One of the largest wildlife reserves in India, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 square kilometres of the Cardamom Hills, in the Western Ghats. The sanctuary was declared as part of Project Tiger in 1973 but it’s mainly noted for its herds of elephant, tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and bird life. One of the best ways to enjoy the wildlife in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is by private boat on Periyar Lake, as the vessel skirts around the lake edge where animals are often drinking and bathing.