Kerala Wildlife Tour
PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
In the Idukki district of Kerala, a 350 sq. km area consisting of lush grasslands,
man-made lakes and hills have been reserved to ensure protection to a large
variety of flora and fauna. In 1934, the area was notified as a National
Park and thus, came into existence the premier national park of South India
-The Periyar National Park. Today, it has become the Cynosure of wildlife
enthusiasts all over the world. Its many splendoured attractions lure visitors
not only from all over India but also from abroad. The park boosts of a
spectacular scenery.
The elephants are very much visible. However, the Tigers numbering nearly
40, are rarely sighted. (On the other hand, the park authorities have been
unable to control the menace of poachers whose favorite victims are the
tuskers and the Black Nilgiri Langur, the former for its valuable tusks
and the latter for its blood, flesh and organs, which are said to be endowed
with medicinal properties.)
The ‘PROJECT TIGER’ has included this park, within its ambit.
Although it has not helped to increase the tiger population, it has arrested
the decrease in their numbers.
The ‘PERIYAR LAKE’ is a major attraction of the park. It is man-made
and is 914 Metres above sea level. The lake attracts both humans & wildlife.
Besides it being the latter's watering hole, it also appears to be an amusement
park for the elephants that can be seen gamboling in the lake, providing
the visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Nearly 200 species of birds have been sighted here, making the park a bird
watchers paradise. Darters, Cormorants, Fish Owls, White Egrets, Kingfishers,
Grey Herons, Grey Hornbills etc are some of the birds that can be seen.
ERAVICULAM NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, the ERAVICULAM NATIONAL PARK was
notified as a National Park in 1978. Encompassing an area of 97 sq. km,
this park was originally established as a sanctuary for the protection of
the Nilgiri Tahr - the only wild goat, found to the south of the Himalayas.
The park boasts of lush vegetation which supports a wide variety of fauna.
Besides, the Nilgiri Tahr, the animals found here include the Elephant,
Giant Squirrel, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Sambhar And The Lion-Tailed Macaque.
Topographically, the highest peak of South India - Araimudi (2695 m).
The best time to visit the park is November to April. The nearest town is
Mannar (16 km) and the nearest railway station and airport is at Cochin
(143 km). Accommodation is available at the Forest rest houses.
SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
In the Palghat district of Kerala lies an area of 89 sq. km, which represents
one of the last bastion of rain forests of the world. Due to the active
interest of conservationists and environmentalists, this area was notified
as a National Park in 1984.
The park is home to a rich reserve of rare plants and herbs. Amla, Rosewood,
Teak, Silk, Cotton, Bamboo and climbers like Pepper grow here in abundance.
Wildlife found here includes the Elephant, Tiger, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Gaur
Sambhar, Panther And Wild Pig. Besides, the thick undergrowth and foliage
provides a suitable hide out for a number of small animals.
The proposal to build a hydel power project here drew student protests from
environmentalists, and the government was forced to drop the project.
For wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, a visit to the Silent Valley
National Park can be a rewarding experience. It is recommended to visit
the Park during the dry months, September - March. As accommodation is limited,
it is advisable to make prior bookings with the park authorities.
The nearest airport is Coimbatore, (155 km) and the nearest railhead is
at Palghat (75 km).
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