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Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary - Kerala
About
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country,
Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar
wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the
sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir
meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a
permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger
Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act
of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.
Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar
National Park
Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar
sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer,
Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an
estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at
Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common
Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of
the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.
The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the
great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian
population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in
the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into
the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a
King Cobra.
In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's
environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist
deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and
serenity and long to return for more.
Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary
Kumily : Situated just 4-kms
from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly
catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this
small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels
and resorts for accommodation.
Cradomom Hills : Periyar and
Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily
explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you
at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get
a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.
Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make
the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today
the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists.
Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you
spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the
water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when
taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get
the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You
can also consider renting your own boat.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the
months of October and June.
How to Get there
Air : Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms
or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from
Periyar.
Rail : Kottayam at 114-kms is
the nearest railhead from Periyar.
Road : Kumily, the nearest town
from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from
Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
General Info / Tips
Note : After heavy rains,
chances of good wildlife sightings are very slim as the animals only
come to the lake, when water sources inside the forest have dried
up.
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Periyar
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