Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area in the districts of Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2 (357 sq mi). 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982.
Overview
Periyar Lake:
The artificial lake, created by the Mullaperiyar Dam, is a central feature of the park. The lake offers picturesque views and is a popular spot for boat rides.
Diverse vegetation :
The park features a variety of forest types, including tropical evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. This diversity supports a rich array of plant and animal life.
Gavi Wild Life
A small village in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Gavi is ideally placed around 14 km away from Kumily in Thekkady and 28 km from Vandiperiyar, a small town in Idukki district. Gavi is one of the major eco-tourism centres in Kerala.
Attractions
Temple Structure:
The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style. The main sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, which is adorned with elaborate decorations and jewelry.
Rich Vegetation:
The region boasts dense evergreen forests, lush grasslands, and high-altitude shola forests. This rich vegetation supports the diverse wildlife of Gavi.
Mangala Devi Kannagi temple
The Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple is a revered and historic temple located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Dedicated to the goddess Kannagi, the temple is situated in a remote and picturesque area of the Western Ghats, making it a significant site both religiously and culturally.
Religious Significance
Kannagi :
The temple is dedicated to Kannagi, a revered figure in Tamil literature and folklore. She is known for her role in the ancient Tamil epic "Silappatikaram," where she is depicted as a symbol of virtue and justice.
Mullaperiyar Dam
The Mullaperiyar Dam or Mullaiperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala It is located 881 m above mean sea level, on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats.
Overview
Construction :
The dam was completed in 1895 during British rule, making it one of the oldest dams in India. It was constructed by the British engineer John Pennycuick.
Height and length :
The dam stands about 53.6 meters (176 feet) tall and stretches approximately 365 meters (1,200 feet) across the Periyar River.