Periyar
National Park
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The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in Kerala. This park is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. This park is also one of the largest and finest wildlife resrves in India. This national park is surrounded by an artificial lake. The Periyar lake is the central point of the famous Periyar national park. This artificial lake was formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. This picturesque lake covers an area of 55 square km. This lake, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, however became an excellent wildlife sanctuary. Periyar national park covers an area of 780 square km, out of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. In 1975 Periyar
was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project
Tiger. |
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The terrain ranges from lush tropical moist deciduous
forests to the hilly and flat grassland areas. The
vegetation is of moist evergreen type. This national
park is known for its geomorphology, diversity of
wildlife and scenic beauty and attracts visitors from
all over the world. 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. |
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Jungle Safari in the park
You can watch the activities of various animals at close quarters by having a boat ride on the lake or by just having a walk or having a elephant ride in the Periyar National Park. You can also watch the animals from the watchtowers but only after prior permission. A guide will always accompany you during the safari in the park. |
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Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park is home to 1965 flowering plants including 171 species of grass and 143 species of orchids. The only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus and the rare orchid Habeneria periyarancis also belong here. About 35 species of mammals are found in the Periyar National Park. The major wildlife attractions in the Periyar National Park are the wild elephants, Tigers and Nilgiri Tahrs. There has been considerable increase in the population of tiger due to proper conversation. Besides these animals various other animals are also found in this park which include Gaur or bison, Leopards, Sambar, Bear, Wild oxen, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Wild dog, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Porcupine, Squirrels and Sloth bear.
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Along with animals, the Periyar National Park is also
the home of various reptiles and amphibians like
Monitor lizards, Pythons, King cobras and Flying
lizards, Frogs, toads, limbless Aeolians including the
colourful Malabar gliding frogs, common Indian toads,
fungoid frogs and bicoloured frogs. Besides animals and reptiles, various migratory and resident species of birds are also the major attraction of
Thekkady. There are about 265 species of birds like Darters, Cormorants, Ibises, Grey herons, Mynas, Flycatchers, Orioles, Wood pigeons, Kites, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Thrushes and Parakeets. The Periyar
lake and stream are rich with several species of fish
including the masher, the famous and endangered game
fish of India. Otter, the only mammal of the lake is a
frequent sight from the boat. |
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Thekkady
Attraction
