Periyar National Park, Geographical Features, Flora, Fauna

Periyar National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of the most prominent and well-protected wildlife sanctuaries in southern India. It is widely known for its tiger and elephant population, as well as the Periyar Lake, which adds to its ecological richness and scenic beauty. Declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger, Periyar remains a model of sustainable wildlife tourism and conservation.

The Periyar National Park holds cultural and ecological significance, as it also supports several tribal communities living in harmony with nature.

Periyar National Park About

Periyar National Park is situated in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Kerala. It covers an area of 925 sq. km, of which 305 sq. km constitutes the core area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The presence of Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, provides a permanent water source for wildlife and helps maintain the park’s rich biodiversity. Periyar is also known for allowing controlled tourism like boat safaris and nature walks, offering an educational and immersive wildlife experience without disturbing the natural habitat. It is managed by the Kerala Forest Department under strict conservation rules.

Also Read: Panna National Park

Periyar National Park of Geographical Features

The Geographical Features of Periyar National Park is defined by the rugged mountains of the Western Ghats, dense forests, and the prominent Periyar Lake. The terrain includes rolling hills, valleys, and evergreen rainforests, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems in India.

• Location: Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, Kerala
• Total Area: 925 sq. km (core zone: 305 sq. km)
• Altitude: 900 to 2,019 meters above sea level (highest peak: Kottamalai)
• Climate: Tropical with heavy rainfall (Southwest Monsoon)
• Rivers: Periyar and Pamba
• Water Source: Periyar Lake, a vital freshwater reservoir

Periyar National Park Flora

Periyar National Park Flora is primarily tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, spread with moist deciduous trees and grasslands. The park lies within one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity in the world, the Western Ghats.

Periyar National Park Fauna

Periyar National Park Fauna is home to a wide variety of animals, most notably the Asian Elephant and the Royal Bengal Tiger. Apart from these, the park supports several other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.