Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

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

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

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur is located approximately 35 kilometers from the city. Nestled in the northern district of Kerala, this sanctuary is celebrated for its dense green cover and diverse wildlife. Home to a variety of species, including elephants, leopards, and deer, the sanctuary offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. 

Area: 55 sq.km
District: Kannur
Known for: Diverse wildlife, including elephants and leopards
Year of Formation: 1984
Best Time to Visit: September to February

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.

Area: 90.44 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards
Year of Formation: 1984
Best Time to Visit: September to February

Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Trivandrum, offers a captivating natural experience. Situated approximately 30 kilometers from Trivandrum, this sanctuary is nestled in the Neyyar Reservoir area, showcasing diverse flora and fauna. Home to various wildlife, including elephants and deer, it provides an enriching wildlife encounter. 

Area: Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary covers a sprawling area.
District: Trivandrum
Known for: Diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles and deer
Year of Formation: 1958
Best Time to Visit: September to February

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. 

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

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

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 houses 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

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.

Area: 125 sq.km
District: Thrissur
Known for: Rich biodiversity and captivating landscapes
Year of Formation: 1958
Best Time to Visit: September to February

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is situated approximately 18 kilometers from the town of Sultan Bathery. Nestled in the Wayanad district, this sanctuary is renowned for its lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to various species, including elephants, leopards, and deer, creating a captivating wildlife experience.

Area: 344.44 sq.km
District: Wayanad
Known for: Diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards
Year of Formation: 1973
Best Time to Visit: September to February

The Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam, Kerala, is a haven for nature enthusiasts situated approximately 66 kilometers from the city. Nestled in the Kollam district, this sanctuary boasts diverse ecosystems, including lush greenery and flowing rivers. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to various flora and fauna, making it a captivating destination for wildlife lovers.

Area: 97 sq.km 
District: Kollam
Known for: Diverse flora and fauna
Year of Formation: Established as a sanctuary in 1984.
Best Time to Visit: September to November and April to June

Known For : Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Bhoothathankettu Dam

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, situated in Ernakulam district, Kerala, is a paradise for birdwatchers, celebrated for its rich avian diversity and lush greenery. Encompassing an area of about 25 square kilometers, this sanctuary is located at the confluence of the branches of the Periyar River. 

Area: 25 sq.km
District: Ernakulam
Known for: Rich avian diversity, including the Indian roller and Malabar grey hornbill
Year of Formation: 1983
Best Time to Visit: November to February

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Thattekad Attractions

Kurinjimala Sanctuary, located in Idukki, Kerala, stands as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, celebrated for its verdant landscapes and rich biodiversity. Covering an expansive area, this sanctuary is situated at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Anamalai ranges. 

Area: Expansive coverage within Idukki
District: Idukki
Known for: Elephants, Gaur, Nilgiri Tahr and Deer.
Year of Formation: 2006
Best Time to Visit: October to March

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Thrissur, Kerala, is a haven for nature lovers, renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant biodiversity. Spanning over 85 square kilometers, this sanctuary is nestled at the meeting point of the Western Ghats and the Anamalai ranges. 

Area: 85 sq.km
District: Thrissur
Known for: Diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species
Year of Formation: 1984
Best Time to Visit: October to March

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, situated in Palakkad, Kerala, is a pristine natural haven known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Located approximately 90 kilometers from Palakkad town, this reserve spans over 643 square kilometers and is nestled between the Anamalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills. Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive Bengal tiger, the reserve offers a captivating experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Area: 643 sq.km
District: Palakkad
Known for: Bengal tiger and diverse wildlife
Year of Formation: 1973
Best Time to Visit: October to March

Mathikettan Shola National Park, situated in Idukki, Kerala, is a captivating expanse of natural beauty and biodiversity. Encompassing an area of 14 square kilometers, this national park is nestled within the Kottayam district. Renowned for its diverse avifauna and the presence of migratory birds, Mathikettan Shola National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, providing a dreamlike experience amidst lush landscapes.

Area: 14 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Rich biodiversity, including migratory birds
Year of Formation: Not specified
Best Time to Visit: November to February

Pampadum Shola National Park, nestled in the Idukki district, sprawls across lush landscapes with an area covering approximately 23 square kilometers. This pristine sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing a variety of flora and fauna native to the Western Ghats. Established in the year 2003, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a captivating blend of shola forests, grasslands, and unique wildlife.

Area: Approximately 23 sq.km
District: Idukki
Known for: Diverse flora and fauna, shola forests
Year of Formation: 2003
Best Time to Visit: September to December

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

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: 2.74 hectares
District: Ernakulam
Known for: Rich avifauna and supporting mangrove vegetation
Year of Formation: 2004
Best Time to Visit: January to March