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Thekkady (Idukki district) is the location
of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in Kerala. Situated close to the
Kerala -Tamil Nadu border town of Kumily, it is located about 257 km (160
miles) from Trivandrum. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen,
semi-evergreen, moist deciduous
forests and savanna grass lands.
It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri
Langurs.
The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across
777 km² (300 sq. miles), of which 360 km² (139 sq. miles) is thick evergreen
forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar
River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the
herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
ATTRACTIONS
The
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich
jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural
wildlife reserves. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick
evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve
in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty,
the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial
lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the
park. This is the only 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. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild
elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Kumily
(4 km from Thekkady)
This plantation town, closely associated
with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An
important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most
of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Murikkady
(5 km from Thekkady)
Washed in fresh spice-scented air,
Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
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