being the hottest month.

Accommodation to suit the taste of everyone could be arranged in the forest rest houses and KTDC hotels inside the park or at hotels in Tekkady or Kumily.

The park is easily accessed by road. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam (115km). The nearest town is Kumily, a mere 4km from the park.

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