Periyar Tiger Reserve
Bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, around 2000 elephants and 35 to 40 tigers wander the lushly green hills of South India’s most popular wildlife reserve,…
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Periyar Tiger Reserve
South India’s most popular wildlife reserve, Periyar, encompasses 777 sq km, including a 26-sq-km 1895 artificial lake created by the British. This vast expanse – which became Kerala's first tiger reserve in 1978 (though founded as a sanctuary in 1934) – shelters wild boar, sambar, bison, langur, 2000 elephants and 35 to 40 hard-to-spot tigers. It's firmly established on both the Indian and foreigner tourist trails and known for its scenic lake cruise. But if you dig deeper, perhaps on a trek with a tribal villager or an ex-poacher, Periyar's hilly jungle scenery takes on a wild, magical feel. Bring warm, waterproof clothing.
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Must-see attractions
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Insightful one-hour tours weave through perfumed spice gardens at this friendly, organic 12-hectare family farm, 3km west of Kumily, in operation since…
Periyar Tiger Reserve
About 14km southwest of Kumily, this four-decade-old working tea factory and plantation offers one-hour guided tours of the tea-making process and tea…
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Around 4km west of Kumily, 4-hecare Highrange is awash with lush organic gardens where you can see spices, ayurvedic herbs and vegetables growing. It's…
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Next to the reserve bus-shuttle car park, on the southwest edge of town, this small interpretation museum runs through the wildlife and geography of South…
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