¤ About Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary
One
of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary
attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in
their natural habitat. Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the
most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The picturesque lake in the
heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55
sq km. This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion
of large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals. It eventually
resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharaja
of Travancore. Post-Periyar National Park 975 Periyar finds itself in the
enviable position of being a national park as well as a protected tiger
reserve.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Apart
from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are
Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog
and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four
species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the
Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be
the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen. The
birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar
Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of
Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along
the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a
Python and sometimes even a King Cobra. In the lap of the mountains, the
Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The
fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the
peace and serenity and long to return for more.
¤ Season
to visit Periyar Wildlife SanctuaryThe months of March and April
constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the animals spend a
lot of time near the lake in the Periyar National Park. Even the tiger may
be spotted approaching the waters in the Periyar National Park. Animals may
be seen from motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers set up in the
Periyar National Park. There is a good chance of spotting an occasional
tiger in this relatively peaceful corner of the Periyar National Park.
Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary
