The formation of the reservoir also allowed easy access to areas that were previously inaccessible. Motor launches now take visitors across the lake for wildlife viewing.
The
lake and the surrounding forests were declared Nelliampatty sanctuary in
1934 and brought under Project Tiger in 1977. Once protected by the Maharaja
of Travancore, Periyar National Park stretches over 777 km2. The wilderness
of Periyar can be divided into four basic categories: the grasslands, the
tropical moist deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Such diverse
forest types are home to equally variegate animal life.The birdlife is as prolific and colourful as the Park vegetation and more than 250 species have been listed here. Owing to dense vegetation the woodland birds are difficult to spot though the lake area with its sweeping views provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. To discover forest birds there are excellent trails, which allow one to penetrate deep into the shadowy by-lanes of Periyar National Park.
The native fauna of Periyar includes the Wild Dog, Gaur (largest bovine in the world), Sloth Bear, Indian Giant Squirrel, Large Brown Flying Squirrel, Small Indian Civet, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Nilgai, and three species of deer - Sambar, Kakar and Mouse Deer. Four species of primates inhabit Periyar, which include the Slender Loris, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. Above all the Tiger and the Leopard also reside in its murky recesses.
But the "Czar of Periyar" is undoubtedly the Elephant and no other place in Asia compares with this National Park where "Lord Ganesha" can be observed with such ease and safety.
