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. |