Periyar Tiger Reserve
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A forest reserve around an artificial lake at Thekkady, known for elephants, boat safaris and community-based ecotourism.
Wildlife sanctuaryThekkady, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districtsBest time to visit: October to April
Highlights
- Boat rides on Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar dam, to watch elephants, gaur and sambar
- Guided nature walks, bamboo rafting and border hikes run with local communities
- Spice plantations around Kumily
- Tigers, Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques and many birds
Significance
Periyar is one of India’s Project Tiger reserves under the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Its ecotourism programmes employ people from forest-dependent communities as guides and protectors.