Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the
pride of Kerala and is located on the banks of the Periyar lake, which is an
artificial lake, at Thekkady. It is one of the most visited wildlife
sanctuaries of India and the tourists come here with a view to sight the
elusive tigers and leopards. The sanctuary is a natural habitat of a variety
of numerous other animals as well such as elephant, wild pig, sambar, gaur
and over 260 species of birds. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the
richest habitats of the mammals as it provides excellent cover and
nourishment to the animals.
Fast Facts
- District : Idukki
- State : Kerala
- Other names : Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location : If you are going to Thekkady from Calicut,
you will have to travel for 356 km, from Cochin 191 km, from
Alleppey 164 km and from Kodaikanal the distance will be 143 km
away.
- Journey Time : It will take you about 9 hrs to reach
from Calicut to Thekkady, 5 and ½ hrs to reach from Cochin, 4
hrs to reach from Alleppey and less than 4 hrs to reach from
Kodaikanal, respectively.
- Route from Cochin : If you are going from Cochin to
Kumarakom, you'll have to travel via NH 49 to Thripunithura, and
then continue via Ettumanur, Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu, Vaikom,
Kottayam, and then take NH 220 to reach Thekkady via Kumily.
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Feature Attraction
Boat Safari
The boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the best way to get close
to the wildlife at the sanctuary. You can view the herds of elephants, deer
and other animals from close quarters from the safety of your boat during
these boat safaris.
Accommodation
- Taj Garden Retreat – 4 Star
- Spice Village – 4 Star
- Aranya Nivas – 3 Star
When to go
The months between November to April are the best months to visit the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to get there
The nearest airports from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are Kochi, which
is 200 km away, and Madurai airport in Tamil Nadu, which is 140 km away.
Kottayam is the nearest railhead from here which is 114 km away. Kumily is
the nearest town from Periyar which is well connected with Kottayam,
Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Other Attractions
» Periyar Lake
Various animals such as grey heron, ibis, the great Malabar hornbill among
others are attracted to the Periyar lake. The lake is an excellent place for
a boat safari which affords you great views of the wildlife with complete
safety of a boat .
» Kumily
Kumily is the right place for a short excursion since it is just 4 km away
from Periyar. The place used to be a spice trade hub and is still has a
spice trade oriented economy. The place also has a large variety of hotels
and resorts to facilitate your trip to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
» Cardamom Hills
The cardamom hills of Kerala can be easily reached from Periyar and Kumily.
You're advised to go for a tour of the Cardamom hills with a guide who is
well versed with the area so that he can guide you to a right place from
where you can have a good panoramic view of the hills.
