Thekkady Trips - Travel and Tours information about Thekkady, Kerala

Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 Sq.km, of which 360 Sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : The rich forest area of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread in an area of 777 Sq km, of which 360 Sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla Periyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of observing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Though the greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, you can also see gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make your boat ride more lyrical.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Picturesque Periyar, the 'Pride of Kerala' is one of the largest and most frequented sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary created in 1934, by the old Travancore state government, covers an area of 777 Sq. km. at the cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats. It was designated as a part of 'Project Tiger' in 1973 and is southernmost tiger reserve of the country.

The 26 Sq. km. Periyar lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar Dam across the Periyar river further enhances the beauty of the park. The innumerable little islets in the lake bear testimony to the inherent relationship between the terrestrial, aquatic and submarine life forms. Boat cruise on the waters of the lake is the best way to enjoy the pristine beauty of the park and view the wildlife from close quarters. Watching herds of wild elephants, gaur, sambar and wild pigs etc., wander to the lake- side to quench their thirst is an unforgettable experience. The hot and dry months of March and April are the best time to view the wildlife by a boat cruise, as animals tend to spend a lot of time near the lake.

He sanctuary is also well known for viewing all aspects of elephantine. Besides elephants and tigers, it is a safe haven for bison, sambar, wild boar, spotted deer, leopard, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe necked mongoose, black Nilgiri langurs, Nilgiri tahr etc. There is also a rich variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds. The park area is full of floral wealth, with over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus.
A summer palace of the erstwhile royalty of Travancore. Overlooking the lake has been converted into a hotel and is a fine place to stay.

The famous tiger reserve of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady makes an excellent excursion from Idukki. For the wildlife enthusiast, a tour to the sanctuary is something of an absolute must. The natural vegetation, verdant hills and an artificial lake make a visit to this sanctuary an experience once in a lifetime. Thekkady also offers you opportunities to indulge in trekking, elephant rides and boating.

Experience the nature at its exuberant best at the hill resort of Munnar. Munnar abounds with the tea plantations, forests and the

For the nature and the animal lovers an excursion to Thekkady from Idukki is an excellent option. Thekkady has the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where the plantations, jungles, mountains and an artificial lake come together with the fauna and avian to make the trip to the Tiger Reserve unforgettable. While at Thekkady you may also indulge in trekking, elephant rides and boating.

Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
Location - 9.492408,77.225647

Thekkady Trips - Paradise in Gods Own Country, Kerala - Travel and Tours information

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary