GOC Holidaymaker Holidays to Periyar - Thekkady Kerala South India
Periyar is probably the best location to see wildlife in the Western Ghat mountains. It is located in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, with some hotels right inside the fence.
The towns of Kumily and Thekkady stand at the gates of the reservation, and had several excellent hotels, as well as many home-stays. It is a good shopping town for local tea, spices and handcrafts.
Several boat trips can be arranged and treks with wardens in parts of the reserve are possible. The simplest way to see the animals is to take the 3 hour boat trip on the lake which stretches deep into the reserve. Particularly in the dry season the animals come to the lake to drink. There are elephants, boars, deer, and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies. Flying Foxes or fruit bats fly in the evenings.
Periyar has many activities besides the main wildlife boat rides and trekking. Many hotels specialise in Yoga and Ayurvedic treatment. There is also jungle walks in the forests with wardens, bamboo rafting, visits to the nearby tribal village, and several spice gardens to visit. There is also a theme type park where elephant rides and working demonstrations are given.
The road to Vagamon and Sabrimala, a pilgrim centre, makes an interesting drive through the hills and rubber, tea and spice gardens. Madurai, with the largest temple in Tamil Nadu is about 3 hours journey, while the high road towards Munnar gives spectacular views over the valley some 1000 m below. Early morning bullock cart rides down to the Tamil Nadu plains below are an interesting way to see the rich diversity of vegetation.
The towns of Kumily and Thekkady stand at the gates of the reservation, and had several excellent hotels, as well as many home-stays. It is a good shopping town for local tea, spices and handcrafts.
WILDLIFE BOAT TRIPS
Several boat trips can be arranged and treks with wardens in parts of the reserve are possible. The simplest way to see the animals is to take the 3 hour boat trip on the lake which stretches deep into the reserve. Particularly in the dry season the animals come to the lake to drink. There are elephants, boars, deer, and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies. Flying Foxes or fruit bats fly in the evenings.
PERIYAR ACTIVITIES
Periyar has many activities besides the main wildlife boat rides and trekking. Many hotels specialise in Yoga and Ayurvedic treatment. There is also jungle walks in the forests with wardens, bamboo rafting, visits to the nearby tribal village, and several spice gardens to visit. There is also a theme type park where elephant rides and working demonstrations are given.
TRIPS FROM PERIYAR
The road to Vagamon and Sabrimala, a pilgrim centre, makes an interesting drive through the hills and rubber, tea and spice gardens. Madurai, with the largest temple in Tamil Nadu is about 3 hours journey, while the high road towards Munnar gives spectacular views over the valley some 1000 m below. Early morning bullock cart rides down to the Tamil Nadu plains below are an interesting way to see the rich diversity of vegetation.