Established
in 1934. It now extends over 777sq.km and is India’s
southernmost tiger Reserve. Most of the sanctuary is
undulating. Elephant viewing excellent, Tiger sightings are
rare. Malabar squirrel, flying, represents the wildlife in
the park Squirrel, wild dog, monitor lizards, snakes,
pythons, flying frogs, porcupines, barkingdeer Mousedeer
sambar etc. nearly 200 species of birds have been sighted
here. the other animals to be seen in the Periyar
sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse
Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger.
There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of
primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed
macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet
Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the
elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.
The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers,
the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The
reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be
spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the
lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park
often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is
from the months of October and June.
