Periyar Sanctuary is also called Thekkady Sanctuary as it is located in Thekkady in the State of Kerala, India.
Unique Sanctuary
It is a UniqueWildlife Sanctuary for you can see here Wild Animals at Close Angles with the helps of Safe Boats, its Flora and Fauna are also Unique as you can’t find them in any other Wildlife Sanctuaries in the World, etc.
Area
It spreads out over the Districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu State. It is a Protected Area and a Nature Reserve. Its Protected Area covers 925 sq. km out of which 350 sq. km have been earmarked for Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Protected Area is located in the mountainous region of Cardamom Hills. Its Highest Point is Kottamalai with a height of 2018 meters. It is surrounded by picturesque 26 sq. km Periyar Lake which had been carved out by constructing Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895. The Reservoir and Periyar River provide permanent source of water to fauna and flora of Sanctuary.
Fauna
You can see about 50 different varieties of Mammals here. The number of tigers is around 50 in Tiger Reserve Area and elephants 100. Gaur, horse deer, barking deer, mouse deer, Indian wild dogs, mongoose, foxes, leopards, elusive and endangered Nilgiri Tahr or goat, etc., also could be seen. For protecting Nilgiri Tahr only this has been established. Four species of primates are also its inhabitants, namely, rare lion- tailed macaque, Nillgiri langur, common langur and bonnet macaque.
The most enchanting sight that you could witness here would be the mischievous games that herds of elephants would be exhibiting before you in their majestic and gigantic styles in the Periyar Lake.
Birds
You could figure out about 300 types of birds here which include darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great Malabar hornbill, etc. Also you could find different types of reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, etc.
Flora
Flora comprises of tropical evergreen forests of 30,500 hectares and semi evergreen forests of 27,500 hectares around Reservoir and moist deciduous forests and woody grasslands in the central part of the Park. Major flora include teakwood, rosewood, eucalyptus, sandalwood trees, mango trees, tamarind trees, banyan trees, bamboo trees, etc.
Activities.
Boat Cruises in the Lake empower you to see wild animals in their natural and wild habits. It is difficult to see tigers. However you could see elephants, wild bears, horse deer, deer, etc.
It offers boat rides, elephant rides, etc.
Boating through placid Lake provides you with a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters.
Elephant rides take you to the remotest parts of the Sanctuary.
It also facilitates trekking expeditions.
How to reach
By Air
The Nearest Airports are Cochin, 140 km and Madurai, 142 km.
By Train
The Nearest Railway Stations are Kottayam, 110 km, Ernakulam Junction, 140 km
By Road
Thekkady is well connected by road to important towns of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc.
Nearest Town
Kumily, 4 km
Best Time to visit
October to June
Copyright © 2017 by Davis Akkara
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