Mullaiperiyar dam is built across the Periyar river

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Idukki district is located in the southern part of Kerala. It is a landlocked district that is blessed by Mother Nature. The district has an abundance of forests, spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and rivers. The name Idukki is derived from the Malayalam name” Idukku” which means a narrow gorge. Idukki district is known for its power generation. About 66 % of the state’s power comes from Idukki district. Most of the state’s power needs comes from Moolamattom Hydroelectric power station in Idukki district. The famous Idukki arch dam is the first dam of its kind in India. It is built between two huge granite hills across the Periyar river.

The Periyar forests in Thekkady houses the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary. There are spice plantations that lie close to these forests. It is nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The Periyar tiger reserve is one of the 27 reserves in India. This is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is spread across an area of 777 sq kms. Out of this, 360sq kms is thick evergreen forests that are the perfect location for viewing the elephants in their natural habitat. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in 1978. This reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. It is located at a height of 2800 ft above MSL. The land is covered by dense evergreen forests, steep valleys and spice plantations. There is a 26 sq km artificial lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar dam built across the Periyar River. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to watch the wildlife. The herds of elephants that come to play in the Periyar Lake make an interesting sight. This is in fact the greatest attraction for the visitors.

The Periyar forests are a source of teak wood, rosewood and sandalwood. The sanctuary houses tigers, bisons, monkeys and other mammals. Wild animals like tiger, elephant, gaur, sambar deer, and wild boar can be seen in close quarters in these forests. Many species of birds have also made these forests as their homes. The entry timing for this sanctuary is from 6 am to 6 pm.