Periyar National Park, India

If you holiday in the Southern Indian state of Kerala you will find the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. It is well known for its herds of wild elephants of which there are about 700 in the park. The Periyar Tiger reserve spreads over 777 sq. km and there are a significant number of tigers here, however they are hard to see because of the dense undergrowth.

The elephants however can be seen in abundance, particularly on the banks of the lake, where they come to drink and bathe. Watching these playful giants is truly a delightful experience.

Periyar is home to many other creatures including the Nilgir Tahr, bison, different species of deer and the Nilgiri Langur. There are also over 200 species of birds and over a 100 species of butterflies in this wild life reserve.

There are spice gardens near the sanctuary, which you can visit and learn about the medicinal properties of plants that have been used for centuries to cure ailments.

Within the park you can travel by jeep or take an elephant safari. Boats are available for hire, to cruise on the lake. The winter and early summer are the best times for a holiday in Periyar. A visit to Periyar National Park is truly an Incredible India Wildlife Holiday experience.