One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary
attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in
their natural habitat.
The forest here, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill.
This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to
drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted
here.
There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The best
season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread over 777 sq.km
of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary is located 137
km from Madurai.
Although an excursion on the splendid artificial lake is the standard way
to experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around with the local guide
in a small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake to frolic in the
water.
Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer,
Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc.
There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons,
blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly
Catchers.
