This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Periyar Tiger Reserve
BetaA Western Ghats tiger reserve around a hill lake, where elephants and gaur gather along the shore.
Why this place matters
Western Ghats tiger reserve safeguarding the Periyar reservoir catchment and extensive evergreen and moist deciduous forests, with strong elephant and tiger populations and influential community-based ecotourism models.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredWestern Ghats tiger reserve where tigers range across evergreen and moist deciduous forest around Periyar Lake.
Asian ElephantENEndangeredLarge herds use lake shores and grasslands, often visible from boats.
GaurVUVulnerableCommon along meadows and forest edges near water.
SambarVUVulnerableFrequently seen at lake margins, especially at dusk and dawn.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Asian elephantElephas maximusENEndangered
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
DholeCuon alpinusENEndangered- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Lion-tailed macaqueMacaca silenusENEndangered- Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable
Hanuman langurSemnopithecus entellusLCLeast Concern
Indian giant squirrelRatufa indicaLCLeast Concern
Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Wild boarSus scrofaLCLeast Concern
Birds
Great hornbillBuceros bicornisVUVulnerable
Songbird
Reptiles
King cobraOphiophagus hannahVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and Great Hornbill. Reptiles include King Cobra, Indian Rock Python and Monitor Lizard.
Plan your visit
Post-monsoon forests are lush and support rich birdlife; the drier months lower lake levels, drawing elephants, gaur and sambar to exposed shores visible from boats.
- Zones
- Periyar Lake tourism zone and designated trekking and eco-development zones
- Safari
- boat safaris, guided treks and specialised Tiger Trail camping programmes
- Typical sightings
- Elephants, gaur and sambar along lake edges viewed from boats; forest treks may encounter primates, ungulates and occasionally big cats.
- Light and terrain
- Backlit ridges and mist over the lake at dawn create dramatic silhouettes; forest understorey can be dim, favouring fast lenses.
- Hides
- Viewpoints along trails and lake shores; no general public hides.
- Good to know
- All guided activities must be booked through official Periyar Tiger Reserve channels; some programmes have age or fitness limits.