The wildlife sanctuary in Kerala-Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

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About:
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district of Kerala. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries of not only Kerala but also India. It is known more for elephants. The Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake. In this region, dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands surround the ranges of Western Ghats. This provides a favorable environment to the herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. One can enjoy elephant ride at the sanctuary and also go on trekking to the Mangaladevi Periyar Wildlife Sanctuarytemple, situated in the center of the Thekkady forests. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary provides great opportunity to enjoy wildlife and photograph wild animals in general and elephants in particular.There are also, two unique species found at Periyar, Flying Snake and Flying Lizard.The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen ‘sholas’, the last occurring in the moist valleys and characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with extensive patches of grasslands. Periyar’s rich bird life includes the Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The Indian Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna. Periyar has a few Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.The sanctuary was designated a part of ‘Project Tiger’, in 1973, and offers a fairly good chance of seeing the majestic Indian Tiger in its natural habitat. The sanctuary is also acclaimed to be the best place in the world for studying all the aspects of elephantine life. There are about 750 elephants in the park but only 35 tigers and leopards are present here.Besides tiger and elephant, the sanctuary is a natural habitat to wide variety of wildlife including bison, sambar, wild boar, spotted deer, leopards, jungle cats, rare species of Malabar flying squirrel, stripe necked mongoose, black Nilgiri langurs and monkeys etc. There are plenty of water fowl which perch on the dead trees in the lake. Woodland birds, owls and hornbills can also be seen in the forest.Trekking with a local guide familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees and flowers that are come across here. And also sets up your close encouonter with gaur, barking deer, porcupines, langurs and macaques. Only the most fortunate fo eventually sight a rare predator – the tiger, the panther or perhaps a pack of wild dogs. Though aquatic birds are relatively few here, the Indian darter and black – necked stork are common. And an engaging visit to a tribal village deep inside the forest provides your close – quarter observance of the curious ways of neolithic life. Periyar National Park is also known for its scenic beauty and bracing climate. It is a pleasant escape from the rigours of day to day life. The boat cruise on the serene waters of the lake is an excellent way to watch the wildlife and the pristine beauty of the park.The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also noted for its diverse geographical features such as geomorphology and climate, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. The terrain of the park is highly undulating and boasts numerous narrow water streams. A 90 km long and high ridge of the Western Ghat forms the north-eastern boundary of the park, separating the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. But, the most important geographical feature of the Periyar National Park is the Periyar Lake (Area- 26 sq km), situated in the heart of the park, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. According to estimates, the Periyar National Park has a forest cover of about 360 sq km, mainly comprising of thick evergreen forest. The high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats have dense cover of evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands.The forests that covers the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are a mixture of deciduous, semi evergreen and evergreen trees. The evergreen trees are tall and occupy the moist valleys with the canopy. The Sanctuary, also known as Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary owes its origin to the Maharaja of Travancore who was an avid hunter and a great natural lover. Spice gardens and plantation estates surrounds the sanctuary.
Location info:
Address:Kumily, Idukki District, Kerala, India
District: Idukki District
Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Kochi, Theni, Palani, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikannal, Chinnar, idukki.
Best time to visit: December to April
Climate/Weather:
It enjoys a tropical climate varies between 10 degree centigrade – 26 degree centigrade.
History:
 
Interesting things to do:
You can find the flora and fauna,Periyar’s rich bird life includes the Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The Indian Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna.Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc are seen here apart from variousspecies of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones.Birds include jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc. Spice gardens and plantation estates surrounds the sanctuary. take the pkotos of Animals, birds and trees.
You can do Enjoy Elephant Ride, Enjoy Bamboo Rafting, Enjoy Trekking and Camping and Enjoy Boating.
Interesting things to Visit:
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.Avian Species :There are about 260 species of Birds and about 100 varieties of Butterflies that can be seen in the territory of the park. The major types of Birds spotted are the Blue-winged Parakeets, Great Indian Horn bill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black-winged Kite,White-bellied tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes, Fly Catchers, Darters, Cormorants, Barbets and Plovers amongst the many.Periyar Tiger Trail:A unique, nature – friendly trekking project developed with the aim of converting poachers into defenders of the forest.Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km Thodupuzha) Main attraction : Animals : elephants, gaur, samber deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc.Eravikulam National Park:Eravikulam National Park attracts the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. It is spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex.Periyar Lake:It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake. If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of Periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. If you are a keen observer you might get to se the spotted tigers, playful elephants or the red eyed bisons.Murikkady :It is Situated 5 kms from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.Pandikuzhi :This is about 5 kms away from Kumily. Cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border, this picturesque place is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport
Road Transport:Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Nearest Visiting places:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.Kuthumkal Waterfalls:The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!Top Station:Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.Lock Heart Gap:This is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.Chellarkovil:This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges. The scenic extravaganza including acres of luxuriant fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.Kuttikanam:This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.Mattupetty:Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairyRajamala:Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.Pothamedu:Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.Devikulam:This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.Pallivasal:Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.Echo point:As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.Nyayamakad:Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.Idukki Wildlife sanctuary:The Idukki Wildlife sanctuary is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha in the Idukki district in Kerala, India and is spread over an area of 77 square kilometers. This wildlife park includes the regions Idukki Wildlife of Udumpanchola and Thodupuzha districts of Kerala, India. The Idukki wildlife park in Kerala, India came into existence in the year 1976.There is a lake located within the Idukki wildlife sanctuary that is worth visiting during your wildlife tours to this wildlife sanctuary.Idukki Dam:The Idukki dam, built across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam. The Idukki dam, lying close to the cheruthoni barrage is 550 ft high and 650 ft. wide. The Idukki arch Dam is also one of the attractions of Idukki district and attracts a large number of visitors.Marayoor:The little town located 36km from munnar.It is famous for the exotic sandal wood forests in the region.Thekkadi:Rolling hills,tea and cardamom plantation welcome you to thekkadi.it is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India,the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is more popular as a tiger reserve.A boat ride on the spendid periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.Here we can see of herds elephents,tiger,sambar,spotted deer etc.Trekking facility is another advantage of Thekkadi.Kunthakulam bird sanctuary:Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is one of the delights for the ornithologists. The sanctuary is situated 33-km south of Tirunelveli in Nanguneri Taluk. Kunthakulam is a small and natural scenic village, which is covered with natural forests and ponds. Tourists who are keenly interested in adventure and trekking will enjoy visiting the place.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
BP Petrol Pump
Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar, Tamil NaduIndian Oil Petrol Pump
Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar, Tamil NaduBP Petrol Pump
Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala.Petrol Pump
SH 32, Pala, Kerala.Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Aranya Nivas & Lake Palace Hotel
Thekkady
Kerala 685 536
Tel:04862 322023.Cardamom Club
V & V Estate, Spring Valley
Thekkady, Kerala 685509
Tel: 09446439252.Edassery resort
Periyar, Kumily Road Kattappana
Thekkady, Idukki Dist
Kerala 685536
Tel: 09945273814.Hotel Mount Sinai
Thekkady Junction, PO Box 14
Kumily, Kerala 685509
Tel: 04869 222605.Paradisa Plantation Retreat
Kottayam Kumily Road
Murinjapuzha
Kumily,Kerala 685532
Tel: 0469 2602828.Hotel Treetop
Thekkady P.O
Thekkady Kerala 685536
Tel: 09895077199.
Things to carry:
Camera, food and water etc.
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Station
Bodinayakkanur,Theni
Tamil Nadu.Kanjirapally Police Station
NH 220, Kerala State.Police Station
Thodupuzha udumbannoor rd(TU rd)
Karimannoor, Idukki
Kerala.Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.Police Station
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Chempenkulam Ayurveda Hospital
7/1100, NH 220,thekkady Jn
Kumily, Kerala 685509
Tel: 04869 222094.RJPM Govt Maternity Hospital
Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar
Tamil NaduAshramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre
Idukki, Kerala
Tel:09746063255.Anandam Clinic
Angaiha road, Rajapalaiyam
Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 686001
Tel: 0481 2582947.
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:http://niceevents.blogspot.com/2009/03/thekkady-periyar-wildlife-sanctuary.html
http://populartouristplaces.blogspot.com/2009/10/wildlife-tours-in-india.html
http://relee-india.blogspot.com/2009/08/periyar-wildlife-sanctuary.html
http://aditilyf.blogspot.com/2009/10/periyar-wildlife-sanctuary.html
http://gfbsameer.blogspot.com/2009/07/periyar-thakkady-pride-of-kerela-and.html
http://keralawonders.blogspot.com/2009/07/periyar-wild-life-sanctuar.html
http://kateandtommy.blogspot.com/2009/07/periyar.html