Kerala is admired all around the world and is known as ‘Gods Own Country’ and is an outstanding land bounded by healthy hills that present the ideal place for a holiday. There are many different places in Kerala to travel around where one can enjoy the spirit of adventure and also can unwind their body and soul.
The wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala are located in the lush green forest of the Western Ghats where some of the endangered species of animals live. The Wildlife of Kerala is distributed in a number of Sanctuaries located within Kerala from which some of the famous sanctuaries are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are well maintained where one can enjoy and experience the natural life of the endangered flora and fauna.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: From Thodupuzha it is 40 kms away
- Area: 77 sq kms
- Major attraction: Elephants
- Elevation: 45-758 m above sea level.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Thodupuzha and is at a distance of around 40 kms from there. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 77 kms which goes beyond Udumbanchola and Thodupuzha talukas of Idukki district. It is located at an elevation of around 450-758 m above sea level. There are many people who come to view the Elephants which are the main attraction of this Sanctuary.
The Idukki reservoir is formed by three dams Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu that extends upto 33 sq kms. A beautiful Lake and a grand curved dam crossways two hills and roaming groups of gaur and elephants are the pictures that will entice you to this charming covering of deciduous and hot semi evergreen forest. The fauna found in the sanctuary is amazing which includes Leopard, wild boar and Langur.
The Natural Population
The sanctuary has a great population of flora and fauna. The mammals in the sanctuary include Bison, Elephants, Sambhar, Wild Dogs, Deer, Sambhar Jungle cats, Wild Boar and Tiger. There are also a number of birds which can be seen in this sanctuary that includes the Jungle fowl, Laughing Thrush, Myna, Black Bulbul, Woodpecker, Peafowl and King Fisher are also seen by the tourists.
This is one of the famous parks where a number of people come every year. People from the local place come here mostly on weekends with their family and mostly children’s enjoy this place and they get to learn a lot of things. There are also many people who come from far places to enjoy the wildlife of this sanctuary.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: On Western Ghats towards the Southeast, Kerala
- Area: 128 sq kms
- Attractions: Crocodile rearing center, Lion Safari Park and Deer Farm
- Elevation: 1890 m above sea level.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is based in the Western Ghats on the Southeast corner which is spread over wildly over an area of 128 sq kms. It is located at an elevation of 1890 m above sea level. The sanctuary attracts many people because of its species living in the sanctuary that includes Lion Safari Park and Crocodile Rearing Center.
The plant life differs from the evergreen wet to grassland. In the sanctuary there is the Agasthyarkoodam hill which is around 1890 m high. This place was announced as a sanctuary in 1958. The tributaries of Neyyar River – Kallar and Mullayar and the River Neyyar have its drainage basin here.
The Natural Population
There are many different animals found here for which many people come to visit this place from near and far. The animals found include Elephants, Sloth Bear, Gaur, and Jungle cat, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur and Wild Boar can be seen easily.
The sanctuary has a good growth of vegetation. There are many different types of flora seen in the sanctuary which makes this place an ideal gene pool.
There are many other attractions which tourists come to watch in the sanctuary which includes a Crocodile rearing center, Lion Safari Park and Deer Farm. These places are very famous among the people. Many People bring their children with them to show them different animals.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: 50 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Popularly known: Gene Pool Sanctuary
- Area: 53 sq kms
- Best time to visit: January to May
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Thiruvananthapuram which is 50 kms away in Kerala. It is also popularly known as Gene Pool Sanctuary. It is spread over the area of 53 sq kms which is full with great collection of flora and fauna. One can get a great experience with the boat ride to this site. The best time one can enjoy a trip to this place is from January to May.
The Natural Population
The sanctuary has a rich collection of wild animals which includes Sambhar, Elephants, Leopards, Lion-tailed Macaques and assorted birds. There are also Gaur, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Nilgiri Langur and Tigers which are seen in this sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit
This sanctuary can be visited any time in the year as it is open throughout the year but the main season where most of the animals of the sanctuary can be seen is from January to May.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: From Thalassery it is 35 kms away
- Elevation: Around 1145 m above sea level
- Important attraction: Mouse Deer and Sloth Bear
- Highest peak: Katti Betta
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful small sanctuary located in Thalassery which is 35 kms away. It is based at an altitude of 1145 m above sea level. In Katti Betta this is the highest peak which is surrounded by semi evergreen and tropical forest. The important attractions here are the Mouse Deer and Sloth Bear.
The different types of flora and fauna which come from the Western Ghats are found here. The groups of elephant, deer, bison and boar are seen frequently by the tourists. People also enjoy viewing different types of squirrels and jungle cats.
The Natural Habitat
There are many different types of animals living in the sanctuary which are mostly seen by the visitors. The animals living in the sanctuary includes Sloth Bear, Elephants, and Sambar, number of different types of squirrel and Jungle cats. The sanctuary also have a good collection of reptiles and avifauna.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: From Calicut it is at a distance of 15 kms
- Popularly called as: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Important species: Leopard, Tiger and Giant Squirrel
- Best time for trip: September to November
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Calicut which is 15 kms away in Kerala. It is also famous among the people and is popularly known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. The attraction of this sanctuary is the Tiger, huge Squirrel and Leopard. The best time one can go around this place and enjoy the view of animals and surroundings is from September to November.
This sanctuary was announced as a sanctuary in 1973 which is today one of the famous sanctuaries among the People of Kerala and number of people come every year to visit this place and experience the natural habitat of this danger animals.
The Sanctuary is rich in the collection of flora and fauna and is an integral part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve which was made specially to preserve the flora and fauna found in this region.
The sanctuary is bounded with brilliant wet deciduous forest and marshes conquered by bamboo and other grasses. It is said that these forests are among the most widespread forested belts of the Indian Peninsula.
The Natural Habitats of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary has a number of wild animals like Tigers, Elephants, Jungle cats, Panthers, Wild Dogs, Monkeys. Civet Cats, Bison, Bears, Deer, Barbet, Racquet tailed Drongo and many other types of snakes are easily seen in the Jungle.
The sanctuary also houses a wealthy collection of avian life and Babblers, Peacocks, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Owls; Jungle Fowls are some of the birds seen in the sanctuary. The flora of the sanctuary has some rare and rich collection like Maruthu, Teak, Venteak, Rosewood, Vengal, Mazhukanjirarn, Chadachi, Bamboo and others grown in the wet deciduous forest.
The Patches of semi evergreen include Vateria indica, Lanceolata, Lagerstroemia, Terminalia Paniculata.
Accommodation
Tourists who come to visit this place stay in the Forest Rest House which is affordable and offers good facilities and service. Other than this there are not much options for accommodation.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: From Thalassery it is 35 kms away
- Elevation: Around 1145 m above sea level
- Important attraction: Mouse Deer and Sloth Bear
- Highest peak: Katti Betta
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries which is unique thorny scrub forest with different and endangered species. It is located in Idukki district of Kerala. The main species include huge grayish Squirrel, Spotted Deer and Elephants. Tourists should not visit this place in the monsoon season and other than that any time is best to visit this place. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary was announced as a Sanctuary in 1984.
Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary is a habitat of the huge grey Squirrel of India. The special and different thing about Chinnar is that it only has 48 days of rain in a year.
The high Sholas, Dry deciduous forest and drenched grassland is also seen here.
The huge forest is widely spread over an area of 90,422 kms. It was announced as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 and from there it has been one of the famous places where people love to visit and experience the natural life of animals. The sanctuary is surrounded by picturesque spots which also has rolling land with stony patches.
The Natural Population
People love to see the wild animals in the Chinnar sanctuary which is full of different animals. The sanctuary attracts a number of people every year. The animals in the sanctuary includes Gaurs, Elephants, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, huge grey Squirrels, Peacocks, Star tortoise, Hanuman Langurs and Travancore evening browns
Facilities for Tourists
There are towers built to watch the wildlife which gives you an amazing view.
Best Time for Trip
Tourists can visit this sanctuary any time of the year except from October and November. The timings for the visit to the sanctuary is from 7.00 am – 6.00 pm. People usually come to visit this place with their family and friends on the weekends. There are number of people who love to visit this place, so they come from the near or far places to experience the wildlife of this sanctuary.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
- Location: From Kozhikode it is 19 kms away
- Area: 3 sq kms
- Importance: More than 60 species of migratory birds come here.
- Best time to visit: December to April
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a popular sanctuary which is populated with more than hundred different species of birds which are native birds and there are more than sixty species of traveling birds. This place is also popular for the different types of fishes that include Crabs and Mussels.
The sanctuary is spread over 3 sq kms in a picturesque area spread by hillocks. It gives a marvelous view with the elevation of around 200 m above sea level that gives a magnificent view of the sea and the surroundings. The best time one can visit this place and see number of birds is from December to April.
The Natural Population
The sanctuary has a great population of Migratory birds. These migratory come in the month of November and return back by the end of April. These migratory birds come here from different places and from them some birds include Terns, Herons, Gulls, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and other birds make this place amazing. This place is also popular for fishes like Crabs and Mussels which are seen here.
This is one of the famous sanctuaries which is famous for the migratory birds and for which number of tourists are attracted every year. People from the local place come here mostly on weekends with their family and mostly children’s enjoy this place and they get to learn a lot of things. There are also many people who come from far places to enjoy the Wildlife in this sanctuary.
Best Time to Trip
The best time when tourist can come here and enjoy this place is from December to April and in the morning, they can easily see the animals and even the beautiful migratory birds.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Close to Palakkad, Kerala
- Area: 285 sq kms
- Attractions: Crocodile and Elephants
- Best time to Visit: Apart from Monsoons one can go any time in the year
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Palakkad in Kerala. The sanctuary is widely spread over an area of 285 sq kms. The main attractions of the sanctuary are Crocodiles and Elephants. This sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala and Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu. The best time one can go for a trip to this place is any time in the year apart from monsoon season which is rainy season.
There are many different types of trees surrounded in the sanctuary from which some of them are neem, teak, rosewood and sandalwood. There are two watch towers built to take a view of the sanctuary from the top. The one tower is 8 kms away in Anappadi and other is at Zungam which is at a distance of 5 kms from Thunakadavu.
The sanctuary has a good collection of fauna like Tigers, Bonnet Macaques, Spectacled Cobras, Vipers, Kraits, Turtles, small Cormorants, Darters and black Eagles. This is one of the best places where people enjoy at lot. It is one of the places where tourists mostly enjoy trekking and boating. There are many trekkers who are attracted to this place every year and they come from far places to enjoy trekking here.
The Natural Population
The sanctuary has a rich collection of different animals like Elephants, Gaurs, Bison’s, Sloth Bears, Sambhars, Wild Boars, Panthers, Chital Tigers and Crocodiles.
Accommodation
There are not many Hotels available but near the city one can get a few hotels and loges which offer good facilities. There is the PWD Rest House and Inspection Bungalow for the tourists to stay and it also has basic and good facilities. People who live nearby usually come to this place mostly on weekends to enjoy the wildlife of this sanctuary with their family and friends.
Best Time to Visit
Tourists can visit this place any time in the year as the sanctuary is open all the time in the year but one should avoid going in the Monsoon season that is during the month from June to August.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Kerala
- Popularly called as: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
- Important species: Tigers, Elephants and Spotted Deer.
- Best time to visit: October to June
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous sanctuaries in Kerala which attracts a number of tourists from near and far places. This sanctuary is also popularly called as Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary which is one of the best places where one can experience the natural life of the wild animals.
The important species found here are Tigers, Elephants and Spotted deer which attracts a number of people every year. The best time one can visit this place and view the animals is from October to June.
There is lake down the hill which is a manmade lake. The Lake is made for animals to drink water and at this place most of the animals come to dip in the water or drink the water. If one wishes to see the animals from close then they can come to this spot where Tigers, Sambhars, Elephants and Gaurs can be viewed here.
The service of boats is available for tourists which takes them around the lake. Most of the animals can be viewed in the month from October to June. Although an excursion on the impressive mock lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary and the other alternative where you can know more about the sanctuary is a walk with the local guide in a small group around the sanctuary. The group of Elephants comes in this lake to frisk in the water.
There are many different animals found in the sanctuary which includes Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Bison, Tigers, Malabar flying squirrel, Leopards, stripe necked Mongooses and many more. The sanctuary holds around 250 species of birds like Nilgiri Woods Pigeons; White bellied Tree Pies, blue winged Parakeets, fly Catchers and laughing Thrushes.
Other Attractions Nearby
Kumily, Murikkady, Pandikuzhi, Vandiperiyar.
Silent Valley National Park
- Location: From Kollam it is at a distance of 70 kms
- Situated on the banks of: Shendurni River
- Important species: Gaurs and Elephants
- Other attraction: Palaruvi
Silent Valley National Park is situated in Mannarkkad which is 40 kms away in Palakkad district. The denizens of this extensive territory of rare virgin hot forest comprises of Deer, Rare Birds and Tiger.
The main attraction of this sanctuary is Butterflies which makes this sanctuary more colorful and pleasant. In 1980, Silent Valley National Park was announced as a National Park. The best time one can visit this place with their family or friend is from September to March.
The Natural Population
There are a number of wild animals living in the sanctuary where there are more than 100 species of Butterflies and more than 400 species of other animals which include Ceylon Frog Moth, the Nilgiri laughing Thrush, Great Indian Hornbill and the Lion tailed Macaque.
There are more than 36 species of mammals situated in the Silent Valley National Park and around 120 species of avifauna. Other than these there are more than 11 species of snakes, amphibians of 19 species and Lizards of around 9 species. The park also has great collection of plants, which are more than 110 species of plants which are off medicinal use. There are new plants exposed here which are around seven of them.
These kind of collection of flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere in the other parks. This is one of the famous parks because of this reason and many people from different places come here to visit this place.
Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: From Munnar it is 17 kms away
- Area: 97 sq kms
- Important attraction: Atlas Moth and Nilgiri Tahr
- Established: 1978
Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary which was made to preserve the rare Nilgiri Tahr. It is located in Munnar and is at a distance of 17 kms from there. The sanctuary is widely spread over an area of 97 sq kms. The main attraction of tourists is Atlas Moth and Nilgiri Tahr. In 1978, Eravikulam was announced as a National Park.
The highest peak in the south of Himalayas, Anamudi towers over the sanctuary in royal pride. There are all different types of flora and fauna surrounded on the slopes of hills. In the world, the largest of its kind, Atlas Moth is a unique part of the park. This is one of the best and beautiful places where one can enjoy the picturesque sights in the sanctuary. There are number of People who love to visit this place, so they come from near or far places to experience the wildlife of this sanctuary.
The Natural Population
The main attraction of the tourist is the Nilgiri Tahr which is found in this wild sanctuary. Today the Eravikulam sanctuary is the place where there is the highest number of population of Nilgiri Tahr all over thee world. Other than this there are also number of different wild animals which includes Elephants, Alta Moth, Gaurs, Sambhars, Lion tailed Macaque, Leopards, Nilgiri Langur and Tigers.
- Also Read: Popular Places to Visit in Munnar
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Location: From Kottayam it is 12 kms away
- Major Attraction: Siberian Cranes and Water Fowls
- Other Attraction: Vembanad Lake
- Best time to visit: June to August
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is famous for its different avian population. It is situated in Kottayam which is around 12 kms away. The important attraction is the Siberian Cranes and Waterfowls. The best time one can enjoy and visit the place is from June to August. The other attraction which is located near this place is Vembanad Lake which is also enjoyed by people who come to the sanctuary.
The Kumarakom Tourist complex is there for tourists which is spread over 101 acres of enchanting lake and wooded land. Earlier it was the ‘Bakers Mansion’ a small hotel which was under Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). It is said that this building is around 50 years old. The building has been renovated now in a luxurious style by Taj Kerala Resorts Ltd. The service of boats is available on hire to go around the sanctuary.
The Natural Population
Many tourists are attracted by the local birds here which include waterfowl, egret, owl, heron and water duck. There are also migratory birds famous here which the Siberian Cranes. The birds like parrots, larks, teal, wood beetle and many other birds are seen here during the migratory season.
Facilities
For tourists to view the bird’s, motorboats and house boats are available on hire to go around the sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit
Many tourists come to visit this place from which many people come from far places to experience this place with their family and friends. The best time one can view the birds is from June to August. And People who love to see the migratory birds can come to this sanctuary from the month of November to February which would be the best time where they can watch these birds easily. If people try and take cameras with them then they can get great pictures which will make them remember this trip for their lifetime.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: 23 kms away from Thrissur, Kerala
- Attractions: Leopards and Tigers
- Other activities: Trekking and Boating
- Importance: There are more than 50 species of Medicinal plants and Orchids.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary situated in Thrissur and is 23 kms away. The sanctuary attracts many people because of its great collection that includes Leopards and Tigers. The other facilities which tourists can enjoy is trekking and boating.
The sanctuary is also famous for its collection of species of medicinal plants and orchids which is more than 50. The sanctuary has a rich collection of the rare flora and fauna. This place has thick, moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests which is also one of the attractions for tourists.
Tourists love to see this place which has different types of animals and the sanctuary is also full of different types of medicinal plants and Orchids. There are many people who visit this place and from them most of the people are nature lovers and some of them are photographers who love to capture the nature in the camera. Most of the people come with their children who come here also enjoy this place by seeing different animals in the sanctuary.
The Natural Population
The Population of the sanctuary consists of wild animals such as Tigers, Wild Dogs and Leopards and apart from these there are number of other animals such as Sambhar, Barking Deer and Spotted Deer.
Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Kerala
- Popularly called as: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
- Important Species: Tigers, Elephants and Spotted Deer.
- Best season: October to June
Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Munnar which is at a distance of 15 kms. The people who visit this place enjoy the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, which attracts many people from near and far places.
It is a division of Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and tourists are permitted only to the tourism area in the region of Rajamala. The other place which tourist can enjoy is Anamudi which is close to this place. There are number of mountain goats found here which makes around half of the world population of the mountain goats.
The number of Nilgiri Tahr is now decreased to small herds which are spotted in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. There is approx 1317 total number of Tahrs found in the Rajamala Region.
Other Activities in the Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary
Tourists can go to Anamudi on the foot. The area is also famous among trekkers and trekking can be done in Rajamala and Anamudi. The trekkers love this place for its wonderful spots which are mostly enjoyed by them. This is one of the best places for trekking.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
- Location: From Kothamangalam towards the North – East at a distance of 13 kms
- Area: 25 sq kms
- Important Species: Crimson-Throated Barbet, Malabar grey Hornbill, Bee-Eater
- Other features: Found Avian Species around
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is surrounded by the thick evergreen forest which is located in Kothamangalam towards the North-East in Kerala. The sanctuary is spread over 25 sq kms which is full of India`s population of birds that is more than 500 species.
The well-known ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali designed this Sanctuary. The main attractions of this sanctuary are Malabar grey Hornbill, Bee-Eater, and Crimson-throated Barbet. The main feature of this sanctuary is avian species.
The Thattekkad Bird sanctuary is widely spread with thick forest and teak, rosewood, etc plantation. There are many rare birds seen in the sanctuary among which some of them are Sunbird, the Night Heron, Crimson-Throated Barbet, Black winged Kite and Bee-eater.
The Natural Habitats of Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
The Sanctuary houses more than 200 different types of birds which includes Cuckoos, Indian rollers, Pheasants, Common Snipes, Jungle Nightjars, Grey Drongos, Kites, Malabar Tro, Large Pied Wagtails, Woodpeckers, Baya Sparrows, Hill Mynahs, Grey Jungle Fowls, Jungle Babblers, Robins, Darters and Sundries.
Some of the Unusual birds such as Rose Billed roller, Ceylon Frogmouth, Crimson-throated Barbers, Fairy Blue Grey-headed Fishing Eagles, Shrikes, Black Winged Kites, Bee-eaters, Night herons, Malabar Hornbills, Grey Hoi. To view these birds many people visit this place and bring children with them who love this place.
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