Source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Periyar_National_Park-Thekkady_Lake_-_Jalakanyaka-WUS07796.jpg
Periyar Tiger Reserve spreads across nearly 800 sq km of the Western Ghats around Thekkady, protecting tiger and elephant habitat in evergreen and moist deciduous forest. At its centre is Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, where elephants, gaur, sambar, otters and many water birds come down to the shore.
Safari essentials: instead of jeep safaris, Periyar is explored by boat on the lake and on foot with tribal guides. The Kerala Forest Department runs lake boating, half day and full day bamboo rafting, guided trekking programmes and nature camps, and all of these can be booked on the official site, periyartigerreserve.org. Early boat departures are usually the best for wildlife and fill first, so book before you travel.
- How to Reach: Thekkady and Kumily are the gateway towns. Kottayam railway station is about 115 km away and Madurai airport about 140 km.
- Website: https://www.periyartigerreserve.org
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