Nature Photography - Idukki - Wildlife Sanctuaries

IDUKKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Nature Photography - Idukki, once covered with some of the densest evergreen forests in India was a dream destination for nature photographers, idukki has now been seriously denuded as a result of the construction of the Idukki dam in the 60's. Subsequently, a small sanctuary came up, extending over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district and spreading over 77sq km at 450 - 748m above sea level.

The Idukki reservoir formed by three dams-Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu - extending up to 33 sq. kms - forms part of this sanctuary.

For an enthusiast of Nature photography there are lots to find in idukki, Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Wild dogs, Jungle cats, Tiger, Wild boar etc are found here, as also Jungle fowl, Myna, Laughing thrush, Black bulbul, Peafowl, Wood pecker and the King fisher

THEKKADY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Nature Photography - Thekkady Wildlife sanctuary (also called Periyar Tiger Reserve) is a fine example of good management of nature's forests. The sanctuary, which was a game reserve, merged with the Forest Department in 1966. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger scheme. In 1982 the core area of the reserve (350 sq. km.) was notified as National Park

The entire sanctuary covers hills and verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km . It will be no exaggeration to say that this Park is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India much to the delight of nature photographers all around the world. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience wilderness and abundant wildlife first hand. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar river a century ago.

The open grasslands are home to a magnificent variety of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger.

An estimated 40 tigers inhabit the Reserve Other important animals are bear , Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangolins. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Periyar Tiger Reserve is also rich in bird life. Birds such as Malabar Hornbill, Grey heron, Jungle fowl and Jungle Mynah are some among the 266 species of birds which can be photographed in this forest range.

THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY

Nature Photography - Thattekad is a bird sanctuary developed by the untiring efforts of India's birdman Dr Salim Ali. The sanctuary is near Munnar along the lower reaches of the Western Ghats, spread over 25.16 sq. km. The sanctuary attracts nature lovers and photographers especially bird watchers in droves. Tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests and tropical deciduous forests make up this sanctuary.

There are patches of grasslands too. Around 210 species of birds have been identified here so far.Indian Roller, Cuckoo, Common snipe, Crow pheasant, Jungle Nightjar, Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Woodpecker, Large pied wagtail, Baya sparrow, Grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, Robin, Jungle babbler and darter are found here.

Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sun bird, Shrike, Fairy blue bird, Grey-headed fishing eagle, Blackwinged kite, Night heron, Grey heron, Common Grey Hornbill and Malabar Hornbill are some of the rarer birds which can delight people who are here for nature photography . Best season to visit is from September to March.

CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Nature Photography - Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, about 40 kms from Munnar. The Park is around 90 sq. kms in area and its rugged undulating terrain has held a special fascination for the adventure traveller. It is the second habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel (an endangered species) in India

The altitude varies from 500 to 2400 metres and one can sense the drastic variation in the climate and vegetation, since the gradients are quite steep and drastic.

The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144 metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai (1845 metre). Unlike other forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October - November (North - East Monsoons).

The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands.

Elephants, Gaur, Panther, Spotted deer, Sambar, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman monkey, Rabbit etc.can be of interest to a person looking for new avenues in nature photography in the Chinnar forests.