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Situated high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also know as the Thekkady Wildlife Sancruary at Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. The picturesque Periyar Lake at the heart of the sanctuary is one major attraction of the region. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants moving freely all around with their complete family of adult and kid elephants. Famous for its pachyderm population (which is around 800 in number), Periyar Wildlife Reserve is probably one of the few places, where one can observe the elephants in their natural habitats.

Sightseeing at Periyar, Thekkady -

The Flora : The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen ‘sholas’, the last occurring in the moist valleys and characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with extensive patches of grasslands.

The Fauna : The fauna population of Periyar includes - elephants, bisons, antelopes, sambars, wild boars and if one is lucky, even tigers. Periyar is the best bet in India for observing and photographing elephants at close quarters. Besides, the birdlife comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great hornbills (the great Malabar hornbill) and racket-tailed drongoes.

The Reptiles : The reptilian population boasts of monitor lizards, that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore, especially in the cooler months. Pythons, king cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels, flying snakes and to top it all, flying frogs are the other inhabitants of this amazing sanctuary.

Park Trips : Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Today the Periyar lake offers 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.

Best Season to visit : The best time to visit Periyar is between October and April.

Reaching Periyar, Thekkady -

Air : The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).
Rail : The nearest railhead is Kottayam on the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram line.
Road : The nearest town is Kumily (4 km). Periyar is connected by bus service from Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (114 km), and Madurai (140 km).

Basic Guidelines -

• Please enter the Park only after taking the necessary permits and follow all the rules.
• Drive slowly in the Park. In this way you can see, observe and enjoy the most, without disturbing the wildlife.
• Respect the wild animals and maintain a safe distance from them. Remember, you are in their home and they get first priority.
• Switch off your car stereo or transistor. The quieter you are, the more the chances of your seeing wildlife.
• Wear dull-coloured clothes. Bright colours alarm most wild animals and they flee.
• Don’t carry guns or other weapons. Feel free to shoot with a camera instead.
• Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest. Accidental fires can destroy this wonderful jungle in no time.
• Don’t get off your vehicle at any point in the Park except where it’s allowed. This is for your own safety and the safety of wildlife.
• Help keep the park pollution-free. While inside the park, please put your entire non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose of it on your way out.
• Keep to the specified roads and trails. Driving off track you may trample growing trees and cause disturbance to resting animals and their youngs.