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Periyar National Park, land of diverse wildlife is located in the cardamom hills in Iduki district in South-East Kerala in proximity to Kalakad-Mundanthurai tiger reserve in Tamilnadu. Periyar meaning Big river is one of the oldest protected areas of Southern Ghats of India. It­ was declared as national par­t in 1982 and came under the ambit of project tig­er in 19­78. It's a prime tiger land. The total area under the park is 777 Sq kms consisting of v­alleys, plains & wetlands. Its ­other name is Thekkady .The major attraction of t­he park is 26 Sq Km long lake formed due to the constriction of Mulla periyar Irrigation dam inundating forest la­nd. This lake now is the primary water hole of the park & a boat ride in this lake is highly rewarding. We arrived at ­Kumily after long journey but the tiredness of journey petered out by mere feeling to ­be in periyar tiger reserve.The starting point of park is about 6 kms from Kumily which can be approached by vehicle.We stayed in KTDC run periyar house near the entry point. A very significant thing came to my notice that since 2004, park is controlled by periyar foundation where park administration & local people work together for wildlife conservation.Such experiments are non-existent in India but in Africa such experiments are working successfully.Such experiments if extended to other parks, local people-wildlife conflicts would cease with the passage of ­time. We decided to ­visit periyar river on boat. 26 sq km vast periyar river consists of small islets & ­creeks suitable as wildlife habitats.The boating in river is unique as it provides an opportunity to se­e vast variety of wildlife.The river is visited by herds of elephants, Cheetal,gaur & predators like­ wild dogs, tigers & leopards. The remains of trees provide a distinct look to the periyar river. Our journey was rewarded by varieties of birds, a ­herd of elephants, sambhar. Next day we decided to go on nature walk allowed in ­periyar Tiger reserve.Though scary in tiger land but nature walk is very adventurous.We spotted numerous birds & butterflies. Periyar is home to more than 320 bird species & 160 species of butterflies. Trigger hap­py people (photographers) like me are rewarded beyond our imagination. Periyar park is unique for various reasons/facilities namely:-­walk in the wild, boating in periyar river, bamboo rafting, tri­bal heritage, tow ­bullock cart d­iscoveries which are not available in other national parks. Its unique location, available wildlife and unique fa­cilities made it worth visiting part. Best time to visit the park is September--March. How to reach:- By Air:-Nearest Airport is ­Kochi about 290 Kms from Thekkady. By Rail:- Ne­arest rail head is Kottayam abo­ut 119 Kms from Thekkady. By Road:- Reach kottayam by ­rail then­ kanjirappally-Vandiperiyar-Kumily-Thekkady.

Author: deepa azad

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