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HISTORY & GENERAL INFORMATION

PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, named after the Periyar river, is one of our prestigious possessions on the High Ranges of Western Ghats, zealously guarded and efficiently managed. Falling in the Idukki district of Kerala, the tract surrounds the Periyar lake, which was created in 1895, building a dam across the river. The forests around the lake were declares as Reserved Forests in 1899.

The enlightened Maharaja of Travancore, realising the significance of conservation, appointed Mr. S.C.H.Robinson as the first Game Warden. Based on his recommendations, the forests around the lake were turned into a sanctuary in 1934, the Nellikkampathy Sanctuary. The sanctuary which assumed a new identity in 1950 had been managed by a seperate Game department until it was merged with the Forest Department in 1966. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the famous scheme, Project Tiger. Noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and scenic beauty, the Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travellers from all over the world. It also harbours an aquatic eco system within itself. Numerous small islets in the large 50 year old artificial lake remind us of the intricate, inherent interrelationship among the terrestrial aquatic and subterranean life forms. This is the only sanctuary in India where the elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat.

The ideal time to visit the Reserve is October - May.
Useful Information
Latitude : 9° 18' and 9° 41' North
Longitude : 76° 55' and 77° 25' East
Total Area : 777 sq. kms.
Core area : 350 sq. kms.
Rainfall : Average 2,500mm Terrain : Altitude varies from 900 m to over 2,000m. Periyar lake is 26sq.kms in extent.
The maximum depth near the dam when the lake is full is 46m