Periyar
Tiger Reserve :
Access :
Nearest Airport - Madurai (143 Kms)
Nearest Railhead - Kumarakom, (114 Kms).
Nearest Town - Kumily (4km), The entry point to the reserve is Thekkady,
which is accessible by good roads from Madurai, Cochin &
Thiruvananthapuram.
Area :
Total - 777 Sq.Km. Core: 350 Sq.Km. Periyar Lake 26 Sq. Km, Forest Cover :
360 Sq.K.M. This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges
of the western ghats. One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife
sanctuaries, the Periyar reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse
wildlife and beautiful landscape. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting
as the road winds through Tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick
jungles. The sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under the project
tiger scheme, attracts travellers from all over the world. This is the only
sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed
at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest.
The Periyar lake formed by the construction of the dam across the
Uullaperiyar river in 1895, the lake harbours within itself a unique aquatic
eco system. The numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the
intricate inherent interrelationship among the terrestrial aquatic and
subterranean life forms. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way
to watch the wildlife in the reserve.
Best time to visit :
October - May entry to the reserve 0600 - 1800 hrs
Vegetation :
Over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species and 143 species of
orchids. The only south indian conifer podocarpus wallichianus grows here.
Wildlife Population :
Mammals - 35 Species Including The Wild Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild Dog,
Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Malabar Giant Squirrel,
Lion-Tailed Macaque, Civet, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur Etc.
Reptiles - King cobra, Viper, Krait, a number of non poisonous Snakes,
Bicoloured Frogs, Tortoise and Crocodiles.
Avifauna - 265 Species including Migrants. The great Indian Hornbill,
Peafowl, Brahminy kite and black - Winged Kite. Aquatic birds Like Darter,
Little Cormorant, Kingfisher, Black - Necked stork Etc.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary :
Access :
Nearest Airport - Cochin (71 Km)
Nearest Railway Station - Aluva (48 Km).
Area :
Total - 25.16 Sq.Km.
The Thattekkad bird sanctuary, constituted in 1983, occupies the catchment
area of the Bhoothathankettu dam. The only one of its kind in Kerala, this
sanctuary was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He is
reported to have identified 167 bird species and his student - dr. Sugathan,
207. In addition, the bombay natural history society has identified 253
species here. The Thattekkad bird sanctuary attract nature lovers from all
over the world.
Vegetation :
Tropical Evergreen Forest - Vellapine, Karanjili, Palai, Kunthirikam,
Bhadraksham, Kanala, Kurangatti etc.
Wildlife Population :
Mammals - Leopard, Bear, Porcupine Etc. The Elephant Is An Occasional
Visitor.
Birds - Indian Roller, Cukoo, Common Snipe, Crow Pheasant, Jungle Nightjar,
Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Baya
Sparrow, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Robin, Jungle Babbler And
Darter.
Reptiles - Python, Cobra etc.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :
Access :
Good Roads And Rails Connect The Sanctuary with Kozhikode (Calicut), Mysore
and Ooty - all Within a 110 Km Radius.The nearest airport is Kozhikode
(Calicut).
Area :
Total - 77 Sq.Km.
Climate
:
Warm Months - March - May, Moonsoon : June - August. Rainfall : 2000 mm.
Established in 1973, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the
protected area network of Nagarahole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai
of Tamil Nadu. Rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of
the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, which was established with the specific
objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region.
Vegetation :
Moist Deciduous Forest - Teak, Maruthi, Karimaruthi, Rosewood, Venteak,
Vengal, Chadachi, Mazhukanjiram, Bamboo etc.
Wildlife Population :
Mammals - Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Jungle Cat, Monkey, Wild Dog, Bison,
Deer, Bear Etc. The Elephant Occupies Prime Position Interstate Seasonal
Migration Of Elephants Is Common. The Tiger Population In The Sanctuary Is
Fairly Good.
Birds - Peacock, Babbler, Cuckoo, Owl, Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl Etc.
Reptiles - Monitor Lizard And A Variety Of Snakes.
