Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar wildlife sanctuary is located high in the ranges of the Western Ghats. The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is set in God's Own Country. This sanctuary has a beautiful lake, the heart of the sanctuary.

The building of a dam provides water for the local wildlife. It contours the wooded hills also. Though it's a Tiger Reserve, it is the best place to view the Indian elephants in the act of playfulness by the Periyar Lake. After heavy rains, chances of good wildlife sightings are very less as the animals only come to the lake.

Periyar wildlife sanctuary is also called by the name of Thekkady. You must go for Jungle Trekking in the Periyar National Park. There are different kinds of alternatives available for the Jungle Trek.

Many options are available for the short trek of 4 hours starting in morning and afternoon. You can also trek with the night patrol with the forest guard through the jungle, when there are better chances of spotting wildlife from up close.

While trekking, you will find rich flora and fauna at close quarter, you may also spot bigger animals. This place is ideal for watching other animals, which include animals include elephant, wild pig, sambar, gaur, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked mongoose and over 260 species of birds including blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied tree pie, laughing thrushes and flycatchers.

The birdlife consists of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. If you trek into the Periyar national park, you would often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.

Boat services will take you around the lake, the best way to explore the park. You can also indulge in trekking and elephant rides in the sanctuary. Better if you visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary from the months of October and June.

The fresh breeze of the wet broadleaf forest will give you a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more. The environment of Periyar wildlife sanctuary is like a canvas of many shades, in the lap of the mountains!

By Prashant Jainengg