NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK 
Nagarhole
is considered to be one of India's best National Parks. Also known as Rajiv
Gandhi National Park, it spreads across the districts of Kodagu and Mysore
in south Karnataka and derives its name from the river Nagarahole that winds
through the forests. It was recognized in 1955 as a Sanctuary and a National
Park in 1975, when its area was increased to include a greater expanse of
forest reserve. The terrain gently undulates with lush greenery with swamps
and streams abounding. The forests are generally thick moist deciduous
jungle and with its well-endowed topography, the Park makes an ideal habitat
for wildlife.
Like other Parks, the original forests of Nagarhole
used to once be an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of
Mysore. Today, it is home to the Elephant, Tiger, Four-horned Antelope,
Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Civet, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, Flying Fox, Panther,
Gaur, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Bonnet Macaque, Pangolin and over 250 species of
birds.
PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south,
Periyar wildlife sanctuary attracts a large number of wild life lovers,
every year. This place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural
habitat. The forest here, slopes into the man-made 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.
The
birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar
Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of
Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along
the lake-shore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a
Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.
In the lap of the
mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many
shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to
experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more. The best
season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and
June.
ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARKEravikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary set up for the preservation of the
endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
The
sanctuary stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and
sholas, spread over 97 sq. kms of unblemished natural splendour. Anamudi,
the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic
pride.
The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora
and fauna. The Atlas Moth, largest of its kind in the world, is a unique
possession of the park.
The sanctuary was declared as a National Park
in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to
the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
