| - |
South India By Rail [ 14 Days ] |
| Destinations Covered : Chennai - Madurai - Periyar - Trivandrum - Cochin - Bangalore - Mysore - Chennai |
Introduction
Periyar is situated on the Cardamom hills on the Western Ghats in South India and is known for the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary that offers a natural habitat to a large variety of wild animals. Lush green Periyar is covered with exotic vegetation that grows wild and enchants you with colorful blossoms and tiny butterflies.
Historical Background of Periyar
According to historical records the history of Periyar goes back to the year 1341 A.D. The River Periyar was then known as Churniyar. The River Periyar irrigated the land of Aluva, a part of which forms the present day Periyar.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established on the deep green wilderness that clothes the Cardamom hills after the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam on the river Periyar in the year 1895. The Periyar Lake Reserve came into existence in the year 1899. The consolidation of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary happened in the year 1950 and Periyar was declared as a part of the Project Tiger in the year 1978 and became a part of the India Ecodevelopment Project in the year 1996.
Tourist Attractions in Periyar
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady is one of the country's major sanctuaries. The drive to Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The artificial Periyar Lake, which encircles the wildlife areas, adds beauty to the sanctuary. Other than elephants, the other animals seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. The rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque are also seen. The sanctuary is the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is facing extinction and is rarely seen. The animals, water and land birds can be seen from the boats available at the lake.
Miscellany
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.
The closest airports and rail junctions are located in Cochin, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India.
The perfect time to visit Periyar is during the months of October to March.
|
