Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

In the majestic wilderness of the Western Ghats lies the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thekkady. The area is a perfect symbol of nature's blend with great scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.

It is in this astounding location of Kerala that one can get to see the most protected flora and fauna of Western Ghats. The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is considered as the most protected area for the elephants and the tigers.

Periyar is one among the most renowned national parks in South India, the Periyar National Park is set high at the Western Ghat ranges. The protected area is widespread along the area of 925 sq km (357 sq mi). The rest of 350 sq km (140 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in the year 1982.

The park is being decorated with a spellbinding lake at the heart of the sanctuary which is an artificial 100 years old lake at Thekkady and is basically known for its wild elephants and thickly established Western Ghats forests. Many of the intense valleys of Periyar contain tropical evergreen forest with extremely thick tree cover with hardly any sun-rays to get penetrated. These trees are fully grown at the amazing heights of up to 130-140 feet.

There are stories connected with the creation of the lake in the protected area under the park. The region including the Periyar Park was earlier under the reign of the Pandaya Dynasty. The then King, in 12th century, constructed a marvellous dam named Mullaperiyar across the west flowing river Periyar. As a result, it created an artificial lake in the area which today stands at the centre of the sanctuary, enhancing its beauty to greater extents. With the creation of this lake, the landscape and the features of the valley changed drastically.

Some of the areas in the Periyar Park containswet and marshy grasslands near the edges of the lake and other water bodies. Spread out across the park are also patches of semi-evergreen forest used as important cover by many of the animal species.

Till the late 19th century, the present reserve areas of the sanctuary was the hunting places of the great Travancore kings.It was only in the 1899 that this area was declared as a forest reserve called the Periyar Lake Reserve. The main aim of this declaration was to protect the hunting areas of the kings from the encroachment of tea plantations.

The wildlife in the Periyar Reserve is enormous. Apart from Elephants, the other animals like the Wild Pigs, Gaurs, Mouse Deers, Sambars, Barking Deers, and Tigers etc. can be found in the Periyar Sanctuary. It has now as estimated number of 40 tigers in the Periyar National Park. It was declared as Project Tiger Reserve in 1978 and the first research for its status was tracked in 1991. The research followed 49 species of mammals, 246 species of birds, 28 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 22 species of fishes and 112 species of butterflies.

The Periyar Tiger Reserve consists of tropical evergreen, semi- evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Its legal status as a National Park is still pending and only one notification has been issued.

The terrain of Periyar ripples with lofty peaks of over 1700 meters bordering the north and east. Towards the west, it merges into an extensive table-land of Mount Plateau with an average elevation of 1200 meters. From the edge of this plateau, the land falls steeply to the thickly forested tracts of Sabarimala hills in the Pamba River basin.

Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife lovers and the tourists can enjoy excursion at the zone of the sanctuary and can visit Cardomom Hills and Pandalom Hills that bring the most splendid Kerala's natural beauty along with visiting the town of Kumily which is a growing town to fetch the spice trades in Kerala, which is the major occupation of its residents. Besides, these two fascinations the tourists can also enjoy boat cruising at the famous Periyar Lake. With boat cruising, the tourists can get to visit the wilds of Periyar Wild Sanctuary by the water's edge.

Safari in Periyar National Park

In Periyar one can find tremendous ways to catch the wilderness of the sanctuary. The availability of Jeep Safari, elephant safari, and most charming boat cruises at Periyar Lake will bring the wildlife experience more rewarding. Find the best part of the Boat Cruises here:

Boat cruises calls the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Today the Periyar Lake is adorned with an excellent boating spot for the 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 along with some water-bodies. 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. To maximize the chances of sighting, the tourists can also take the 7.00 am boat. Besides, they can also book for their own boat (on renting).

The Wildlife Sanctuary is best to be visited during the months of October to June. The Safaris, Trekking and Cruise can be best experienced during these times of the year. The nearest airport near the sanctuary is the Madurai Airport that is 140 k.m. from the place. But, Cochin Airport, 200 k.m. away, is the best, cheap and tourist friendly Airport near to Periyar.

Bluebell Airport Hotel arranges the best sightseeing packages and accommodation for tourists arriving at the Cochin Airport! Travel with us to the beauty and impressive natural ambience of Periyar and avail the best quality resorts and hotels will make up your mind for relaxation! Come, enjoy Periyar with Bluebell Airport Hotel!