Thekkedy Travel Guide

Periyar is south India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. Also one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries Thekkady is noted for its wildlife and scenic beauty. The Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travellers from all over the world. It encompasses 777 sq. km. with a 26 sq.km. artificial lake formed by the Idukki Dam across the Periyar River created by the British in 1895.The lake offers boating facilities. It is the home to Bison, Antelopes, Samba, Wild Boar, Languor, some 750 elephants and an estimated 35 tigers. The mountain scenery on the road up the lake cruise and the jungle walk make for an enjoyable visit. One of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekkady is noted for its wildlife and scenic beauty. The Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travellers from all over the world. 360 sq.kms.of the 777 sq. kms. sanctuary is covered by evergreen forests.

The 26 sq.kms. artificial lake formed by the Idukki Dam across the Periyar River offers boating facilities. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephants can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve. Entry to the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary: 6:00 am-6:00 pm. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephants can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve. Entry to the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary: 6:00 am 6:00 pm.

Places of attraction

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary-Population

Flora: Over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids. The only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.

Fauna: Mammals Thirty five species including wild Elephants, Gaur, Samba Deer, Bison and Wild Boar can be sighted from the boats. Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas. The endangered interiors. Bonnet macaque Malabar giant squirrel flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.

Birds: 265 species including migrants. The Hornbill, Stork, Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Raptor, Cormorant, Gracle, Darter etc.

Reptiles: Cobra, Viper, Krait, a number of nonpoisonous snakes and the monitor lizard.

Amphibians: Frogs Toads and Limbless Caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog common Indian toad Fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.

Fishes: The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the Masheer the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter the only mammal of the lake can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Permitting authority: The Wildlife Preservation Officer Periyar Tiger Reserve Thekkady.

The Sanctuary Watch Towers : There are two watch towers in the interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the forest Information Centre Thekkady.

Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Twelve varieties of spices grow in the neighbouring villages, Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic staranise etc.

Trekking: Mangaladevi Hills Mullakkudy Thannikudy Vellimala and so on. Forest treks are arranged by the Forest Department For bookings.

Chinnar Wild Sanctuary
This is the home to Elephants Leopards and Bears. There is a watchtower in  Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Main attraction: Elephants, gaurs, Panthers, spotted deer, Sambas, Grizzled giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs ,Peacocks star tortoise and Travancore evening browns.
Best time to visit :Almost throughout the year except during Oct-Nov.
Visiting Time:7.00 am-6.00 PM. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.

Eravikulam National Park (15 kms. north of Munnar): Main attractions: Anamudi (2694m.) the highest peak south of the Himalayas is one of the southern side of the Park. This is one of the wettest areas of the world.