Page 646 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

644  SOUTH INDIA

8 Periyar Tiger Reserve

The construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the
Periyar river at Thekkady, in 1895, submerged large tracts
of land and created a huge lake, covering an area of 26 sq
km (10 sq miles). Years later, in 1935, the then-Maharaja of
Travancore declared 600 sq km (232 sq miles) of forest
surrounding the lake a wildlife sanctuary. The Periyar Lake
now forms the nucleus of the ecosystem of the sanctuary,
which, over the years, has been expanded to 777 sq km Visitors viewing wildlife from a boat on
(300 sq miles). Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the Periyar Lake
sanctuary is a rare example of human interference having Idukki Madurai
enhanced, rather than damaged, an ecosystem.
Kumily
NH 220

Mangaladevi
Temple
Thekkady
Kottayam

Lake Palace
The former hunting lodge of the Maharaja
of Travancore is now a delightful hotel inside Edapalayam
the sanctuary.
J
Manakarala
J

Periyar Periyar Lake
Dam Mullakkudy

Birdlife
The petrified tree trunks that
jut out from the lake make
convenient perches for birds
looking out for fish.

Thannikudi
Periyar
0 kilometres 2
0 miles 1

Wildlife
The deciduous forests, grasslands and tropical
evergreen interiors of Periyar are the habitat of the
endangered lion-tailed macaque (left), as well as
Indian bison (gaur), sloth bears and the slender loris.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p703 and pp718–19

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