Idukki Wildlife Sanctuaries
Periyar Tiger Reserve
One
of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekaddy is
noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. This sanctuary
was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, Entry to the Periyar Wildlfie Sanctuary:
0600-1800 hrs
Main attractions: Flora: Over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass
species. 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer Podocarpus
Wallichianus grows here.
Fauna: Mammals: 35 species including wild elephants, gaurs,
langur, sambar deer and wild boars that can be sighted from the boats, the
Nilgiri tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque
confined to the evergreen interiors, bonnet macque, Malabar giant squirrel,
flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
Birds: 265 species including migrants. The hombill, stork, woodpecker,
kingfisher, raptor, darter, cormorant, grackle, cluster etc.
Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, bicoloured
frogs and crocodiles.
Pisces: The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including
the masher, the famous endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only
mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted form the boat.
Plantations: Tea, cardamom, cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg,
cumin, garlic, star anise etc. Trekking trails: Mangaladevi hills, Mullakudy,
Thannikudy, Vellimala etc.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km from Thodupuzha): Main attraction:
animals: Elephants, gaur, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild
boars etc. Birds: Jungle fowls, mynas, laughing thrushes, black bulbuls, peafowls,
woodpeckers, kingfishers etc. Snakes: Cobras, vipers, Kraits and a number of
non poisonous snakes. 
Eravikulam National Park (15 kms north of Munnar):
Main attractions: Anamudi (2694 m), the highest peak south of the Humalayas,
is on the southern side of the park. This is one of the wettest areas of the
world.
Fauna: Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats, sloth bears,
Nilgiri Langurs and wild boar. The atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the
world, is seen in the park. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri
Tahr live here (1317 of them according to the '91 census).
Visiting time: 0700-1800 hrs. visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Nearby trekking trails: Palkulamedu, Parakulam, Kulamavu, Anaward, Painavu,
Anamudi.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Main attractions: Elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, gizzled
gaint squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore evening
browns.
Best time to visit: Almot throughout the year except during Oct - Nov. Visiting:
0700-1800 hrs. visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Trekking trails: Palapetty - Champakad, Okarimutty - Inchapetty, Karimutty
- Alampetty.
INCREDIBLE TOURISM
