Mullayar+Periyar=The very sound of the word Thekkady Reserve "Wild Life"

Thekkady (Periyar wildlife sanctuary)

The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters

The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. 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 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

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 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, 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 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 attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake

Major Wildlife Attractions in 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

Other Attractions in Thekkady

Kumily : Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town

Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. Better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat

How to reach Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife sanctuary)

Air : Kochi (Cochin) International airport : Travel time - 5 Hrs by road

Rail : Ernakulam railway station (Cochin\ Kochi) : Travel time - 5 Hrs by road

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar Dam (30 km)

Situated 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of the Western ghats, this popular picnic spot has a lake and a picturesque dam site. Established in 1958, the sanctuary covers an area of 123 sq. km. It occupies the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. A watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park are the main attractions of this sanctuary. Dominated by the peak of Agasthyakoodam hill, 1,890 metres high, the Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animals are wild elephants and sambar deer. Trekking and Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.


A part of the Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary, Neyyar Dam supports a large population of crocodiles and otters. The gardens in the dam area is decorated with larger than life statues. 

Contact Address
Assistant wildlife Warden,
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary,
Neyyar Dam
Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471-2272182.


Kombaikani and Meenmutti Waterfalls (45 km)

45km from the city, these two splendid waterfalls on the upper reaches of the Neyyar Reservoir area is a favorite location for trekkers and birdwatchers. One can reach Meenmutti waterfalls only after a 2-km trek through the dense forest and a further 2 kms, to the Kombaikani waterfalls. Meenmutti Waterfalls cascades in three tiers, from a height of 500 metres. Trekking facilities are available from the Kallar Vana Samrakshana Samithi (Kallar Forest Protection Group) at Kallar.

Ponmudi (The Golden Peak) (65km) 

Ponmudi is the nearest hill station to Thiruvananthapuram. Located 915metres above sea level in the Western Ghats, it is an idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding path ways and cool, green wooded environments. A panoramic view of mountain ranges, hills, valleys, small rivulets, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit to Ponmudi an exhilarating experience.

The hill station also serves as a good base for trekking, hiking and bird watching. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley peak, a charming Deer Park and Orchids adds more attraction to this place.


 

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (TVM,,KERALA)

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is composed of the dense forests and the Peppara dam built on the Karamana River and was declared as a sanctuary in 1983 to increase the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram and the adjoining suburbs. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is merged partially with the Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and the Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms); all the three together forming the whole of the area covered by the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 53 sq.kms with the reservoir spread in an area of 5.82 sq.kms. Located about 50kms. North East of capital city Thiruvananthapuram in Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district, the topography of the wildlife sanctuary is quite hilly. 
 

The major wildlife species found in the wildlife sanctuary are: tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. The bird species especially the water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are most commonly seen in the sanctuary. Several species of snakes including the king cobra and python are dominantly present in this sanctuary. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for its wide variety of moth and butterflies. Apart from the wildlife, there are 13 tribal settlements in the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.]

The forest areas in the wildlife sanctuary mainly consist of three major forest belts Southern hilltop tropical evergreen forests found atop the hills with an elevation of above 1000m; West coast semi- evergreen forests that occur mostly on the hills with an elevation of 150 to 1050m; Southern moist mixed deciduous forests cover more than 60% of the area and occupy the lower slopes of the hills.

Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries an Important Part of incredible india Tourism

Kerala contribution in the boom of India tourism is immense and incredible. Located in the serene and pristine shore of the Arabian Sea and the high towering Western Ghats, Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destination that allures thousands and thousands of tourists from across the globe.

Now one question will certainly strike in your mind that, what is backwater? If you never been to this state than this question is very obvious. Well, backwaters of Kerala are the perfect combination of brackish lagoons, lakes, inlets, deltas and many more which makes the wonderful surroundings that one can experience through mobile homes or houseboats. It's a great feeling of vacationers to floating over the backwaters while passing the extraordinary natural beauty such as green paddy fields, limitless blue sky, swaying palm and coconut grooves, magnificent churches, rustic villages and diverse ranges of flora and fauna.

Kerala has so many wonderful attractions among which Kerala wildlife is one of the major tourist attractions. Rich in evergreen cover the wildlife parks and sanctuaries of Kerala are home to numerous species of birds and animals. So if you are travelling to Kerala for any other reason, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife tours in Kerala, the Kingdom to various animals, birds and exotic plants.

 

Anamudi at Rajamalai [2400m],high altitudes grassland Shola Forest in western-ghats kerala

A advangeras forest tracking eravikulam-national-park-Rajamala rajamala cliffs munnar,Shola