Image Source: Wouter Hagens
About Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in India and a flagship conservation site for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Spread across the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, this protected area is also home to the scenic Periyar Lake, making it both a hub for wildlife tourism and a significant ecological hotspot. It forms part of the Cardamom Hills and the Pandalam Hills, two biodiversity-rich regions of Kerala.
Geography and Landscape
Periyar Tiger Reserve covers an area of 925 km², with a core zone of 305 km² dedicated exclusively to wildlife conservation. The reserve is nestled within the Periyar National Park, at altitudes ranging from 100 m to 2019 m above sea level.
Its centerpiece is the Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created after the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895. The lake, surrounded by dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, enhances the beauty of the reserve while serving as a lifeline for its wildlife.
Flora and Vegetation
The reserve is covered by tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and savannas, which together nurture an astonishing range of biodiversity. Notable vegetation includes teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and cardamom plantations.
The dense forests also host several medicinal plants that support traditional Ayurvedic practices, making the reserve not just a wildlife sanctuary but also a repository of natural wealth.
Fauna and Biodiversity
Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to over 60 species of mammals, 300+ species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 160 butterfly species, and numerous amphibians and fishes.
Flagship Species: The Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction, with around 40 individuals recorded in the reserve.
Other Mammals: Asian elephants, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, and sloth bear.
Birds: Great hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, kingfishers, and numerous migratory waterbirds around the lake.
Reptiles: King cobras, pythons, and monitor lizards are often spotted in the reserve.
This diversity has made Periyar a globally recognized hotspot within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Periyar Lake and Eco-Tourism
The Periyar Lake, covering about 26 km², is the most iconic feature of the reserve. Boat cruises on the lake provide tourists with an opportunity to witness elephants, gaur, and deer as they come to drink at the water’s edge. The calm setting also makes it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
The reserve is also known for its eco-tourism initiatives, including bamboo rafting, guided jungle treks, border hikes, and night patrolling experiences. These programs are managed in collaboration with local tribal communities, ensuring both conservation and livelihood opportunities.