Periyar Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats mountain range of Kerala, India. It was established in 1950 and covers an area of 925 square kilometers. The reserve is named after the Periyar River that flows through it.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including over 60 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, and a large number of fish and invertebrate species. Some of the most commonly spotted animals in the reserve include tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur, sambar deer, and wild boars.
The reserve also has a large artificial lake called the Periyar Lake, which was created by the construction of a dam across the Periyar River in 1895. The lake is an important source of water for the wildlife in the reserve and is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake and go on jungle safaris to spot the wildlife.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is managed by the Kerala Forest Department and is also a part of the Project Tiger initiative of the Indian government, which aims to conserve the endangered Bengal tiger. The reserve has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India.