Periyar
National Park, in Kerala, India, is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in
India, which you can see when you travel with Kerala Backwater. Situated at
Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is
situated around the artificially created Periyar Lake. In 1895 a dam was
constructed across the Ullaperiyar River. The resultant lake and its
surrounding forest area were abundant in wildlife, leading to the creating
of a hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Travancore.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1978 and
is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India. Its unique
ecosystem which consists of thick moist deciduous vegetation, dense
evergreen forests and the aquatic environment of the Periyar Lake make
Periyar a unique and precious wildlife resource.
The animals you can see in Periyar Wildlife sanctuary are tigers, though
they remain concealed in the dense jungle and elephants, which can be seen
in herds and family groups along the banks of Periyar Lake. The interaction
between the elephants in a herd and their behavior while they drink, bathe
and engage in mock fights and play on the lake's edge is a fascinating
sight. A boat cruise on Periyar Lake a good way to observe the elephants
from a short distance away, without disturbing them.
Other wild animals that you can see in Periyar are leopards, Gaur or Indian
Bison, many varieties of Deer, including barking deer, chital and sambhar,
Malabar Giant Squirrel, Covet Cat, mongooses, Nilgiri Langur, wild boar and
many species of monkeys. Birds seen at Periyar Wildife sanctuary include
Black-winged Kite, Brahminy Kite, Great Indian Hornbill, kingfisher, darter,
cormorant, barbet, plover, jacana, and many others. Over 250 species of
birds have been seen at Periyar National Park. Reptiles seen in the wildlife
sanctuary include crocodiles in the lake, tortoises, frogs and snakes
including King Cobras and Kraits.
Extending over 777 sq Km, Periyar National Park is a pleasure to visit on
your Kerala Backwater tour and you're sure to enjoy its rich variety of
flora and fauna if you're a wildlife lover. The peaceful atmosphere of the
sanctuary far from the busy cities of Kerala are sure to provide every
tourist to Periyar wildlife sanctuary with a refreshing and restful
experience.
The nearest Airport to Periyar National Park is Madurai in Tamil Nadu,
which is 143 km away. Cochin Airport in Kerala is 200 km away. The nearest
town to Periyar is Kumily, which is 4 Km away. There are daily buses to
Kumily from Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai and Cochin. The forest department
bus conveys tourists to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary from Kumily every day.
Enjoy your tour to the exotic Periyar National Park.
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