Munnar - Thekkady (112 km)
After breakfast drive to Thekkady, the largest wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. The 120 years Old Surki dam built across the reserve. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq km, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 sq km. Upon arrival check into the wildlife resort. In the afternoon enjoy the nature trek around the sanctuary. Overnight stay at resort.
Periyar (Thekkady): The Periyar Tiger Reserve, named after the Periyar river, is one of Kerala's prestigious possessions on the high ranges of the Western Ghats. Falling in the Idukki district of Kerala, this forest reserve surrounds the Periyar Lake, which was created in 1895 by building a dam across the Periyar river (to divert the water to Tamil Nadu for irrigation). The forests around the lake were declared as Reserved Forests in 1899.
The forests of Periyar can be divided into four categories. The open grasslands are home to the Elephants, the Bison and herds of deer. The moist deciduous forest is dominated by trees like Terminalia and Teak which shed their leaves seasonally. The semi-evergreen forest occurs along wet stream areas and is often adjacent to the tropical evergreen forest. Fourth, the 'Sholas' or tropical evergreen jungle which is typical of the entire western Ghats in the state, abounds in this Reserve. The varied habitat in the sanctuary supports a number of species of terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal animals. Apart from Elephants, other herbivores in the Reserve are Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque etc Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Wild dog, etc are the major carnivores seen in the area. Other important animals are Bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangolin.
