Idukki
Wildlife
Periyar
Tiger Reserve One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife
sanctuaries, Thekaddy 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.
Idukki Wildlife Reservation Form
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Boat
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