Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats of Kerala is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary covers an area of 777 km square, out of which a 350 km square part of the core zone was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park is often referred to as Thekkady.
A picturesque lake is found at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir provides a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.
The sanctuary houses many species of wild animals and birds, the most famous being the wild Asian elephants. They make a fantastic sight when you spot them in the wild, roaming around in large herds. Photograph these magnificent pachyderms at close quarters in their natural habitat.
The thick forest is home to tigers. Look out for pug marks and if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of them feasting on their prey or sunning themselves in the wild. Wild animals especially tigers, deer, elephants, monkeys, etc. frequently come out of the forest to drink the cool waters of the lake.
Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two accommodation options available at the sanctuary. Set on the sylvan lake side, the sanctuary is one of the few places where you can watch wild animals graze by the lake as you sip a hot cup of tea at your bedroom window. The Lake Palace, once a summer retreat of the Travancore Maharaja is built on a small island and accessible only by boat. Aranya Nivas (Jungle Retreat) is a beautiful stone lodge with a colonial style of architecture.
The park is a Bird Lover's delight and you can spot species of birds like cormorants, kingfishers, darters and the great Malabar hornbill among 200 other species. A number of reptiles like snakes and monitor lizards are also found here.
The best way to explore Periyar is by taking a boat ride around the lake. You can go on elephant rides and cruises on the lake or go on long treks. The best time to go for a walk through the jungle is early morning or dusk. Hike down to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest. A visit to Thekkady is a delightful experience.
| 
