PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Periyar is one of India's most picturesque reserves. A dam constructed on the Periyar river led to the submersion of a large forest area and the formation of a 55 sq km lake, which assured the local wildlife a perennial source of water. This led to the rapid growth of the park.
The Periyar Lake with an area of 26 sq. km. is the nucleus of the Tiger Reserve. Due to the diverticular shape, it caters to a much more extensive area of forest than would be possible if it was merely a compact lake.
The main prey base of tiger is sambar. The other prey animals of tiger are Indian bison and wild boar. Cattle in fringe area also forms an important prey base.
The Reserve is contiguous with Ranni extending up to Achancovil. The core area of the Reserve, 350 sq. km.
Forest Types
West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests,West Coast Semi Evergreen Forests, Moist Deciduous,Southern Montane Wet Grass Land ,Eucalyptus Plantations.
Major Flora
Hopea parviflora, Dipterocarpus indicus, Palaquium elliptium, Veteria indica and Myristica dactyloides.
Major Fauna
In Periyar Tiger Reserve
49 species of mammals,
265 species of birds,
36 species of reptiles,
12 species of amphibians,
35 species of fishes and
160 species of butterflies identified so far.
How to Get Here :
The nearest town is Kumily (4 km).
The nearest railhead is Kottayam (114 km).
The nearest airport is Kochi (200 km).
