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The
pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendour and
human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated
on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at
Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are
clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and
savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam
herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed
macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant
rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala
Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the
heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the
unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants
at close quarters.
The Periyar Widlife
sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is
thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was
declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its
geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the
Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of
the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.
The splendid artificial
lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River
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 the play in the
lake.
Nearest railway
station: Kottayam Railway Station & Ernakulam Railway
Station
Nearest airports
: Cochin International Airport, about 190 km. |
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