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Location: The Periyar National Park, India was formed in the green stretches of Kerala in 1895 and declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is under thick and evergreen forests. How to reach: Kumily is the closest town from Periyar. Kumily is nicely linked with Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai by frequent and continuous buses. The nearest railway junction from Periyar is Kottayam, which is at a distance of 114 kms. The closest airports are Kochi, which is at 200 kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140 kms. Places of Interest: The elephant and the tiger are found in sizable quantity in the Periyar National Park. Other animals are Gaur, Wild pigs, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole and Indian Wild Dog. The rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, the Common Langur and the Bonnet Macaque are the four primate species that are the center of appeal. Also, this park is the only abode of the Nilgiri Tahr. There are about 100 types of Butterflies and 240 bird species. The park is surrounded by the aromatic spice gardens. The different types of Bird species found are Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and the racket-tailed Drongos. Monitor lizards make up for most of the reptile population. If the viewer is very lucky, he can view a Python or a King Cobra. The flying lizard and flying snake are the rare species found here. The Periyar Lake has grey heron, ibis, Malabar Hornbill and grey hornbill. The other birds are kingfishers, ospreys, kites and orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed Drongos, parakeets and flycatchers. Kumily, which is only 4 kms away, is famous as a spice trade center. There is also a ruined Mangala Devi temple amidst the Thekkady forest. Shopping: Shopping near the Periyar National Park, India can be immense fun. A variety of products like the Coconut Shell Craft, Metal Inlaid Wood Craft, Coir Products, Horn Carving, Woodcarving, Bamboo Mat Paintings, Metalware, Kathakali masks can be bought. Tea, Coffee and spices like Black Pepper, Cardamom, Vanilla, Cinnamom and Ginger are easily available. Kerala abounds in handicrafts. Due to the plethora of forests and coconut groves, a wide range of souvenirs and trinkets can be made.
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