Top 10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala 2023
Wildlife sanctuaries are areas protected to conserve wildlife and their habitats. They provide a unique chance to experience natural habitats in their pristine form and observe various animals and plants in their natural environment. Visitors can learn about the behaviours of different species and their roles in the ecosystem.
Wildlife sanctuaries are an excellent way to appreciate nature and support conservation efforts. Wildlife sanctuaries are famous for sustainable and transformational travel experiences that benefit local communities and the environment.
Aware, Support & Conserve!
Visiting wildlife sanctuaries can be an incredibly memorable experience. Visitors can witness the majesty of wild animals in their natural habitat, from the graceful movements of a tiger to the playful antics of a herd of elephants. Additionally, they can learn about the significance of biodiversity and the necessity to safeguard our planet’s natural heritage.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is a 97-square-kilometre national park in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, India, along the Western Ghats. The park is home to the Nilgiri tahr, a critically endangered species, and other wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, and sambar deer. The park offers trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris. It is also known for its beautiful scenery, lush forests, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls. The best time to visit Eravikulam National Park is between October and March, during the winter when the weather is pleasant. Please note, the park is closed to visitors from February to March every year for the calving season of the Nilgiri tahr. Eravikulam National Park is a unique and special place, and a visit will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The driving distance between Kochi, India and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is 150 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 8 minutes to travel. If you plan to visit this beautiful sanctuary, here are some interesting facts. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous national parks in South India. It is home to various species of animals like tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison.The sanctuary boasts lush Western Ghats forests and a picturesque lake. One of the most popular activities in the park is boat rides on Periyar Lake, where visitors can spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds. The park also has several spice plantations that visitors can tour and learn about the different spices grown in the region.
Wish you a wonderful trip to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary!
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
It falls under the control of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and was established on 25 August 1984. The sanctuary is spread across 172.403 square kilometres and is named after a tree endemic to the region – the Chengurinji (Gluta travancorica), which has been corrupted to ‘Shendurney’. The sanctuary is home to an artificial lake that is nearly 18.69 Sq.km, and the reservoir of Thenmala Dam surrounds it. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich diversity of plants, with about 1257 species of flowering plants belonging to more than 150 families. There are 309 species in the Western Ghats endemic to the sanctuary, which also houses 267 bird species, including migratory, endemic, and endangered ones. It is a biodiverse paradise that offers a unique and beautiful experience to all who see it.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Idukki district known for its diverse wildlife and unique landscape. The sanctuary is home to various endangered animal and plant species, including the Indian star tortoise, the grizzled giant squirrel, and the rusty-spotted cat. The animals frequently seen in the sanctuary include leopards, elephants, sambar deer, sloth bears, and gaur. Moreover, this sanctuary is a well-known spot for birdwatching, with over numerous species of birds recorded in the area. The most commonly seen birds include hornbills, kingfishers, peacocks, and woodpeckers. Besides its wildlife, the sanctuary also has many significant cultural sites. The ancient rock carvings and cave temples, which date back to the Stone Age, are among the notable features of the sanctuary. Have a great trip to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary!
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a protected area in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is home to various plant and animal species, including the endangered Asian elephant, Indian gaur, tiger, and leopard. To witness the wildlife in the sanctuary, you can book a safari through the Kerala Forest Department. It also has numerous trekking trails of varying difficulty levels. You can explore the forest, visit waterfalls, and climb hilltops for breathtaking views. Explore its many camping sites to stay overnight and experience the wilderness. The sanctuary boasts over 250 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers. You can go birdwatching or hire a guide to spot different species. Overall, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and biodiverse, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and campers.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, and is a protected area. This sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The sanctuary is the natural habitat of several endangered animals, such as the Asian elephant, Indian gaur, tiger, and leopard. Book a safari through the Kerala Forest Department. The sanctuary has many trekking trails that range from easy to complex. You can trek through the forest, visit waterfalls, and climb hilltops for stunning views. The sanctuary offers many camping sites to stay overnight and experience the wilderness. If you love wildlife, hiking, and camping, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter (October to March).
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is home to various animals, birds, and plants. The sanctuary is home to some of the most prominent wildlife species, which include elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, spotted deer, and various species of monkeys. The sanctuary is also a delight for birdwatchers as it has a diverse population of avian species such as peafowls, babblers, woodpeckers, and more. The Western Ghats, which add to the picturesque landscape of the sanctuary, make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. Several tourist attractions within and near it, such as watchtowers and trekking trails, allow visitors to observe the wildlife and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary
Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is one of India’s most renowned bird sanctuaries and is named after the eminent Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary is situated in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district in Kerala and covers an area of approximately 25.16 square kilometres (9.71 square miles). It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1983 to protect the diverse avian species that inhabit the region. It is home to over 300 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species. The sanctuary protects endangered and rare bird species such as the Indian grey hornbill, white-bellied treepie, and Malabar grey hornbill. Visitors can engage in bird watching, nature walks, and trekking. Explore the area’s natural beauty and spot different bird species.
Silent Valley National Park
It is a protected area in the southern part of the Western Ghats in the Indian state of Kerala. The park is famous for its undisturbed wilderness, rich biodiversity and unique tropical rainforest ecosystem. It covers an area of approximately 237.52 square kilometres (91.74 square miles). Due to its diverse and unique ecosystems, it is often called the “biological paradise of India”. Bird enthusiasts can spot various species like the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush and great hornbill, among others. The park has steep hills, deep valleys, and meandering rivers. The Kunthi River flows through the park, adding to its scenic beauty. The park’s name, Silent Valley, is believed to come from the absence of cicadas chirping, which occurs in some parts of the park for unknown reasons. It remains a natural treasure and a must-visit destination!
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Reserve, is a protected area in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a part of the larger Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes several regions, including Muthanga. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife species, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, spotted deer, sambar deer, bison (gaur), macaques, langurs, and many different bird species. Due to its rich biodiversity, it is a trendy destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. To explore the sanctuary, visitors can opt for wildlife safaris. There are jeep safaris and elephant safaris on offer to explore the sanctuary. For those who prefer walking, Muthanga offers trekking opportunities with guided treks. Get closer to nature and experience the tranquillity of the forests.
Epilogue
Regarding wildlife sanctuaries, many options are available worldwide, each with its unique ecosystem and wildlife. To choose the best sanctuary for you, it’s essential to research and find one home to the species of animals and plants you are most interested in seeing. Hiring a qualified guide to help you get the most out of your experience is highly recommended during your visit. Remember to respect the environment and the animals that call it home by not littering, making loud noises, or causing any disturbance. Stick to designated trails and avoid feeding the animals.