Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar is ideal for watching
the animals in their natural habitat, mainly wild Elephants. A boat ride on
the splendid artificial lake that is within the sanctuary is the best way
to view the wilds of the Nilgiri hills
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,
which is 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. Because of its loacation
Periyar wild sanctuary is considered the finest sanctuary for viewing and
photographing Indian wild Elephants.
Periyar sanctuary is spread across 777 sq. kms, of which 360 sq. kms. is
thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger
Reserve in 1978. Noted for its eomorphology,diversity of wildlife and scenic
beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors and wildlife enthusiasts from all across
the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.
Kerala,promoted as God's. own country, hosts the finest site for viewing
the Asian Elephant. Its foremost attraction is the rambling Periyar Lake that,
despite submerging some prime forest, turned out to be a blessing in disguise
for its wildlife. The lake was formed when the Periyar River was dammed in
1895 in an irrigation project to provide water to the arid regions in the
cast. The project was later upgraded into a full-fledged hydroelectric plant.
It is claimed that this gigantic project caused minimal damage to the wilderness.
A few years after its completion, a large tract was demarcated as a reserved
forest. In the 1930s, the lake and the nearby forests were declared a sanctuary.
Finally, in 1977, Periyar came under Project Tiger. The hills and valleys
of Periyar are covered with mixed-deciduous forest, generously touched by
evergreen trees and interspersed by grasslands. The lake is shored mostly
by dense tall forest and covers about 50 sq km when the water level is at
its highest. Ghostly stumps of trees can be glimpsed
Nowhere but in Periyar con the lordly Asian Elephant be observed with ease
and regularity through the winter mists as they jut out of the dark waters,
often capped by some large waterbirds. The ideal time to visit Periyar is
from October to April. Herds of elephants can easily be seen while occasionally
a solitary tusker emerges from the tall curtain of forest. Slow-moving boats
are perfect for viewing these dawdling creatures. Sometimes Gaur is sighted
at the water's edge together with Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and otters.
A pack of wild dogs can set off a flurry of activity. Very few visitors have
had the good fortune to see a tiger emerging into the open for a drink.
Giant squirrels and the Nilgiri Langur are often seen in the forest canopy.
There are nearly 280 species of birds, but from a boat the woodland birds
would be more audible than visible. Cormorants, darters, storks, kingfishers
and other waterbirds are easier to see on the lake. Excellent walking routes
around Thekkady provide insights into the dense jungle and better views of
the woodland birds.
Amongst the plethora of problems to be tackled by the park management at Periyar
are the spreading spice plantations, livestock grazing and forest fires. The
reserve is a very popular destination, averaging a quarter of a million visitors
each year.
The Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple in the western part of the reserve is a major
draw.
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. Periyar sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch
and photograph wild Elephants at close quarters.
KEY SPECIES
MAMMALS Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog (Dhole), Gaur (Indian Bison),
Nilgiri Langur, Lion-tailed Macaque (below), Sambar, Barking Deer, Small Indian
Civet, Striped-necked Mongoose, Indian
Giant Squirrel, Large Brown Flying Squirrel, Slender Loris, Common Otter
BIRDS RAPTORS Osprey, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Crested
Goshawk, Black Baza, Besra, Brown Fish Owl, Brown Hawk Owl
WOODLAND/Scrub Grey Junglefowl, Painted Bush Quail, Red Spurfowl, Greateared
Nightjar, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Great Hornbill (above), Malabar Pied Hornbill,
White-bellied Woodpecker, Malabar Parakeet, Dollarbird, Malabar Trogon, White
bellied Treepie, Chestnut-headed Bee-cater, Wynaad Laughingthrush WATERSIDE
Great Cormorant, Darter, Woolly-necked Stork, Pied Kingfisher
ACCESS
By Air: Nearest airport from Periyar is Madurai, 140kms connected by Indian
Airlines flights with Chennai, Trichy and Bangalore.
By Rail: Nearest railhead from Periyar is Bodinayakanur 67 kms, however Kottayam
(114 kms) is the most convenient railhead from the sanctuary area.
By Road: By road the important city distances from Periyar are Kochi 190 kms,
Idikki 66 kms, Kodaikanal 160 kms, Madurai 145 kms, Munnar 113 kms, Trivandrum
272 kms, Kottayam 114 kms. Regular buses connect Periyar to Kthe ochi, Trivandrum,
Kottayam & Madurai.
