@ Trison Thomas
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Thekkady,
Kerala,
India,
Asia
In the southern embrace of the Western Ghats, Periyar Tiger Reserve spreads over the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala, close to the small town of Thekkady. This evergreen haven, perched at an altitude ranging between 900 and 1800 meters, offers a cool climate and misty landscapes throughout the year. The entry point is commonly accessed through Kumily, a border town just 4 km away from the reserve, making it a favorite getaway from both Kerala and neighboring Tamil Nadu.
Periyar Tiger Reserve spans 925 sq. km, with 350 sq. km as the core conservation area. Its highlight is the scenic Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, which supports rich biodiversity during dry months. Unlike many sanctuaries, Periyar thrives on community-driven ecotourism, involving locals in conservation while offering meaningful visitor experiences. The reserve shelters not only tigers but also elephants, leopards, gaurs, Nilgiri langurs, and over 300 bird species, including the Malabar grey hornbill and Indian pitta.
Periyar Tiger Reserve offers unique, immersive experiences like bamboo rafting on the tranquil Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants by the shore. Visitors can enjoy guided nature walks and thrilling night jungle patrols led by tribal guides. The Tiger Trail takes wildlife enthusiasts deep into the forest for multi-day treks with former poachers-turned-conservationists. Ethical elephant programs and a visit to the Tribal Heritage Museum reveal the deep connection between the local tribes and the forest’s ecosystem.
The Periyar region, being close to Kerala’s spice capital, promises food that is rich, earthy, and soul-satisfying. Local eateries in Thekkady serve traditional Kerala meals on banana leaves — think matta rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and fiery fish curry cooked with kokum and coconut.
Street food lovers can dig into tapioca with spicy beef fry or kozhi varuthathu (fried chicken) seasoned with black pepper and curry leaves. Don’t forget to sip on a cup of Kattan Chaya (strong black tea), especially on misty evenings. The scent of fresh cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon wafts through every corner here, and many spice plantations offer cooking classes where you can learn to whip up a Kerala-style feast yourself.
What sets Periyar Tiger Reserve apart is not just its stunning biodiversity but its people-first approach to conservation. Unlike places where visitors are passive observers, here you’re a participant in preservation, walking the same paths as animals and locals who live symbiotically with nature. It’s not just a wildlife sanctuary — it’s a space where nature, culture, and community exist in perfect balance.
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Around Periyar Tiger Reserve
1. Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre
11 km
a glimpse into Kerala’s martial art, Kalaripayattu, and the classical dance form Kathakali.
2. Kumily Village
2 km
A charming plantation town right next to Thekkady, Kumily is known for its vast cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations.
3. Pandikuzhi Viewpoint
6 km
A scenic valley tucked between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu best for its waterfalls, streams, and lush greenery
4. Chellarkovil Waterfalls & Viewpoint
15 km
A quiet village with a breathtaking view of Tamil Nadu’s plains and terraced fields.
6. Vandanmedu
25 km
This small town is one of the world’s largest auction centers for cardamom.
7. Parunthumpara (Eagle Rock)
30-50 km
A panoramic view of endless valleys, mist-covered hills, and on clear days, even the Sabarimala Forest.
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