Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Honeymoon in a national reserve like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary would provide you a distinct feeling. Honeymooning in the lap of natural beauty, amidst so many wild creatures and birds, would give you a unmatched sense. Periyar provides the mystique, antiquity and dramatic settings necessary to create the best romantic retreats and getaways.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a fine specimen of nature's splendour and human innovation, is located on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake.

Wildlife Attractions
The open grasslands are home to a magnificent variety of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri languor, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque, leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger. An estimated 40 tigers inhabit the Reserve. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Periyar Tiger Reserve is also rich in bird life. Birds such as Malabar Hornbill, Grey heron, Jungle fowl and Jungle Myna are some among the 266 species of birds, which are residents of this forest range. Top of the line private hotels and forest lodges are available for the wild life enthusiast.

Flora Attractions
The landscape is composed mainly of marshy grasslands. Periyar forests are amalgamation of grasslands, fire-resistant low-growth vegetation, deciduous forests, semi-evergreens, and tropical evergreens.

Recreation and Enjoyment
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve present so many opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. You can test your swimming skills in the lake. If you want angling you can get permits easily available from the Forest Officer in Thekkady. Boat rides on the lake are exhilirating. Motor launches are also available throughout the day. Rewarding treks through the forest to the temple of Mangla Devi can also be organised. You can attend lectures on wildlife preservation organized regularly at the park. These can be helpful in understanding the importance of wildlife preservation.. Walk along the lake in evening with hands of your beloved in your own.

Things to do

Plantation Tours:
These are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily. Tours cover cardamom, pepper, cofee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.

Elephant Rides:
The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle.

Boats cruises:
On the Periyar Lake