Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary (Thekkady Wildlife Sanctaury)
One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar
sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also
called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching
the animals in their natural habitat.
The
forest here, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill.
This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to
drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be
spotted here.
There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The
best season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread over
777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary
is located 137 km from Madurai.
Although an excursion on the splendid artificial lake is the standard
way to experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around with the local
guide in a small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake to frolic
in the water.
Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted
Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked
Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here, including
Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies,
laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers.
The Floral Cosmos
You will find that Periyar National Park is a mix of tropical evergreen and
semi-evergreen forest supporting the survival of a wide variety of plant and
animal species.
The Animal Cosmos
Elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar, porcupines, squirrels, bison,
spotted deer, Malabar flying squirrel, mongoose, wild pig, wild boar and
sloth bear attract a number of tourists. Nilgiri Tahrs and tigers are
evasive in the sanctuary.
The Bird Cosmos
The sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise as around 260 species of birds
including Nilgiri wood pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, flycatchers, laughing
thrushes are found.
Besides, traversing through the dense woods locating the animals and birds,
you have other alternatives for recreation. Enjoy elephant safari in the
sanctuary, have photography adventure or go on trekking to the Mangaladevi
temple situated in the center of the Thekkady forests. Every expedition is
simply superb. So, come to Periyar and study elephants in a new light along
with other animals.
General Information
Location
Kerala
Best Time
October to June
Formerly Known As
Thekkady Wildlife
Sanctuary