Tourist Attractions in Kerala- Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in the Western Ghats (Thekkadi) in Idukki district of the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the 27 Tiger Reserves present in India. It spreads over an area of 777 Sq .km.. It is famous for its dense evergreen, semi evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. The area is full with scenic beauty, rich in bio diversity. It is the place to be for the nature lovers. It is a habitat to rich and endangered flora and fauna.
The temperature ranges from 15 ºC in December and January and up to 31ºC in April & May. The annual rainfall ranges from 2000 mm to 3000mm.The two rivers that flow through this reserve are Periyar and Pamba. There are small hills and plateaus, beautiful lakes and rivers, flowing through the reserve.
South India Tiger Reserve in Kerala, a Wildlife Conservation Project was started in 1972 to protect the Royal Bengal Tigers. It was launched on April 1 , 1973 and it became one of the most successful conservation projects in modern history. It is home to a variety of wild animals like elephants , sambar , tigers , gaur , lion-tailed macaques , birds and Nilgiri langurs . There are 62 species of mammals, 314 species of birds which includes the migratory birds, there are 43 species of reptiles which include monitor lizard, fresh water tortoise, snakes, and there are about 38 species of fishes which include lepidopygopsis, mahseer, Tor khudri.
Tourist Attractions in Kerala - Tourists can go trekking, hiking or take to bamboo rafting provided by the Forest Department. Private as well as Government agencies promote adventure tourism. They can stay at eco lodge to have a feel of nature. Plantation tourism is also promoted where people can learn to cultivate spices on their own. Thekkadi is known to be the heaven of natural spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, chilly, tamarind etc.
Mannans are the oldest indigenous tribe living in Periyar Tiger Reserve. Tourists can visit a museum which contains artifacts of the tribe which includes dress code, marriage ceremonies, rituals, death ceremonies etc . People can go trekking and camping in the reserve with forest guards and can encounter wild animals like giant squirrel, elephants. The route passes through many hills and valleys and tourists can see different varieties of tropical plants too.
Few things tourists should keep in mind that being in a reserve is different from staying in the cities and therefore to listen to the animals they need to maintain silence. Tourists should stay with the guides as it might be dangerous to stray in the reserve. Smoking should also be avoided as it can cause fire. The reserve should be kept clean and green. Wild animals should not be teased of fed, safety precautions should always be kept in mind.
Access to Periyar Tiger Reserve- Tourist
Attractions in Kerala :
Air - The nearest national airports
to the Periyar Tiger Reserve are:
Cochin International Airport: 190 Km.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport : 267 Km.
Madurai: 140 Km
Rail - The nearest major rail junction
to the Periyar Tiger Reserve is Kottayam followed by
Changanassery, Ernakulam, Madurai.
Road- there are direct bus links to/from
Cochin, Kottayam, Munnar, Thiruvananthapuram.
|
