One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve was established in the verdant stretches of Kerala in 1895 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Periyar Widlife Sanctuary covers an area of 777 sq km, out of which 360 sq km is under thick and dense evergreen forests. Surrounded by the dense forests, it is quite popular for the Periyar Lake. An ideal habitat for Indian Elephant, you can see this mighty herbivore living in accord with the ferocious carnivore - Tiger - in the national park. Whereas the wooded hills and the forest provide shelter to the resident animals, the Periyar Lake is the vast water resource, which quenches their thirst anytime and every time.

The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. With the animals of the wild and the simple unsophisticated mountain people. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

ACCESSING THEKKADY
Air: Nearest Airport: Madurai - 140 Km - 190 Km, Thiruvananthapuram - 265 Km, Kozkikode 315 Km, Chennai - 570 Km.

Rail: Nearest Railway station: Theni - 60 Km, Kottayam - 114 Km, Changanassery - 114 Km, Madurai - 140km.

Road: There are frequent buse from Kumily (4 km away) to various tourist centers.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs): Lying close to the plantations in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360sq. km is thick evergreen forests, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attractions of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

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