The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
In Periyar Tiger Reserve there is
a rich diversity of vertebrates.
The diverse forest types, vayals,
marshes, and a large aquatic habitat
togethersupport 62 species of mammals,
320 species of birds, 45 species
of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians,
and 38 species of fishes.The invertebrate
fauna of Periyar is not well documented,
though the predominant invertebrate
orders are Protozoa, Annelida, Arthropoda
and Mollusca. 160 butterfly species
have been listed Among the 62 species
of mammals, many are rare, endemic
and endangered. Periyar is prime
elephant country and large herbs
are often sighted at the lake fringes.
There is an estimated population
of 900-1000 animals which is likely
to overlap with the population in
the adjoining forest areas.
Ramakalmedu: Rolling
green hills and the fresh mountain
air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting
retreat. The hills top also offers
a Panoramic view of picturesque
villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the
Eastern slop of the western ghats.
Mangala Devi Temple :
This ancient temple is hidden in
the dense woods at the top of a
oeak 1337 m above sea level. The
temple is built in the traditional
Kerala style of architecture. Visitors
are allowed here only on the Chithra
Pournami festival day. The peak
commands a panoramic view of the
eastern slopes of the Ghats and
some hill villages of Tamil nadu.
Permission to visit the area can
be abtained from the Wildlife Wadren,
Thekkady
Pullumadu: Pullumadu
is a famous hill town in Thekkady,
located about 43 km from Thekkady.The
winding journey to this hill town
,along the Periyar river, offer
a stunning view of the rolling hill
draped in lush greenary .Velvet
lawns, rare flora and fauna add
to the beauty of Pullumadu which
can be accessed only by jeep .The
famous Sre Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala
and the makarajyothi illumination
at the shrine are visible from here.
Since it is the part of the restricted
forest zone, special permission
to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained
from the Wildlife Preservation officer
or the Range Officer
Vandiperiyar:
The River Periyar flowing through
the centre of this town nourishes
its vast tea, coffee and pepper
plantations. A major trade centre,
Vandiperiyar is also home to a number
of tea factories. The Government
Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden
have a delightful array of rose
plants, orchids and anthuria.
