Travel Guide Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Nature Reserve is one of the most captivating places in Kerala. The reserve is located in Thekkady, near Kumily. Occupying 777 km2, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, as it is also known, is a park where you can see mischievous pachyderms, whose population now stands at around 800 individuals. The tiger population is also increasing significantly, and is estimated at around 30 individuals. The park's territory is divided between hilly areas and flat grasslands around the lakes. The dominant vegetation is deciduous. Summer temperatures (April to June) range from 21 to 24°C. During the monsoon season (July and August), they range from 19 to 21°C. The cool, pleasant winter season lasts from October to March. In summer, light clothing is appropriate, while in winter light sweaters are recommended. Trekkers should beware of snakes... Kumily, the border town between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is home to numerous hotels (some inexpensive, others more luxurious) and a myriad of spice stores and Kashmiri emporiums. Thekkady lies within the park, on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Periyar. Only KTDC hotels are located here.