Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Highlights: Idukki Lake, Idukki Arch Dam, and Kizhakkilachimala Lake
How To Reach:
By Air: Kochi is the nearest airport (at a distance of 132 kilometers)
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (at a distance of 133 kilometers)
By Bus: Idukki can be approached from all parts of the country.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976. The sanctuary spreads over an area of 77 square kilometers and covers Thodupuha and Udumbanchola taluks of the Idukki District. Idukki is situated at an altitude of 450-748 meter above sea level. The sanctuary is sandwiched between the Cheruthoni River and the Periyar River.
The faunal species in the Park include bisons, wild boars, elephants, sambar, bear, wild dogs, leopard, jungle cats, langur and tiger. Among the avifauna, tourists would come across myna, jungle fowl, black bulbul, laughing thrush, woodpecker, peafowl, kingfisher etc.
The sanctuary also provides refuge to a number of snakes. Various species of snakes in Idukki wildlife sanctuary are the cobra, krait and the viper and quite a few non-poisonous snakes. In order to see the animals and birds in their quarters, hire a boat.
Steep mountains, valleys and hills characterize the topography of this sanctuary. Kizhakkilachimala Lake offers a panoramic view and adds to the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. Floral species found in the park are pali, kuntherekkapine, white pine, vayana, rosewood, cheeni, bhadraksham and meadows of rolling grass. In all, there are dense forests that include tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical evergreen forests, meadows and leaf shedding forests.
Best to visit the Idukki wildlife sanctuary for wildlife tours is during the months of December to April. The sanctuary is easily accessible from all over India. For nature lovers, the sanctuary is a heaven.
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