Orientation: The Kottayam - Thekkady Road ends at family on the Kerala-Tamil Nad+u border. There is is only one entry point to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, through the small cottage of Thekkady, 4 km from Kumily. you can either reach it by bus or auto rickshaw both of which ply between the two villages. The starting point of the reserve is the boathouse, roughly 2 km from the entry gate. This distance can be either covered on foot or in a vehicle. All treks and walks begin from this point. Near the boathouse is the Ecotourism Centre, where you can sign up for trekking as well as other activities. The ++++ River flows on the western side of the reserve. The best way of seeing the reserve is by taking a boat ride on the Periyar Lake. All vehicular traffic within the sanctuary comes to a standstill from 6 pm to 6 am and unless accompanied by forest guard, it would be unsafe to wander around after nightfall. However, it is pleasant to take a stroll during the day, often there's a good chance of spotting many birds, the Malabar giant squirrel lithe Nilgiri langur.

Binoculars are available on hire but are generally a very poor condition. So take your own along.

Flora and Fauna:
  Amphibian species numbering 27.
  About 63 species of mammals including tiger, elephants, sloth, bear, gaur, wilddog, sambhar, and barking dear, endangered species include the liontailed macaque, slender loris, nilgiri marten and tahu.
  Over 320 species of birds of which one third are migrants that make periyr their home from sept to march. Rare & endemic birds include malabar gray hornbill, rufus babbler, Nilgiri wood pigeon and crimson - backed sunbird. Also seen ae grackle or jungle mynah, white necked stork & emerald dove.reptile species numbering over 45, including cobra.
  160 species of butterflies including southern bird wing & the endangered travancore evening brown.


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