Periyar, best
known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all visitors to Kerala. The
Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary which is a veritable
paradise for all wildlife lovers. Where else can one view the animals in
their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better still come
within a few feet of a herd of wild elephants and still be at ease! The
majestic gaur, deer, wild boar and the distinctive Nilgiri langur are often
spotted along the lake as also water birds.
Periyar's wildlife
variety includes the tiger, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, the Nilgiri
tahr, wild dog, porcupine, lion tailed macaque, Malabar squirrel and sloth
bear. The reserve has also attractions for the bird watcher as varieties of
birds like the hornbill, blue winged parakeet, whistling thrush, flycatcher
and water birds are to be seen here.
Observation towers are set
about the reserve for the more enthusiastic of nature watchers and a cool
summer palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore is a hotel run by the
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. The ideal time to visit is
between the months of December and May.
Access :
Nearest Airport - Madurai (143 Kms)
Nearest Railhead -
Kumarakom, (114 Kms).
Nearest Town - Kumily (4km), The entry point to
the reserve is Thekkady, which is accessible by good roads from Madurai,
Cochin & Thiruvananthapuram.
Area :
Total - 777 Sq.Km. Core: 350 Sq.Km. Periyar Lake 26 Sq. Km, Forest Cover :
360 Sq.K.M. This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges
of the western ghats. One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife
sanctuaries, the Periyar reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse
wildlife and beautiful landscape. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting
as the road winds through Tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick
jungles. The sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under the project
tiger scheme, attracts travellers from all over the world. This is the only
sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed
at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest.
The
Periyar lake formed by the construction of the dam across the Uullaperiyar
river in 1895, the lake harbours within itself a unique aquatic eco system.
The numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the intricate inherent
interrelationship among the terrestrial aquatic and subterranean life forms.
A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in
the reserve.
Best time to visit :
October - May entry to the reserve 0600 - 1800 hrs
Vegetation
: Over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species and 143
species of orchids. The only south indian conifer podocarpus wallichianus
grows here.
Wildlife Population :
Mammals - 35 Species Including The Wild Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild Dog,
Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Malabar Giant Squirrel,
Lion-Tailed Macaque, Civet, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur Etc.
Reptiles
King cobra, Viper, Krait, a number of non poisonous Snakes, Bicoloured
Frogs, Tortoise and Crocodiles.
Avifauna
265 Species including Migrants. The great Indian Hornbill, Peafowl,
Brahminy kite and black - Winged Kite. Aquatic birds Like Darter, Little
Cormorant, Kingfisher, Black - Necked stork Etc.
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