Periyar
Periyar lies in the hills of the Western Ghats in the
state of Kerala.A hunting party of birds, the sharp call of a barking deer
and the hushing of Nilgiri langurs..... welcome to Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary. The Periyar Lake formed by the construction of a dam on the
Periyar River is the major attraction of the place. The Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary, also known as Thekkady, is one of the oldest protected areas in
the country. Forests are tropical , a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen
and evergreen Sholas. Over 320 species of birds, of which one third are
migrants make Periyar their home from September to March. Rare and endemic
birds of the sanctuary include giant hornbill, cormorant, darter, osprey,
racket-tailed drongo, rufus babbler, Nilgiri wood pigeon, crimson-backed
sunbird etc. About 63 species of mammals including tiger, elephant, sloth
bear, gaur, wild dog, sambhar and barking dear ornaments the sanctuary.
Endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque, slender loris, Nilgiri
marten and tahr can also be seen here.
Climate
Periyar has a tropical climate. The temperature ranges from 21 degree C to
24 degree C during summer. Winters extend from November to February. The
weather during this period remains cool and pleasant. The ideal time to
visit the place is during the winter months.
Sightseeing
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the centre of attraction here. At the
sanctuary you can spot Indian elephants, tigers, sambars, chitals, wild
boar, sloth bear, antelope etc.You can enjoy an evening boat ride along the
Periya Lake watching the rarest of wildlife species at close quarters.
Trekking, walking and angling are other adventure sports options inside the
park. Thekkady is also surrounded by vast expanses of spice, tea and coffee
plantations that are a treat for your eyes. Kumily is popular plantation
town and a shopping centre. Murikkady and Pandikuzhi are other famous sites
to be visited.
Getting There
The closest airport from Periyar is Madurai lies at a distance of 143 km.
The Kochi Airport is at a distance of 200 km from here. The airports have
regular flights connecting to all the key destinations of the country and
the world. Kottayam, at a distance of 100 km, is the nearest railhead. Road
routes are also well established providing connection with all the major
cities and towns of the state and the country.
Thattekad
Thattekad, meaning flat forest, is located at a distance
of 60 northeast of Kochi. It is not a lesser known spot today as more and
more tourists are flocking to this dense evergreen lowland forest. Taking a
birding trip to this natural paradise promises a lot to tourers and
vacationers. The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary was once described by the nation's
great ornithologist Salim Ali as 'the richest bird habitat in peninsular
India'. Staying here in tented accommodation is an experience in itself. The
Kerala Forest Department offers fine options of accommodation. You will
definitely observe the traditional hospitality of Kerala during your stay at
Thattekad.
Climate
Thattekad has a tropical climate with temperature varying between 10
degrees and 26 degrees. Rains are frequent and sometimes heavy. Winter
extends from November to February. The annual rainfall recirds 2,500 mm. The
ideal time to visit the place is between September and March.
Sightseeing
The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary harbours around 210 species of birds. The
sanctuary has forest types like tropical evergreen forest, tropical
semi-evergreen forest and tropical deciduous forest. Commonly spotted bird
species include Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle
night jar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker, large pied
wagtail, Baya sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian Hill myna, robin, jungle
babbler, darter etc. Rare bird species include crimson-throated barbet, bee
eater, sun bird, shrike, fairy blue bird, grey-headed fishing eagle, black
winged kite, night heron, grey heron, common grey hornbill and malabar
hornbill are some of the rarer birds found.
Besides, there are spice and cocoa plantations all around that would be a
feast for your eyes. Here, you can also gorge on the South Indian delicacies
that are a favourite of tourists.
Getting There
Kochi, at a distance of 71 km, is the closest airport from here. Aluva, 48
km from here, is the nearest town and railhead. The sanctuaries lies 13 km
northeast of Kothamangalam from where there are regular bus services to
Thattekad. Kothamangalam is also connected by road to all the major towns
and cities of the state. The National Highway 49 passes through Aluva and
Kothamangalam from Kochi.
Activities
- Bird Watching at Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is unarguablly the star
attraction at Thattekkad. You will find a huge variety of rare bird
species.
- You can also go for forest walk at Thattekkad. The fresh air and
soothing environs of deep forests at Thattekkad is recommended for all.
- Forest Dormetory is for those who want to 'feel' the forests. Stay
here and get to know how it feels to take shelter in the lap of mother
nature.
- Boat riding also can be a worthy option to enjoy at Thattekkad.
- Backwater cruise in Alleppey, a nearby town, is very popular among
tourists. So, you can also pick one.
- Spice And Cocoa Plantations are the identity of Kerala. The variety
of spices, which have been in demand world over, are grown here. You can
see here that how these plants of spices look and the process
afterwards.
