6 Amazing National Parks in Kerala & 9 Wildlife Sanctuaries
National Parks in Kerala
Here is the list of 15 6 Amazing National Parks in Kerala & 9 Wildlife Sanctuaries
1. Anamudi Shola National Park, Idukki
Anamudi Shola National Park in Kerala is located in the Idukki district along the western ghats and is a remarkable national reserve spread over 7.5 km square. You can plan a trek in the establishment to check out various attractions within the park such as Thoovanam waterfall, Chinnar River and the adjacent waterfall, and Pambar river to name a few.
Area: 7.5 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Rich biodiversity with endemic flora and fauna
Year of Formation: 2003
Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park
The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is approximately 15 kilometres from the city of Munnar. It is located in the Idukki district and is charming grassland environ. It is known for the endangered species of goat, Nilgiri Tahr. You can see it amidst the lush vegetation or strolling near a stream. January to April is the calving period for the Nilgiri Tahr hence during this period, the park is closed.
Area: 97 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Endangered Nilgiri Tahr
Year of Formation: 1978
Best Time to Visit: September to November, April to June
3. Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad
The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green rainforests, is located approximately 200 kilometres far from the district of Idukki. The park is known for its reservoirs of tigers and is the abode to the largest number of lion-tailed macaques, which is an endangered species of primates. Spread across an area of 89 square kilometres, the Silent Valley National Park is located in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala in southern India.
Area: 237.52 sq.km
District: Palakkad
Known for: Rich biodiversity, especially the lion-tailed macaque
Year of Formation: 1984
Best Time to Visit: December to April
4. Pampadum Shola National Park, Idukki
Located in Kerala, Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park of Kerala with an area of 11.75 km square. The park is managed and maintained by Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife. Owing to the spectacular biodiversity of flora and fauna, this park, along with the Westerns Ghats, and few other parks are being observed by UNESCO World Heritage Committee to consider them as a World Heritage Site nominee.
Area: 1.31 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Unique shola forests and endemic species
Year of Formation: 2003
Best Time to Visit: October to March
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5. Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki
Located in the Idukki district, Mathikettan Shola National Park is located between Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park. Established initially to encourage cardamom plantation, it was declared as a national park in Kerala in 2003 to protect the environment, and it's ecology, flora and wildlife. It now stands as a conservatory for wildlife and flora alike.
Area: 12.82 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Rich biodiversity and evergreen forests
Year of Formation: 2003
Best Time to Visit: September to March
6. Periyar National Park - India's Largest Tiger Reserve
Known For : Periyar National Park Kadathanadan Kalari Centre Periyar Tiger Trail
Periyar National Park in Kerala, famous for its tiger population, is also an elephant reserve. This park is located in the Western Ghats, immersed in luxuriant greenery, composed of Savannah grasslands and is reachable all year round. The place is also known as Thekkady.
Area: 925 sq.km
District: Idukki and Pathanamthitta
Known for: Elephants, tigers, and scenic Periyar Lake
Year of Formation: 1950
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Best Time: Throughout the year
7. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)
Known to be the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad, the area is home to a large variety of wild animals. This sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Bioreserve along with the Nagarhole and Bandipur area of Karnataka. Promising an endearing view with plenty of experiences, the sanctuary has been declared a Project Elephant site.
Area: 344.44 sq.km
District: Wayanad
Known for: Elephants, tigers, and other diverse species
Year of Formation: 1973
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Best Time: October to May
8. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar
Another wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Munnar. Here, there is ample availability of good hotels, resorts and accommodations. This place has a rainy season that extends to at least two months because it is located in the rain shadow region of the enchanting Western Ghats.
Area: 90.44 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, and dry thorn forests
Year of Formation: 1984
Best Time to Visit: December to April
9. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Palakkad
Kerala's Palakkad district gives you a chance to venture right into the laps of the wild with its Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Best known for its constant efforts to preserve the dwindling tiger population, this destination is a popular tourist spot as well. This wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is also home to four different indigenous tribes- Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar.
Area: 285 sq.km
District: Palakkad
Known for: Tigers, diverse flora, and fauna
Year of Formation: 1973 (Declared Tiger Reserve in 2009)
Best Time to Visit: November to April
10. Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Trivandrum
Admire the incredible floral and faunal diversity in the exotic Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, sitting on 12000 hectares of lush natural vegetation. The sanctuary is home to animals like the Asian Elephant, tiger, leopard, Slender Loris, Travancore Tortoise and the King Cobra. In addition, numerous trekking trails like the Agasthyamalai Peak perched at the height of 1868m, lion safari, crocodile farm, deer park and beautiful meadows with watchtowers can be found, offering a visual treat for nature lovers.
Area: 128 sq.km
District: Thiruvananthapuram
Known for: Neyyar Dam, diverse fauna, and lion safari park
Year of Formation: 1958
Best Time to Visit: November to March
11. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponmudi
Surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats, tropical evergreen forests, valleys and freshwater swamps, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the Peppara dam, is spread across about 75 sq. kms, on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. The sanctuary is an idyllic retreat for people who love exploring nature, housing many endemic bird species like Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and Small Sunbird and various animals, including elephants sambar deer and lion-tailed macaque.
Area: 53 sq.km
District: Thiruvananthapuram
Known for: Diverse fauna, including tigers and panthers
Year of Formation: 1983
Best Time to Visit: October to March
12. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also popularly known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, is a breathtaking and beautiful bird sanctuary that is located at Kumarakom in the Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala. Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters, this bird sanctuary in Kerala is a favourite destination for many native as well as migratory birds, which makes the place a dreamland full of ecstasy and delight for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Area: 14 sq.km
District: Kottayam
Known for: Migratory birds and rich avifauna
Year of Formation: 1991
Best Time to Visit: November to February
13. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kannur
Being the northernmost wildlife reserve in the whole of Kerala and the only wildlife sanctuary in Kannur, the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is quite a big deal. Amidst these sky-touching trees and mesmerising greenery, many exotic wildlife species have marked their territory. Taking a safari through the thick verdure and venturing deeper into the forests, you will encounter many striking and remarkably extraordinary species of animals as well as birds that will leave you stumped and in awe of nature's wondrous creations.
Area: 55 sq.km
District: Kannur
Known for: Diverse flora and fauna including elephants and deer
Year of Formation: 1984
Best Time to Visit: November to May
14. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kochi
The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary sprawling over 2.74 hectares is situated in the heart of the lively city of Kochi. Comprising of 18-acres of Mangroves which are filled with a densely populated species of trees and plants, the sanctuary remains at a cool temperature. One of the major attractions is the beautiful watch tower which overlooks the sanctuary thereby giving a superb view to the tourists.
Area: 0.0274 sq.km
District: Ernakulam
Known for: Rich avifauna and supporting mangrove vegetation
Year of Formation: 2004
Best Time to Visit: January to March
15. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala
Known For : Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Bhoothathankettu Dam
Located near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam on the northern bank of Periyar River, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is famous for its rich and varied birdlife. It is the first Bird Sanctuary in Kerala that was surveyed by Dr Salim Ali (the birdman of India), who also called it the richest habitat he has ever seen. This sanctuary came to light in the year 1983 on basis of recommendations made by this famous ornithologist.
Area: 25.16 sq.km
District: Ernakulam
Known for: Rich avifauna and the presence of the rare Ceylon frogmouth
Year of Formation: 1983
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Best Time: Throughout the year
Kerala is home to the stunning Western Ghats which give rise to multiple national parks in Kerala. So which national park in Kerala are you going to visit next? Let us know in the comments below!