Periyar National Park

Set high in Kerala’s Cardamom Hills, Periyar National Park is one of South India’s most atmospheric wildlife destinations. At its heart lies the tranquil Periyar Lake, where forested slopes descend to the water and elephants frequently gather along the shore. With a mix of tropical evergreen, grassland and Shola forest, the Periyar National park is home to a variety of animals, mammals and birds.
The park is home to Asian elephants, gaur, sambar, wild boar and an extraordinary variety of birdlife, while elusive tigers and leopards inhabit the surrounding forests. Rather than simply ticking off wildlife sightings, Periyar is about experiencing the forest: take a boat journey across the lake, walk with trained naturalists, or venture deeper into the reserve on a guided nature experience. The result is an immersive encounter with Kerala’s wilderness, best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.