Places to visit in Periyar
Periyar is one of the reasons that Kerala is known as God’s Own Country. The extensive range of wild animals in their natural habitat is simply heavenly. Known for the Periyar National Park, the town in the southern-most state of Kerala is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country as well as the world. Periyar is one of the sixteen Project Tiger reserves in India. Also, a notable elephant reserve, the region is blessed with various species of the animal kingdom including rare and endangered flora and fauna. Located in the Cardamom Hills, the sanctuary covers rolling hills, grasslands, and the merge of the Periyar and Pamba Rivers. Wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world seek Periyar tours to enjoy an adventure expedition in the nature-blessed region.
The blessed landscape of forests, grasslands, waterways and low hills enjoys a salubrious weather year-long. Temperatures fall in a pleasant range, even in monsoon. In fact, Periyar is the only wildlife sanctuary that remains open even in the monsoon. Spread over 777 square kilometres, it is home to mammals and birds including Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Sloth bear, Dhole, Nilgiri Langur, various species of birds that include Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, White-cheeked Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike, Heart-Spotted Woodpecker, Rufous Babbler, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Ruby-throated Bulbul and White-bellied Treepie, etc. Periyar specializes in species found only in southern India and Sri Lanka.
The most impressive tourist attraction in Periyar is that game viewing is done on boats. Periyar Lake in the heart of the sanctuary serve as the watering hole of the natives, therefore it is easy to spot the species coming to quench their thirst. Elephant safaris, guided nature walks, border hiking, bird-watching, etc. are some exciting activities. The guided Jungle treks at late night are one of the. Stay in the wildlife resort or jungle lodges add to the thrill of exploring Periyar. In addition, the lush hill town of Thekkady is also close by. Here you can enjoy walk through spice plantations and learn all about these treasures.
Elephant Junction Thekkady
We at elephant junction believe that the close interaction between the elephants and the human benefits all, so guests are encouraged to spend as much as time possible during stay in getting to know those wonderful animals. Undisturbed by the mechanical roar of a car or jeep. Open to the skies accompanied only by the rhythmic – scuff- scuff- scuff of elephant’s feet and creaks of the wooden howdah. The ride can be a mix of moments of pure terror interspersed with long period of utter peace.
Perunthenaruvi Falls
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls are waterfalls 36 km from Pathanamthitta in Pathanamthitta District, Central Travancore region, Kerala State, India. It is a popular tourist destination situated in Vechoochira Panchayat of Ranni taluk. The one shore of this waterfall is Kudamurutty and Vechoochira is the other. The main route to this waterfall starts from Ranni - Athikkayam - Kudamurutty - Perunthenaruvi. It is a fine place to spend time with family in a very serene atmosphere
Gavi
Gavi ( under the Forest Dept. ) 01 hr 30 minutes drive one way from Periyar town , thru the Forest area , they can see some animals on the way picturesque land, is the major off-the-track destination ideal for a wilderness retreat replete with trekking, birding, canoeing and facilities for boarding. This biological garden, with hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grass lands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantation, is home for many endangered species like lion tailed macaque; nilgiri tahrs etc. and they can be sighted also.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park's north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.
Boat Ride On Lake Periyar
Morning group boat ride around Lake Periyar. You might belucky enough to spot some of the estimated 700 wild elephants roaming withinthe wildlife sanctuary, as many come down to the banks of this lake to bathe.
Mullaperiyar Dam
Mullaperiyaru Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala It is located 881 m above mean sea level, on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala, South India. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick and also reached in an agreement to divert water eastwards to the Madras Presidency area. It has a height of 53.6 m from the foundation, and a length of 365.7 m. The Periyar National Park in Thekkady is located around the dam's reservoir. The dam is built at the confluence of Mullayar and Periyar rivers. The dam is located in Kerala on the river Periyar, but is operated and maintained by the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Although the Periyar River has a total catchment area of 5398 km² with 114 km² downstream from the dam in Tamil Nadu, the catchment area of the Mullaperiyar Dam itself lies entirely in Kerala and thus not an inter-State river. However, by the principle of estoppel it is considered otherwise. On 21 November 2014, the water level hit 142 feet for first time in 35 years.
Spice Plantation
Keralahas grown and exported spices around the world since the 14thCentury and later you will take a fascinating tour of a spice plantation highin the Cardamom Hills. Learn about the cultivation and processing of the area’snatural bounties including pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, mace andanise.
Pattumala Matha Church
Pattumala Matha Church is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite pilgrim shrine in Kerala dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. It is served by the Congregation of the Missionary Brothers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Architect J.P Bright, Thiruvananthapuram, is the designer of this church. The church is built entirely of granite and situated in the midst of tea plantations. The name Pattumala means "Hill Draped in Silk." It is located 8 kilometres from Peermade and 24 kilometres from Thekkady.
