Periyar Tiger Reserve near Idukki

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Situated in the Thekkady area of the biggest district of Kerala, Periyar Tiger Reserve was established in 1950. Periyar National Park has been named after the most significant river of Kerala, river Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an impressive area of 250 square kilometers. This green natural habitat is situated near a beautiful lake which is also known as Periyar Lake.Periyar Tiger Reserve is a part of the ambitious programme of Project Tiger Reserves initiated by the government of India in 1973.



One of the most popular national parks in the state, Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for its scenic beauty and its evergreen moist deciduous forests. Especially established for Tigers, Periyar wildlife sanctuary also proves to be a perfect natural habitat for elephants. This is the reason why this sanctuary is also known for its tusk less elephants. There are a number of other species which are found in the park. Some of these species are tiger, panther, elephant, sambar, Nilgiri languor, leopard, jungle cat, Malabar squirrel macaque, gaur, barking deer, pig, small Indian civet and sloth etc.



Several species of birds also find a natural habitat in this green district of Kerala. Birds such as great Indian hornbill, kingfisher, butterflies, Indian darter and black necked storks are found in large numbers in this sanctuary. Tourists can see tigers and leopards when the water holes of the forest dry up. Tigers and leopards come out in the open to drink water from the river.

October to April is considered to be the best period to visit this magnificent park. Tourists can avail of the facilities such as jeeps and elephant rides. Dawn and dusk are preferred by most of the tourists for cruise. Authorities have also provided the facilities of boating, the ride on elephant, however is more popular among tourists.

National animal of the Union of India, Tiger is the main occupant of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. There is an estimated strength of 40 tigers in this reserve. The tiger found in this reserve is approximately 3 meters in length. These tigers hunt deer, sambar, wild boar and gaur which are found in large numbers in this tiger reserve. Since the tiger is a very alert specie, tourists find it difficult to see and observe tiger in the dense forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Periyar Tiger Reserve is also rich in the variety of vegetation and species. A total of 45 species found in the tiger reserve constitute the reptilian characteristics. There are total of 13 species of lizards and 30 species of snakes in the sanctuary. Two species of turtles have also been sighted in the Periyar Lake, situated in the centre of the sanctuary. Also there are 38 species of fish found in the sanctuary. Tourists have considered the months from October to April as the best months to visit this lush green sanctuary. There is no dearth of quality place of accommodation in the sanctuary. Kumaly is the nearest town which is approximately 4 kilometers away from the sanctuary.