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| General Information about PERIYAR |
Periyar :
Area : 777 sq km.
Languages : Hindi, English and Malayam.
Best Time to Visit : October and June
State : Kerala.
STD Code : 04869. |
About Periyar
Periyar ,best known for its wildlife is amidst the cool hills of the ghats in the east, nestles Thekkaday extending over an area of 777 sq. km where you watch the fur fin and feather wild on life while enjoying a cruise Periyar lake. The sanctuary was founded in 1934 by Shri Chithira Thirunal Maharaja of Former Travencor state is one of the oldest in India. In 1978 it was declared a reserve under the successful Project Tiger.The reserve has also attractions for the bird watcher as varities of birds like hornbill, blue winged parakeet, whilsting thrush, flycatcher and waterbirds are to be seen here.
The tropical forest area of Periyar has a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen tall trees and a closed canopy. Periyar boasts of a rich fauna, flora and birds. About 40 tigers, 20 leopards, 900 elephants, over 100 species of butterfly and at least 240 species of birds inhabit the area. Periyar is mainly a Tiger reserve, but it is really popular for its wild elephants and 100 year old artificial lake. The herds of elephant and sambar, nilgiri langoor, nilgiri tahr, bison, antelope, gaur, deer and wild pigs can be seen wandering down to the lakeside. During summers the animals can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir.
HOW TO REACH
By Air : Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar.
By Rail : Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar.
By Road : Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
PLACES TO VISIT IN PERIYAR
• Kumily : Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.
• Cradomom Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.
• Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.
• Tribal Villages : The tribal villages around Periyar are worth a visit. The tribal people are involved in fishing and farming, while some are engaged in the traditional practice of collecting honey. The tribals have built interesting tree dwellings, which are comfortable watchtowers for looking wild pigs or elephants, that might ruin their cultivated fields.
• Periyar River : The river is one of major rivers of Kerala, with a length of 225 Kms. It originates in the Western Ghats near the border of Tamil Nadu and flows through the Periyar National Park into Periyar Lake.
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| North East |
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| Rajasthan |
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| Ayourveda |
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