Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary was named after the Periyar Lake, which is located within the sanctuary, and plays host to 1800 flowering plants, 171 grass species, 143 orchid species, 265 bird species and 35 mammal species. There are two watch towers inside the forest to watch the teeming wildlife.

Periyar National Park is the only tiger reserve in India that remains open during monsoon and is a popular destination for monsoon holidays in India.

Also check out some more vacation ideas in Kerala in monsoon.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary for exotic flora and fauna species, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is much smaller to other wildlife sanctuaries in comparison to other wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. It is spread over 9.06 square kilometers and is situated close to Agasthyakoodam Hill, named after the Vedic sage ‘Agastya’. The Agasthyamala Peak is 1868 meters tall and is the highest point of this sanctuary.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with rich flora and fauna. It offers excellent opportunities to experience Kerala’s wildlife in their natural turf. It is situated close to the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and is under consideration of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. In 2009, it was declared as Tiger Reserve and covers a total area of 643.66 square kilometers. The sanctuary houses 16 amphibian species, 39 mammal species, 268 bird species, 61 reptile species and 124 butterfly species. For wildlife aficionado, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place to see King Cobras and Lion Tailed Macaques.

Eravikulam National Park

The most famous wildlife destination in Kerala, Eravikulam National Park spreads across 97 square kilometers of natural splendor. The national park is blessed with rich bio-diversity and its ideal location in the high ranges adds more charm to it. Eravikulam National Park is best known for the conservation of Nilgiri Tahr. The park also provides shelter to mainly 26 species of mammals, elephants, Sambars, Gaurs, Leopards and Tigers. It hosts a lot of adventure activities such as safaris, camping, helicopter rides, backwater cruises and trekking.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Silent Valley National Park

Idukki wildlife Sanctuary

One of the ideal wildlife sanctuaries for nature freaks, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Thodupuzha. It is certainly a paradise for wildlife lovers and best known for playing host to tiger, deer, leopard and langur etc. The sanctuary spreads from Thodupuzha to Udumpanchola in Idukki region. It is indeed fascinating to know that a trip to Idukki will paint your eyes green. The wildlife population is covered with animals such as elephants, bison, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, wild boar and tiger etc. Also, you can see hundreds of birds dwelling and singing in the interior’s regions of the sanctuary.

Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary

Also commonly known as ‘The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary’, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district. It is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala that was established by Dr. Salim Ali, the best known ornithologist of India. It has a rich and varied life. Several species of birds,including both forest & water birds, visit the sanctuary. Some popular bird species include Indian Pitta, Orange headed Thrush, Indian Cuckoo, Oriental Darter, Whiskered Terns and Yellow-browed bulbuls.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Positioned on the edge of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for ornithologists and a very popular hang around of migratory birds such as Siberian Stork, heron, teal, darter and egret. The most alluring thing about Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are local birds such as the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, along with many of the Siberian Cranes.

Related Post:
Wildlife Holidays in India