THEKKADY

Periyar tiger reserve is situated in the cardamom hills of the western ghats in the state of kerala.

Centred on a vast artificial lake created by thebritish in1895 to supply water to the drier parts of neighboringTamil Nadu, the periyar tiger reserve lies at altitudesof between 900m and 1800m and is correspondingly cool with temperature ranging from 15°C to 31°C.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the mullaperiyar dam across the periyar river is the centre piece of the sanctuary and occupies 5,500-hectares. dead tree trunks that jut out of the waters are the remnants of the submerged low-lying forest. along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands.

This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian elephant with relative ease as well as nilgiri langur near the Liontail macaque in higher areas.