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The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wild Sanctuary at Thekkady, of India’s magor sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles.he sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man make lake,which the wildlife areas encircled.

In addition to the wildlife, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting out for two weeks of serious observations .There are two KTDC run lodges within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic lake palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was the former Maharaja’s summer palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics.Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best season is from September to May.

Location: About 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Central Kerala.

A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature-rich areas of Kerala. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 77 sq km in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of the district. Situated at an altitude of 450-748 m above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered by an enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and offers boat rides.

Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc. are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, several species of woodpeckers, bulbuls, flycatchers, etc. The wildlife here is similar to that of Thekkady. This sanctuary lies adjacent to the world renowned Idukki Arch Dam.

Getting there: Thodupuzha-Kochi is about 58 km.

Nearest railway stations: Kottayam about 114 km; Changanassery about 114 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai in neighbouring Tamilnadu, about 140 km away; Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away.

The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wild Sanctuary at Thekkady, of India’s magor sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles.he sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man make lake,which the wildlife areas encircled.

In addition to the wildlife, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting out for two weeks of serious observations .There are two KTDC run lodges within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic lake palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was the former Maharaja’s summer palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics.Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best season is from September to May.