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INTRODUCTION
Periyar, best known for its
wildlife, is a must see for all visitors to Kerala. The
Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the Sanctuary which
is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. Where
else can one view the animals in their natural
surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better
still come within a few feet of a herd of wild
elephants and still be at ease! The majestic gaur,
deer, wild boar and the distinctive Nilgiri langur are
often spotted along the lake as also water birds.
Periyar's wildlife variety
includes the tiger, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer,
the Nilgiri tahr, wild dog, procupine, lion tailed
macaque, Malabar squirrel and slot bear. The reverse
has also attractions for the bird watchers as varieties
of birds like the hornbill, blue winged parakeet,
whistling thrush, flycatcher and waterbirds are to be
seen here.
Observation towers are set about
the reverse for the more enghusiatic of nature watchers
and a cool summer palace of the former Maharaja of
Travancore is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd. The ideal time to visit is
between the months of December and May. |
General Section
