Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is a project tiger reserve in the south Indian state of kerala, set high in the mountains of the western Ghats at the border of Tamil Nadu. The misty forest highlands of periyar tiger reserve shelter herds of wild boar and elephants, 140 species of orchid, a turtle friendly lake, countless birds, and a few predatory tigers. Set aside as reserved in 1899, these woods on the edge of Tamil nadu became the nellikkampatty sanctuary in 1934 and were incorporated into project tiger in 1979. Tigers are elusive, but a twilight boat cruise usually turns up herds of wild elephants munching grass or taking a dip in the lake.

Surrounded by spice plantations, Kumily, where most tourist stay, is sufferes with the sweet smells of cardmom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The town's religious fervor makes it a lively contrast to Thekkady, the cluster of hotels within the park; the mosque and temple keep up a steady stream of chanting, singing, and bell-tolling, which is blasted all over town bya network of loudspaeaker; don't plan on sleeping late. Over an area of 777 sq km, periyar is one of India's best preserved and Most efficiently managed habitats. Set high in the Western Ghats in Kerala, lie elevation in the park varies from 100m to 2,019m. The centerpiece is the 26 sq km Periyar Lake, the lush forest surrounding it drained by the periyar and Pamba rivers. Periyar is also those blessed places where a community based eco-tourism initiative a works. People who once made a living from illegal operations in the forest have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood as guides and facilitators. There are several walks to be undertaken, each with a unique emphasis. These include a full-day Border Hike, which doubles as a patrol through the edges of the reserve; the Periyar Tiger Trail which consists of trekking and camping, with ex-poachers as guides; Nature Walk , a three-hour day trek with a trained tribal guide; and, perhaps most thrilling, the Jungle Patroi, a three-hour walk in the dead of night with two protection watchers and one armed forest guard.

History

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Thekkady, is one of the oldest protected areas in the country. The Mulla Periyar Irrigation Dam, constructed in 1895, was considered an engineering marvel at that time. But the dam inundated a large tract of forestland and created a 26-sq km long lake, which is today the main watering hole of the reserve. The stark stumps of trees that seem to hold up their arms in despair are now home to a number of birds, including cormorants and darters.

Facts

Area: Periyar National Park is spread across 777 Sq km of which 360 Sq km is thick evergreen forest.
State: Periyar National Park is located in Kerala - India.
Location: Thekkady through which one enters the Periyar tiger reserve, lies in the Cardomom hills in Idukki District in South East Kerala, contiguous to the Kalakad Mundantharai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Distance: Periyar National Park is 186 Km south east of Kochi, 119 Km south east of Kottayan.
Time To Visit: The park is open through the year, but the best season to visit from September To March. if you are a bird watcher this is also a time to spot migrants birds. Summer through hot, is also good for spotting wildlife.

Things To See And Do:
* Boating
* Walk In The wild
* Jungle Patrol
* Bullock Cart Discoveries
* Bamboo Rafting
* Tribal Haritage Hour
* Jungle Story
* Bamboo Grove
* Borde Hiking
* Periyar Tiger Trail
* Mangaldevi Temple
* Spice Plantation Visits

Orientation

The Kottayam - Thekkady Road ends at family on the Kerala-Tamil Nad+u border. There is is only one entry point to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, through the small cottage of Thekkady, 4 km from Kumily. you can either reach it by bus or auto rickshaw both of which ply between the two villages. The starting point of the reserve is the boathouse, roughly 2 km from the entry gate. This distance can be either covered on foot or in a vehicle. All treks and walks begin from this point. Near the boathouse is the Ecotourism Centre, where you can sign up for trekking as well as other activities. The ++++ River flows on the western side of the reserve. The best way of seeing the reserve is by taking a boat ride on the Periyar Lake. All vehicular traffic within the sanctuary comes to a standstill from 6 pm to 6 am and unless accompanied by forest guard, it would be unsafe to wander around after nightfall. However, it is pleasant to take a stroll during the day, often there's a good chance of spotting many birds, the Malabar giant squirrel lithe Nilgiri langur.

Binoculars are available on hire but are generally a very poor condition. So take your own along.

Flora and Fauna

* Amphibian species numbering 27.
* About 63 species of mammals including tiger, elephants, sloth, bear, gaur, wilddog, sambhar, and barking dear, endangered species include the liontailed macaque, slender loris, nilgiri marten and tahu.
* Over 320 species of birds of which one third are migrants that make periyr their home from sept to march. Rare & endemic birds include malabar gray hornbill, rufus babbler, Nilgiri wood pigeon and crimson - backed sunbird. Also seen ae grackle or jungle mynah, white necked stork & emerald dove.reptile species numbering over 45, including cobra.
* 160 species of butterflies including southern bird wing & the endangered travancore evening brown.