Periyar National Park is a renowned national park located in the state of Kerala, in the Western Ghats region of southern India. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and was declared a national park in 1982. The park covers an area of approximately 925 square kilometers and is known for its rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity.

Flora: The park is located in the tropical evergreen and deciduous forests of the Western Ghats and is home to a wide variety of plant species. The forest here is dominated by tropical evergreen trees like Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Silver Oak. The park also has patches of grasslands, which provide habitat for various herbivores.

Fauna: Periyar National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including over 35 species of mammals, 265 species of birds, and many species of reptiles and amphibians. The park is home to several endangered species such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, and Nilgiri Langur. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog, Leopard, Wild Boar, and the Indian Giant Squirrel.

Safari: The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including jungle safaris, boat rides, and trekking. The boat ride on the Periyar Lake is a popular activity and offers a chance to spot wildlife like elephants, gaur, and sambar deer along the banks of the lake. Visitors can also go on guided nature walks, bamboo rafting, and camping trips in the park.

Accommodation: There are several accommodation options available near the park, including government-run guesthouses, private lodges, and luxury resorts. Visitors can choose to stay inside the park or outside, depending on their preference.

Conservation: Periyar National Park is an important conservation site and is managed by the Kerala Forest Department. The park is also home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is aimed at conserving the park’s tiger population. The park has also been successful in reducing the human-wildlife conflict in the area by involving local communities in conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Periyar National Park is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity, coupled with its successful conservation efforts, make it an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Best routes by road to reach Periyar National Park from Chandigarh

The distance between Chandigarh and Periyar National Park is quite large, so there is no direct road route available. However, here are a few possible routes you can take to reach Periyar National Park from Chandigarh by road:

Chandigarh – Delhi – Jaipur – Ahmedabad – Mumbai – Kochi – Periyar National Park This is a long route that covers a distance of approximately 2800 kilometers and takes around 50 hours to complete. You can start by taking NH44 from Chandigarh towards Delhi and then continue on NH48 towards Jaipur. From Jaipur, take NH48 towards Ahmedabad, and then take NH48 and NH48D towards Mumbai. From Mumbai, take NH66 towards Kochi, and then continue on to Periyar National Park.
Chandigarh – Delhi – Agra – Jhansi – Nagpur – Hyderabad – Bengaluru – Periyar National Park This route covers a distance of around 2800 kilometers and takes around 50 hours to complete. You can start by taking NH44 from Chandigarh towards Delhi, then continue on to Agra via Yamuna Expressway. From Agra, take NH44 towards Jhansi and then continue on NH44 towards Nagpur. From Nagpur, take NH44 towards Hyderabad and then continue on to Bengaluru via NH65. From Bengaluru, take NH85 towards Periyar National Park.
Chandigarh – Delhi – Lucknow – Varanasi – Kolkata – Chennai – Periyar National Park This route covers a distance of around 3300 kilometers and takes around 60 hours to complete. You can start by taking NH44 from Chandigarh towards Delhi, then continue on to Lucknow via NH27. From Lucknow, take NH19 towards Varanasi, and then take NH2 towards Kolkata. From Kolkata, take NH16 towards Chennai, and then continue on to Periyar National Park via NH85.

It’s important to note that these routes may have different road conditions, traffic, and tolls that could impact travel time and costs. Make sure to plan your journey accordingly and take necessary precautions. Also, make sure to check for any travel restrictions or permits required for entering the national park.