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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the
Th ekkady
Wildlife Sanctuary) is one of the finest wildlife
sanctuaries in India and perhaps the finest
in south India. Located in the scenic surroundings
of the Western Ghats hills in the state of Kerala,
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area
of approximately 777 sq km. The Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary also has the privilege of being one
of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in
India. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established
in 1934 as the Nelliampatty Sanctuary. After
its enlargement in 1950, the sanctuary was named
as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve
in the year 1978 under the Project Tiger Plan.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve attained the status
of a national park in 1982 (The first notification
to make the core area (30,500ha) of the tiger
reserve a national park was issued in 1982).
The most scenic national park in South India,
the Periyar National Park attracts thousands
of wildlife enthusiasts from all around the
world.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also noted
for its diverse geographical features such as
geomorphology and climate, which supports a
wide variety of flora and fauna. The terrain
of the park is highly undulating and boasts
numerous narrow water streams. A 90 km long
and high ridge of the Western Ghat forms the
north-eastern boundary of the park, separating
the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. But, the
most important geographical feature of the Periyar
National Park is the Periyar Lake (Area- 26
sq km), situated in the heart of the park, providing
a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.
According to estimates, the Periyar National
Park has a forest cover of about 360 sq km,
mainly comprising of thick evergreen forest.
The high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats
have dense cover of evergreen, moist deciduous
forests and savannah grasslands. In addition,
the marshy areas along the fringes of the Periyar
Lake are full of tall grasslands, making the
region one of the richest habitats of large
mammals. The thick vegetation of the Periyar
National Park provides both excellent cover
and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots
and grasses. The scenic Periyar Lake also serves
as the waterhole for the wild animals.
The Periyar National Park is home to a unique
and diverse wildlife. T he
major wildlife found in the Periyar National
Park includes Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs,
Sambars, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs,
Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Stripe-necked
Mongoose, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Malabar Giant
Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr to name a few.
The Periyar National Park also has a sizable
population of birds. Over 260 species of birds
have been spotted in the park. The list of major
species of birds found in the Periyar National
Park include the Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black-winged
Kite, Blue-winged Parakeets, Great Indian Hornbill,
White-bellied Tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes,
Fly Catchers, Darters, Cormorants, Barbets and
Plovers among many others.
Though the Periyar National Park is a Tiger
Reserve, the greatest attractions of the park
are the herds of wild elephants, who come to
the Periyar Lake to frolic in the water. The
Periyar National Park is the only wildlife sanctuary
in India where you can have the unique experience
of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the
safety of a boat on the lake. You can also enjoy
elephant rides in the Periyar National Park.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also offers the
unique opportunity to photograph wild animals
at close quarters.
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