Periyar Wild life sanctuary

Situated in the Western Ghats, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the place where wild animals live in their wild best. There is a beautiful lake within the heart of this sanctuary which is the main source of water for these wild animals. It is a treat to watch animals roaming around this lake to drink water. Periyar wildlife sanctuary area is considered to be one of the best habitat centres for the large mammals. The area offers excellent cover and nourishment as it has marshy land filled with grasses and rich shoots.

Periyar wild life sanctuary covers an area of 777 kilometer and is the largest wild life sanctuary of India. Even though this is basically a tiger reserve, many other ferocious wild animals have made this wildlife sanctuary their home. Elephant, wild pig, sambar, gaur, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked mongoose, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque are some wild animals whom you will find at Periyar. This area provide safe haven to more than 260 species of birds, which include blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied tree pie, laughing thrashes, etc.

This wildlife sanctuary is quite rich in flora. The flora here consists of tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forest, moist-deciduous forests and woody grasslands. The main flora of area are teak, rosewood, sandalwood, mango, jamun, tamarind, etc.

Main attractions

There are many interesting wild life attractions in Periyar. Tiger which is a prime attraction are rare to sight as their population is only about 40. Wild elephant in herds are fantastic sight to watch. Very often you will find different type of wild animals drinking water near lake without harming eachother.

Beside sighting majestic wild animals, this area is also home to many species of birds. Bird lovers will be excited to view stunning species like darters, cormorants,kingfishers, the great Malabar hornbill, etc. Rare species of reptiles like python and king cobra can be seen in the Periyar wild life sanctuary.

Periyar wildlife sanctuary offer excellent opportunities for activities like boating, elephant and jeep safari, hiking. Boat ride along the Periyar lake is the best option for tourists to watch wild animals from close quarter as they stroll near the lake to drink water. Elephant ride is also popular attraction as it offer chance to the tourists to explore the dense jungle of this wild life sanctuary.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Due to its climatic conditions, Kerala is home to a variety of wildlife. You can see numerous wildlife species in wildlife parks and sanctuaries of the state. Amongst wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala, Periyar is most important and famous for the tigers and elephants. One of the oldest wildlife protected areas of India, Periyar was established in 1895. In the year 1978 the wildlife sanctuary became the tiger reserve and has a significant tiger population. Besides the wildlife, the pictursque Periyar lake add more to the charm of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary spreads over an area of 777 sq. kms, out of which 360 sq. kms is covered by thick, dense and evergreen forests. Amidst the thick forests the sanctuary provides shelter to faunal species including mammals, reptiles and avian species.

Elephants and tigers are the prime attractions of Periyar. In addition to these, you can spot wild animals like Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Indian Wild Dog, rare Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque etc. Periyar is also famous for housing hundred species of birds who will mesmerize you with their sweet voices.

About 250 bird species make their seasonal home in Periyar. Some of the famous bird species you can spot here are Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. Great hornbill, red billed leiothrix, mustached warbler, gold crest, bright-headed cisticola, chestnut-bellied nuthatch, green-backed tit, slaty-backed forktail, ultramarine flycatcher, dark-sided thrush, white-tailed ruby throat and collared falconet are other avian species found in the sanctuary. Periyar is also home to rare varieties of snakes and flying lizards. If you are lucky enough you may see a King Cobra or a Python.

Boating across the Periyar Lake is a thrilling experience and you should must go for it. Board a boat of your choice and see herds of elephants bathing in the lake or other animals resting under the shade of trees.

So, visit the wildlife country of God’s own country and spot wild animals living in their natural habitat.