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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Asia
- India
- Kerala
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats, the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife
reserves in India. It is home to a great variety of game, including
elephant, sambar, wild pig, mongoose, the Malabar flying squirrel
and almost 300 species of bird. Leopards and dwindling numbers of
tigers are also here, but are - unfortunately - rarely glimpsed by
visitors.
The park lies 75 miles southeast of Cochin at cool altitudes,
between about 3,000 and 6,000 feet (900 and 1800 metres).
Ironically, the park was created by the royal family of Travancor
to preserve their favourite hunting grounds from the encroachment
of tea plantations, and is centred around a vast artificial lake
that was created by the British in 1895 to supply water to the
drier parts of the state.
Most people view Periyar from a boat on the lake; however, many
visitors prefer to explore the area on foot. Local guides take
small groups on treks of various lengths - however, you should
avoid this adventure in the weeks immediately following monsoon
season, when leeches make hiking virtually unbearable. The best
time to visit is from December to April, when the dry weather draws
animals from the forest to drink at the lakeside. Periyar is also a
good base for day-trips to visit the local tea and spice
plantations, and to explore the waterfalls and appreciate the fine
views of the Cardamom Hills.
Information & Facts
Address
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.
Opening Times
Open daily, from 6am to 6pm