Periyar Tiger Reserve

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in Kerala's Idukki District amid the Western Ghats. The Reserve's topography is undulating, and the drainage is dendritic. The Reserve's north-eastern edge is a ridge that defines the state boundary between Kerala and Tamil Nadu for 90 kilometers. The Mangaladevi - Kannagi Temple is located on the Reserve's northern edge. Every year, 5 million pilgrims visit the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple at Periyar Tiger Reserve for sixty days. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is divided into two sections: Periyar East and Periyar West. In 1895, a dam was built across the Periyar River to offer irrigation facilities in Tamil Nadu, resulting in the developing of a 26 Sq. km lake. In 1899, the forest around the reservoir and the lake were designated as the Periyar Lake Reserve. In 1934, the Nellikkampetty Sanctuary (600 Sq. km) was established. In 1950, the sanctuary was expanded to 777 Sq. km and called Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Ranni extends up to Achancovil, making the Reserve continuous. The Reserve's primary area, 350 Sq. km, was designated a National Park in 1982. The Periyar Tiger Reserve's vegetation consists of evergreen, semi-evergreen, wet deciduous forests, grasslands, aquatic habitats, and eucalyptus trees.

Description

State : Kerala

District : Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam

Coordinates : 9°17’56.04” N, 76°56’12.12” E

Area : 925.00 Sq.km.

TR Notification year : 1978-1979

Tiger Population : 26 (All India Tiger Esitmation, 2018)