How to Plan Periyar National Park Trip: A Complete Guide
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, the national park is one of India's most scenic and ecologically diverse wildlife sanctuaries. Spanning across the district of Idukki, this national park is famous for its picturesque landscapes, tranquil Periyar Lake, and thriving population of elephants and tigers. What makes Periyar special is its unique combination of rich wildlife and serene surroundings, offering visitors the chance to explore dense forests, spot exotic fauna, and experience boat rides on the lake. It is also a vital part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, ensuring the protection of the region’s biodiversity. Whether you're an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, planning a tour to Periyar offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility amidst nature’s wonders.
Step-by-Step Guide to Plan a Tour to Periyar National Park
1. Best Time to Visit Periyar
Periyar National Park attracts tourists, almost throughout the year. However, the winter season is the most opted period when tourists tend to flock to the verdant location to enjoy the wildlife safari as well as the pleasant weather. The summer seasons are quite hot and humid, but ensure fair chances of spotting wildlife. On the other hand, being located in the state of Kerala, Periyar National Park receives a good amount of rainfall. As a result, most areas of the national park are filled with water, thereby creating a hindrance to a smooth safari in Periyar. Therefore, the ideal time to visit Periyar National Park is from October to March.
2. Conduct Reservations for the Mode of Transport
Once ascertained with the tour dates, it is crucial to make reservations for the preferred mode of transport - via road, rail or air. Tourists can reach Kochi, by arriving either at Ernakulam Junction or Cochin International Airport, and then the rest of the distance to Periyar National Park has to be covered by road. The distance from Cochin to Periyar National Park is approximately 149 km. Choose the means of transport, conveniently available from the respective city and reserve seats either in flight or train or book a cab well in advance.
3. Reserve Safari Seat
The most prominent attraction of Periyar National Park is the boat safari at Periyar Lake. Boat safaris are conducted in 5 slots of 1.5 hours each. Being the primary attraction, an early booking of seats is mandatory. The prices for Indian tourists and foreigners are different. Even for jeep safaris an early reservation of the seats ensures a smooth trip experience without any last-minute hassles.
4. Plan Your Activities
Craft an itinerary for a trip to Periyar National Park. 2-3 days is enough for a blissful experience at the national park. Based on the duration of the trip, plan the activities in which you want to partake. Apart from the mesmerising boat safari Periyar National Park also offers a set of other eco-tourism activities like bamboo rafting, tiger trail, border hiking, jungle scouting, nature walking, and so on.
5. Book Accommodations
When planning a visit to Periyar National Park, arrange for accommodation in the close periphery of the national park. Several hotels and resorts are available near the national park in different budget ranges, suitable for all kinds of travellers. While travelling in the peak season, the rooms in the hotels or resorts are sold out and might be subject to unavailability if not booked in advance.
6. Pack Essential Items
Before moving out for the trip, it is important to pack smartly. Make a list of the necessary things including clothes, cameras and other accessories. Based on the season, winter or summer, pack warm and woolen clothes or cotton fabrics along with comfortable footwear. Carry water and medicines if required. Also carry an umbrella or raincoat and accessories like mosquito repellants, sunscreen lotions hats or scarves and so on. Pack cameras and binoculars to sight and capture the memories of the Periyar National Park.
