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.