Periyar Wildlife

Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs

Altitude: 900 m to 2000 meters, Temperature: (deg C) Summer- Max 29, Min 18. Winter- Max 21, Min 15.5., Rainfall: 203 cms (June to October), Best Season: September to May.

Places of Interest: Indian Wild Elephants, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Tigers, Panthers, Wild Dogs, Bison, Spotted deer, Leopard, Musk deer. Wildlife can be seen in its natural habitat by cruising on the lake in motorboats.

Laying 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 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 greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.