Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

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.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and is a part of the Idukki District. Spread over an area of 90.44 km², This region is richly populated with a wide array of indigenous flora and fauna which makes it a popular tourist destination. Chinnar houses a myriad variety of medicinal plants, and as the home to start tortoise. Since it is a government protected enclosure, you can experience flora and fauna in its natural habitat, uninterrupted by the clamour of the city.

Famous for its Lion and Deer Safari, Neyyar wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is a treat for nature enthusiasts. The park houses a crocodile farm and elephant rehabilitation centre. Ask for a guided tour of the sanctuary which is quite informative.

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 sanctuary is also home to four different indigenous tribes- Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar. Jungle treks and safari here are quite unique and eye-opening experiences.

Open all year round, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the catchment area of the Peppara Dam on the Karamana River. The sanctuary rich in flora and fauna offers a natural habitat to around 43 species of mammals, 233 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes.

The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and the best-protected reserve area that one can lay eyes on in India. Famous for its gorgeousness, greenery and stillness, the park is the dwelling place of abundant significant species, including the royal tigers and majestic elephants apart from other reptiles, fishes and birds. This National Park is an amazing coming together of nature, adventure and beauty.

Located in the Western Ghats in the Kollam district of Kerala, the Shenduruny wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is a protected area that serves as the natural habitat for a myriad of plants, birds and animals, and provides them with a safe reclusive spot, far away from the dust and dirt of city life. The sanctuary was established on 25 August in 1984 and is presently under the control of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. This majestic site is like a treasure trove for all nature lovers, photographers, archaeologists and biologists since the place is home to endless flowering plants, birds and trees.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and comprises of rare as well as endangered species of both flora and fauna. It is surrounded by the protected areas of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu as well as Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. Founded in the year 1973, the wildlife sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which was the first biosphere out of the 14 present in India. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 345 square km and comprises of two parts namely Upper Wayanad and Lower Wayanad.

Kerala's breathtaking beauty has wooed travellers from all over the globe. Gorgeous beaches, meandering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and exotic flora and fauna, Kerala has it all. Located in the Idukki district, along the western ghats of Kerala is Anamudi Shola National Park, a remarkable national reserve spread over 7.5 km square. The park is famous for its tranquil environment and biodiversity, preferred by thousands of travellers that flock in here to get away from the city life.

Known For : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Backwaters Visit to Toddy Shops

Located at a distance of 16km from Kottayam in Kerala and located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of many small man-made islands reclaimed from the lake.

Best Time: September to March

13 Kumarakom Attractions

The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green forests and beautiful views of the rich flora and fauna, is a popular destination for nature as well as wildlife lovers all across the globe. 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. With its long, detailed history and the unique status of a rainforest, this national park is indeed a sight to visit. The well-planned Safari and the beautiful stop-overs around the park only make a trip to this part of Kerala more worthwhile.

Located a 45 - minute drive away from Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park houses a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Also known as Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, this place was managed as a game reserve by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company before 1971. The control was taken over by the Karnataka Government in 1971, and it was declared a national park in 1978. Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, small-clawed otter and a rare tiger or leopard are some of the main animal species that can be spotted here.

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Mathikettan Shola National Park is between other national reserve forests such as Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park. Established initially to encourage cardamom plantation, this wildlife sanctuary in Kerala was declared as a national park in 2003 to protect the environment, and it's ecology, flora and wildlife. It now stands as a conservatory for wildlife and flora alike.

Located in Kerala, Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park of the state 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. Cloudy weather prevails throughout the year in the park, perfect for trekking and picnics.

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 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. The houseboats and motor boats that are available on rent to watch birds further enhance this enrichening experience. A trip to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is thus a must while in Kerala, to explore and unravel the hidden treasures and gifts of the Earth.

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 is home to a large variety of migratory birds and densely populated species of trees and plants. In the middle of the wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, there is a shallow tidal lake present which is surrounded by thick mangrove vegetation and is connected to the backwaters of Kochi via a canal.

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.

Spread over 25 sq.km, it shelters over 500 species of birds and rare birds such as Wayanad laughingthrush, rufous babbler, and white-bellied blue flycatcher. While you traverse the dense forests containing tropical semi-evergreen, deciduous and tropical evergreen plants, do not miss out on the boat cruise along the backwaters. It's habitat diversity and topographical position of the area makes it one of the most popular bird-rich sanctuary in India.

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Thattekad Attractions

Established in 1984, the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is located 40 kilometres away from Thrissur. It spreads across 85.067 square kilometres. It is named after the river that flows through the region. The Sanctuary is home to various kinds of fauna and it is said to have recorded 160 types of bird species, 39 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians and 31 species of fish.

Famous for the Neelikurinji flower that blooms here in the sanctuary which spreads across 32 hectares, is home to a lot of threatened species of animals. It is located near Vattavada village in Idukki District.The most commonly found animals here are elephants, Gaur, Nilgiri Tahr and Deer.

The second oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is situated 20 kilometres east of Thrissur and is situated alongside the Chimmony Wildlife sanctuary. It is spread across 125 square kilometers in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The place makes for a good picnic spot with its varied flora and fauna. You can find more than 50 kinds of vegetation, rare species of mammals and more than a hundred species of winged creatures.