Swagatam Tours Private Limited

South India Holidays

South India Places of Interest

–» PERIYAR
Nestled in the Cardamom Hill range to the south of the Western Ghats, Periyar is one of the most talked about wildlife sanctuaries in South India. This hilly tiger reserve embraces the Periyar river, which was originally dammed in 1867 for irrigation purposes. The excess water flooded the area, forming a massive lake out of which dead tree stumps still jut out, which offer an excellent perch to Periyar's rich birdlife.

The Periyar Lake in the center of the sanctuary is the nucleus of the Tiger Reserve. Boat travel on the reservoir is the only means of transport and provides one of the most delightful methods of viewing the elephants and avi-fauna for which the park is known.

Periyar is home to many endangered animal species such as the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Spotted Cevrotain (the smallest of our deer), Malayan Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Slender Loris, unique flying snakes and lizards and the Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog). The best time to visit is between October and April, especially the latter two months, when water levels are low and animals tend to spend more time near the lake. The grass too is short during this time, resulting in greater visibility.

Periyar harbours predators like the Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat and scavengers like the Striped Hyena. Otters, birds, fish and snakes inhabit the aquatic lake-shore belt, while Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Gaur, Tahr, Mouse Deer, Sambar and Barking Deer can be found in the adjoining forests. The water edge is also dominated by groups of Wild Boar wallowing in the mud and herds of Asiatic Elephant.

Over 230 species of birds are found in Periyar which include rare ones like White-rumped Munia, Blyth's Pipit, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Greater Painted Snipe, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Long-billed Leaf Warbler, Sri Lanka Frogmouth and winter visitors like the Cinnamon Bittern. Birds of prey like the White-bellied Sea Eagle are a common sight around the lake.

The typical habitat of Periyar is rolling and steep hills covered by tropical evergreen and semi evergreen forest on upper region and moist deciduous forest and marshy grasslands in the central part.

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–» PORT BLAIR
Port Blair is an important town of the Andaman Islands with respect to its size and tourist destinations. Thus it is also the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. Lying on the east coast of South Andaman Island, Port Blair is also the main entry point to the islands. The town is a port, with ferries sailing to mainland India.

The Cellular Jail makes one remember the British days and times of National Freedom Movement. Port Blair is also home to several museums and a major base for the Indian Coast Guard. Corbyn's Cove and Jolly Buoy are the safe beaches of Port Blair offering facilities for swimming and visiting underwater world. Although damaged by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, Port Blair survived and also acted as a base for relief efforts in the islands.

By Air : A daily flight connects Port Blair to the rest of the world. Port Blair is air linked with Madras, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata.
By Sea : Andaman is connected to Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam. Ferries operate between Port Blair and other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar groups.

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–» WAYNAD









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–» YERCAUD
Located on the Servaroyan Hills, in Salem District, Yercaud is a hill station visited by tourists throughout the year. The Servaroyan Hills as a whole, provide many beautiful vistas and panoramic views. Yercaud itself is a pretty hill station with a pleasant cool climate. Yercaud's temperature never rises above 30° C or falls below 13° C. This is one hill station where one does not feel the bitting cold of winter. With such a salubrious climate, Yerkaud can be visited round the year. It is an hour's drive from Salem and is the least expensive hill station in India.

Yercaud Lake : The first thing that attracts a visitor is the lake. It is a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well woonded areas. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enchanting as well as refreshing.

Anna Park : This is a lovely garden near the lake.

Lady's Seat : It overlooks the winding ghat road and provides a breathtaking view. This view is spectacular at night with the twinkling lights of Salem town in sight. The tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady's Seat.

Killiyur Falls : This 3000 feet high water falls is situated amidst picturesque surroundings.

The Grange : The castle - like building built by the then Collector of Salem, M.D. Cockburn who first introduced coffee from Arabia and apples and other fruits from South Africa between 1820 AD and 1829 AD in Yercaud is said to have played an imortant role in the revolt of 1857 AD.

Bear's Cave : It is situated near the Norton Bungalow on the way to Servaroyan temple. It is an important tourist spot. Temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

The Servaroyan Temple : It is situated atop Servorayan Hill. The tribals here celebrate their annual festival in May every year.

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