(AI Images)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and wildlife preserve in south-central Kerala state, southern India.
The sanctuary has a large lake, Periyar Lake, which was created by building a dam in 1895.
At about 4,600 feet (1,600 metres), the lake is surrounded by hills and has many small creeks, bays, and promontories.
Visitors can take boat rides on the lake to explore the sanctuary and see animals.
The sanctuary offers guided trekking trails, like the Periyar Tiger Trail, for adventure lovers.
Over 266 bird species live in the sanctuary, including great hornbills and white-backed vultures
The sanctuary is famous for its large herds of Asian elephants, which can have up to 50 members.
Bonnet monkeys, nilgai (Indian antelope), langurs, porcupines, sloth bears, tigers, leopards, barking deer, grey jungle fowl, kingfishers, great Indian hornbills, and southern grackles are found in the preserve.
The best time to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from August to April, when the weather is cool and wet, with lush greenery and the true essence of nature monsoon.