Thekkady
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and thick forests of Kerala, Thekkady is a place blessed with the bounties of nature.
It is perfect for those looking to escape the monotony of city life!
A 925 sq. km wildlife reserve in Kerala’s Western Ghats, home to tigers, elephants, rare species, and eco-tourism activities like bamboo rafting, trekking, and wildlife viewing from watchtowers.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary / Periyar Tiger Reserve — The lively jungle
Herds of elephants moving towards a lake against the backdrop of picturesque mountain ranges with thick greenery – if you come across such a photograph in Kerala, it will most probably be one of the Periyar Valley.
Snuggled in the southern region of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Tiger Reserve sprawls over an area of 777 sq. km of forest land and is home to thousands of different species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered ones. Thick, evergreen forests form about 360 sq. km of the total area of the valley.
The valley derives its name from one important river – River Periyar – that originates in the reserve’s remote forests. The river, which is 244 km long, is the longest in the State. One of the few perennial rivers in the region, it meets the drinking water requirements of a number of towns in Kerala. Moreover, the Idukki dam on the river generates a big share of the State’s electrical output. On account of these reasons, the river has been rightly named the ‘Lifeline of Kerala’.
Apart from the Periyar, the valley is an important watershed for another river, the Pamba. An artificial lake of about 26 sq. km forms the central part of the sanctuary. The lake, created as a result of the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam, adds to the picture-perfect beauty of the place. A boat safari, apart from being great fun, is the ideal option for viewing the wildlife from a safe distance.
Deep in the mystical embrace of the Western Ghats lies a sanctuary where nature thrives in its purest form – the Periyar Tiger Reserve. One of the finest wildlife reserves in India, the sanctuary is spread across 925 square kilometers. Believed to be among the oldest tiger reserves in the country, it has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna that beckons both adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
In 1895 when the Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed across the west flowing Periyar River, an artificial lake was formed. This picturesque lake that lies in the very centre of the sanctuary is today the nucleus of the reserve. The animals in the reserve including the elephants seek out these waters to cool themselves during the summers as well as for drinking water. A major part of the reserve is a combination of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests while the rest of it comprises a combination of both moist deciduous forests and grasslands.