Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

A combination of the forests of the Periyar tiger reserve and the mountains of Munnar is more than anything a tourist can ask for. Just 180 km from Kochi, is the thickly forested wildlife sanctuary at the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

In the reserve, you may chance upon the enchanting flying squirrels, herds of elephants or even the tiger. The sighting of birds like the Malabar pied hornbill or the crested serpent eagle or even butterflies like the Malabar tree nymph are a delight for the tourist. The journey from Periyar to Munnar takes you through rough mountain roads, passing through the cardamom plantations. On the mountains of Munnar, you can witness the peaceful world of the shola-grasslands at over 7000 feet. During 1895, a reservoir across River Periyar was constructed in the present reserve area. The dam was constructed to provide irrigation facilities in Tamil Nadu. This area covering 600 Square kilometers was declared as Nellikkampetty Sanctuary in 1934. In 1950, some area was added to the existing land and the sanctuary was renamed as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady is one of the country's major sanctuaries. The drive to Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The artificial Periyar Lake (spreading on an area of 26 square kilometers), which encircles the wildlife areas, adds beauty to the sanctuary. The animals, water and land birds can be seen from the boats available at the lake. Reaching Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The nearest airport is at Madurai in Tamil Nadu (143 km away) while the nearest railhead is at Kumarakom (114 km away). The nearest town is Kumily (4 km), and the entry point to the reserve is at Thekkady, which is accessible by good roads from Madurai, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.

What to do in Periyar:

Nature Walk - The guided day trek
The Sanctuary organizes a 4 to 5 kilometers guided tour. The tour covers almost the sightseeing places in forest area. The guests are taken on a nature trail either early in the morning at 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or in the afternoon between 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. The tour lasts for 3 hours. Maximum number of 5 persons is allowed to go on a tour accompanied with a tribal guide. With nature walk, enjoy the bliss of nature. Smell of flowers and chirping of the birds makes the tour more joyous.

The Periyar Tiger Trail - Adventure trekking and camping
Adventure Trekking and Camping is a delight for adventure lovers. An efficient and dependable team of persons who were poachers earlier conducts the programme. These experienced team members takes you on a tour of either 1-night/2 days or 2 nights/3 days. The expedition starts at 9 a.m. Five visitors, five guides and two forest officials take you on a tour covering 25 to 35 kilometers of distance. At the reserve guests may chance upon seeing indigenous wildlife like Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, elephant and many more animals. The trek covers route of tropical plants and wide-open spaces. Vegetarian meal is served on route and the nights are spent in the tents. Armed forest guards accompany trekking groups. People among the age group of 15-65 are advised to take tiger trial.

Jungle Patrol-Shepherding the jungle
To keep a record of the activities and well being of the animals, night patrolling is done every night at any time between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. It is actually a part of the programme devised for the protection the forests of Periyar. Only the persons who are mentally and physically fit and prepared to undertake challenges can join the trek through the wilderness in the night. The tour takes a maximum number of 8 persons in two groups. Two protection watchers and one-armed forest guard will accompany the tourists.