It is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries of the
country and is also India's southern most tiger reserve. The sanctuary sprawls
over an area of 777 sq. km. near a vast and attractive lake. The 26 sq. km. artificial
lake was built by the British in 1895, to provide water to the temple town of
Madurai in Tamilnadu. The sanctuary was created in 1934, by the old Travancore
State Govt. It was designated as a part of 'Project Tiger' in 1973. The
sanctuary is well known for viewing all aspects of elephantine. Besides tiger
and elephants, Thekkady is a heaven for a wild life like bison, sambar, wild
boar, spotted deer, leopard, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe necked mongoose,
black Nilgiri kangurs, etc. There is also a rich variety of reptiles and
amphibian. The sanctuary has over 265 species of birds, which includes the
migrant birds. The park area is also full of floral wealth, with over 1965
flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids and the
only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.
It is also known for its scenic beauty and bracing climate.
A boat cruise on the serene waters of the lake is an excellent way to watch the
wildlife and pristine beauty of the park. The best time to visit this park is
from September to May, but the summer months are appropriate to view the
wildlife. Other activities here includes trekking, elephant riding angling,
etc.
Mullaperiyar Dam : This National Park in Thekkady is located
around the Mullaperiyar Dam's reservoir.