The Periyar Tiger Reserve, named after the Periyar River, is one of our prestigious possessions on the High Ranges of Western Ghats, zealously guarded and efficiently managed

Location: 76º 55’ and 77º 25’ East Longitude and 9º 18 ‘ and 9º41’ North Latitude.

Area: 777 sq. km.

Year of formation: Declared a Sanctuary during 1950 and declared as Tiger Reserve during 1978.F1-2854/AD/11..08..1950 &
G-11025/34/FRY(PT)dtd 29.8.77

Climate: Temperature varies from 15ºC to 31ºC

Topography: Altitude ranging from 900 to 2000m . Highest peak is Kottamala (2016m)

Rainfall: Average annual rainfall is 1700mm.

Drainage: The major rivers through the reserve are Mullayar and Periyar. Several streams feeding these two rivers and the  amba and Azhuta River from the major source of water for the reserve

Forest Types: The forest types include Tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests,  rasslands and eucalyptus plantations.

Bio diversity: The major tree species are Vateria indica, Dipterocarpus indicus, Cullenia excelsa, Palaquium ellipticum,
Artocarpus hirsute, Salmalia malabarica, Hopea parviflora, Tetrameles nudiflora, Terminaliasp, Tectona grandis,
Pterocarpus marsupium, Anogeissus latifolia, Careya arborea, Emblica officianalis etc. The mahor grass species
are Cymbopogon sp. Saccharum etc.

62 species of mammals, 315 sp. of birds, 45 species of reptiles,

16 species of amphibians and 38 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary

Elephant, Gaur,Tiger,Panther,Sambar, barking deer, Wildboar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Liontailed macaque, Otter, Malabar  iant squirrel, Wild dog etc are the major mammals

Approach: By Road – Kumily _ 4km

Kochi -190 km

Madurai – 145 Km.

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam- 115Km.

Accomodation : Tiger Bungalow, Anavachal – 3 rooms (6beds)

Trusker camp,Edappalayam – 2rooms (4beds)

Bison camp, Manakkavala – 2 rooms (4beds)

Dormitory,Thekkady – 40 beds

Dormitory, Vallakkadavu – 40 beds

Watch Tower, Edappalayam – 2 persons (Rs. 200/day)

There are also hotels owned by KTDC (Lake Palace – 6 rooms: Aranya Nivas – 33 rooms, Periyar House – 44 rooms).
There are also about 20 hotels in various types around the PA

Best season to visit: October-Novemberto May

Closure period: Open throughout the year

Special Attractions: Community sponsored Ecotourism facilities available.

A trekking cum rafting programme (limited to 10 persons per day) along the river into the range. (Rs.750/-per head)

Tribal hamlet cum Museum at Mannakudy (Rs.100 per person)

Fringe area trekking along with protection staff (3 hrs duration, three trips daily, Rs. 500/-per head)

Tiger trail – Adventure trekking cum camping programmed limited to 5 person/trip.

Jungle inn by the night and Night camping facilities in the forest (4pm to 7 am limited to 2 persons, Rs.1250/pair)

Contact Address:

The Deputy Director,

Periyar East Division,
Thekkady P.O, Via, Kumily, Kerala, PIN - 685 536
Phone:0486 9222027 Mobile:9447979091
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