Location: Kumily, Kerala

Area covered: 778 sq km

Main Wildlife Found : Elephants, Tiger, leopard, Nilgiri langur

Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats' in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals. It eventually resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharaja of Travancore. Post-1975 Periyar National Park finds itself in the enviable position of being a national park as well as a protected tiger Reserve.

Mammals : There are approximately 40 tigers in the area as per the latest reports.The leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar, and sloth bear are also the main inhabitant of Periyar.

Bird Life : Some 260 species of birds are found at Periyar. These include darters, cormorants, ibises, grey herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons, kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and an appreciable number of blue-winged parakeets.

Reptiles : Dark Monitor Liza rd, Pythons, King Cobra, Flying Liza rd and flying snake and flying frog.

Safari: The park is formed in the region of a lake measuring about 55 sqkm, boating is the best means for viewing the wild life of periyar tiger reserve.  However, periyar can be visited by elephants ride too.