Periyar Lake
Periyar Lake is a large reservoir in Kerala created by damming the Periyar River and surrounded by forested hills and steep mountains. The calm water spans roughly 26 square kilometers and serves as a key source for local water supply, irrigation, and wildlife habitat.
The lake was created in the late 1800s when the Mullaperiyar Dam was built to control water flow and generate electricity. The surrounding area was later protected as a sanctuary and then a national park to preserve the wildlife and forests.
The lake takes its name from the Periyar River that flows through the region and remains essential to local farming and daily life. Local communities have long ties to this water, weaving it into their routines and connection to the land.
The lake is easy to reach by road or organized boat rides that typically last about ninety minutes and offer chances to see birds in the morning or wildlife in the afternoon. Visit after the monsoon season when water levels are highest and visibility across the forested landscape is clearest.
The lake water is home to rare fish species found nowhere else, such as the Periyar barb and Periyar trout, making it special for those interested in aquatic life. Recent biological surveys have also discovered previously unknown bird species in the region.
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