:: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni river and the Periyar Location: Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district, central Kerala

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. This sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest.

The romantic Lake Palace , formerly a summer retreat of the Maharaja of Travancore, is built on a small island accessible only by boat. Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation options set in the sylvan lake side background. Aranya Nivas (Jungle Retreat) a stone lodge with rubble masonry and colonial style of architecture at the head of the lake is a premium property of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. It is the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation.

Access through:

Rail: Kottayam, about 114 km.

Air: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 140 km; Cochin International Airport , about 190 km.