Morning after breakfast, departure by surface to Thekkady (191 kms/4 hrs) on arrival check-in at the hotel. Periyar One of the well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkaddy Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. The forest here spread over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here. Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here; including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers. PM: Take a boat ride on the splendid Periyar lake, which is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The greatest attraction here is the herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake to frolic in the water. Tiger, Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Malabar flying Squirrel, stripe necked Mongoose & so on can be spotted in the forest. Kumily, an important spice trade centre lies in the periphery of the sanctuary. Overnight in Periyar.
