Idukki
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Periyar
Tiger Reserve One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife
sanctuaries, Thekkady 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.
