Periyar Tiger Reserve
One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekaddy
is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape.
This sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, Entry to the Periyar
Wildlfie Sanctuary: 0600-1800 hrs
Main attractions: Flora: Over 1800 flowering plants including 171
grass species. 143 species of orchids.
The only south Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus grows here.
Fauna: Mammals: 35 species including wild elephants, gaurs, langur,
sambar deer and wild boars that can be sighted from the boats, the Nilgiri
tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque confined
to the evergreen interiors, bonnet macque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying
squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
Birds: 265 species including migrants. The hombill, stork, woodpecker,
kingfisher, raptor, darter, cormorant, grackle, cluster etc.
Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes,
bicoloured frogs and crocodiles.
Pisces: The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish
including the masher, the famous endangered game fish of India. The otter,
the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted form the boat.
Plantations: Tea, cardamom, cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg,
cumin, garlic, star anise etc.
Trekking trails: Mangaladevi hills, Mullakudy, Thannikudy, Vellimala
etc.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km from Thodupuzha): Main attraction: animals:
Elephants, gaur, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars
etc.
Birds: Jungle fowls, mynas, laughing thrushes, black bulbuls, peafowls,
woodpeckers, kingfishers etc.
Snakes: Cobras, vipers, Kraits and a number of non poisonous snakes.
Eravikulam National Park (15 kms north of Munnar):
Main attractions: Anamudi (2694 m), the highest peak south of the Humalayas,
is on the southern side of the park. This is one of the wettest areas of
the world.
Fauna: Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats, sloth
bears, Nilgiri Langurs and wild boar. The atlas moth, the largest of its
kind in the world, is seen in the park. Half the world population of the
endangered Nilgiri Tahr live here (1317 of them according to the '91 census).
Visiting time: 0700-1800 hrs. visitors are not allowed during the
monsoon.
Nearby trekking trails: Palkulamedu, Parakulam, Kulamavu, Anaward, Painavu,
Anamudi.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Main attractions: Elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars,
gizzled gaint squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore
evening browns.
Best time to visit: Almot throughout the year except during Oct -
Nov. Visiting: 0700-1800 hrs. visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Trekking trails: Palapetty - Champakad, Okarimutty - Inchapetty, Karimutty
- Alampetty.
