Periyar Tiger Reserve, situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is one of the country’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Covering an area of approximately 925 square kilometers, the reserve is named after the Periyar River, which flows through it, creating a lush and diverse ecosystem. Established in 1950 as a wildlife sanctuary and later designated as a tiger reserve in 1978, Periyar is a critical habitat for numerous species and a key area for biodiversity conservation.

Flora and Fauna
The reserve boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is home to an estimated 35 Bengal tigers, as well as a significant population of Indian elephants. Other mammals include gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boar, and various species of primates such as the Nilgiri langur and the lion-tailed macaque. The park's diverse birdlife includes species like the Malabar grey hornbill, great hornbill, and various kingfishers and woodpeckers. The vegetation primarily consists of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and savanna grasslands, providing a wide range of habitats for the resident species.

Core and Buffer Zones
The core zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve spans approximately 881 square kilometers, focusing on strict wildlife preservation with minimal human interference. This area is crucial for the breeding and habitation of the reserve’s diverse fauna. Surrounding the core, the buffer zone covers about 430 square kilometers. The buffer zone acts as a transition area between the protected core and human settlements, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and supporting sustainable practices and eco-tourism.

Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Periyar Tiger Reserve is a model for sustainable eco-tourism. Visitors can engage in various activities, such as guided nature walks, bamboo rafting, and boat cruises on Periyar Lake, which offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The reserve also promotes community-based initiatives, involving local tribes in conservation efforts and providing them with sustainable livelihoods.

Conservation Initiatives
The reserve has implemented several conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and scientific research programs. The involvement of local communities in these efforts has been instrumental in the reserve’s success, creating a sustainable model of wildlife conservation that benefits both nature and people.

Periyar Tiger Reserve stands as a testament to successful conservation practices, offering a sanctuary for endangered species while promoting eco-tourism and supporting local communities. Its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity make it a crucial area for both wildlife preservation and nature-based tourism.

Flora

PTR is an epitome of the rich floral diversity of South Western Ghats. Out of the 1985 species of flowering plants recorded, 519 (26%) are South western Ghats endemics and 149 are under various threat categories.  Four species of gymnosperms and 150 species of Pteridophytes are also represented. In addition 59 taxa of phytoplankton are reported from the water bodies of PTR. There are 3 endemic flora exclusively found in PTR ,Syzigium periyarensis, Mucuna pruriens thekkadiensis, and Habenaria periyarensis

Fauna

Faunal diversityof PTR is significant with 66 species of mammals under 50 genera and 25 families, of which 7 are Western Ghats endemic. In addition to Tiger, Periyar is an important elephant habitat in the country. Gaur, sambar deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, Lion tailed monkey, Nilgiri langur, barking deer and Nilgiri tahr are other noted mammalian species. In addition, more than 342 species of birds,68 reptiles, 64 species of amphibians and 45 fishes are recorded, of which, 13 birds, 17 reptiles 12 amphibians and16fish species are endemic to Western Ghats, with 7species of fish being endemic to PTR. Invertebrate fauna is equally diverse with262 species of butterflies and 80 species of odonates.

Reaching Periyar By train: The nearest railway station to Periyar National Park is Kottayam, which is located about 114 km away from the park. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the park.

Reaching Periyar By road: Periyar National Park is well connected by road to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The park is located about 4 km away from Kumily, which is the nearest town. You can take a taxi or a bus from Kumily to reach the park.

Reaching Periyar By air: The nearest airport to Periyar National Park is Cochin International Airport, which is located about 140 km away from the park. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the park. Alternatively, you can also take a connecting flight to Madurai Airport, which is about 140 km away from the park.

Here is a distance chart for Periyar National Park from some major cities in India:

From Kochi (Cochin) - 140 km (about 4 hours by road)
From Madurai - 136 km (about 3.5 hours by road)
From Kottayam - 114 km (about 3.5 hours by road)
From Trivandrum - 271 km (about 7 hours by road)
From Bangalore - 526 km (about 11 hours by road)
From Chennai - 602 km (about 12 hours by road)
From Mumbai - 1,585 km (about 29 hours by road)
From Delhi - 2,617 km (about 45 hours by road)