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Cochin(Kochi),Kerala
Cherai,Kerala
Athirapally,Kerala
Munnar,Kerala
Marayoor,Kerala
Thekkady(periyar),Kerala
Vagamon,Kerala
Kumarakom,Kerala
Alappuzha,Kerala
Trivandrum,Kerala
Kovalam,Kerala
Guruvayoor,Kerala
Wayanad,Kerala
Bekkal,Kerala
Nilambur,Kerala
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Kerala Wildlife
Kerala tagged as “God’s own country” is rich with its endearing natural beauty consisting of enlivening backwater, spectacular beaches, and amazing hill stations, all oozing out of the terrain in such a way that the attraction is irresistible. Adding to the luster is its wildlife that intermingles with human habitats makes us wonder and contemplate that God was keeping a watch over them and preserving this rare beauty for the connoisseurs of nature. |
The wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala nestled in Western Ghats, both complimenting each in its beauty, is the haven of variety of flora and fauna, which comprises of 14 sanctuaries and extends up to 2625 sq. km. These Wildlife Sanctuaries attract tourist for their beauty in its natural surroundings as well as wildlife adventures like trekking, rock climbing, river rafting, jungle safaris and overnight camping. Let us go through some of the most sough after destinations in this category –
Silent Valley National Park
Established in 1984, located 40 km from Mannarkad, Palakkad District of North Kerala and is spread over an area of 237.5 sq. km. The park is a preservation of Tropical Evergreen Natural Rainforest, tourists have right to visit only 90 sq km of the forest, the rest in known as buffer zone and is left unperturbed in its natural surroundings. Wildlife species include tigers, elephants, flying squirrel, wild dog, lion-tailed Macaque etc.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is situated at Thekkady, 4 km far from Kumili in Idukki District of Kerala. It is sprawling over an area of 777 sq km. The sanctuary is famous as one of the 27 Tiger Reserves in India and an important wildlife sanctuary in the country. It is located on the banks of Periyar and the journey to Thekkady is an interesting one as the road passes through plantations, serene countryside and thick jungles.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is located about 58 km from Kochi and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam. Extending to 25 sq km among the tributaries of Periyar, it was declared a bird sanctuary in the year 1983 as per the recommendation made in 1930s by Dr. Salim Ali who was an internationally eminent ornithologist.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in the year 1973 and expanding over an area of 285 sq km on the Western Ghats, is a valley amid Nelliyampathy Hills of Kerala and Anamalai Hills of Tamilnadu. The bird population includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. Some notable birds of the region are Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Jungle Fowl, Heron, Egret, Jungle Myna, Wood Pecker and rose winged and blue winged Parakeet. Rare species includes Ceylon Frog – Mouth, Rose Billed Roller etc.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Travelling 40 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki District, you could reach the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, declared a sanctuary in the year 1976. Sanctuary is located in the forestland between Cheruthoni River and the Periyar River. Wild life consists of Bisons, Elephants, Bear, Wild Boar, Sambar etc.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of about 90 sq km. and could reach there by traveling 60 km from Munnar in Idukki district. It is famous as a habitat of the endangered Grizzled Squirrel of India, estimated to be about 240 in number.
Peechi – Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1958, traveling 20 km east of Thrissur District you could reach this 125 sq. km extensive Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the second oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, this wildlife Sanctuary is branch of Palappilli Neliyampathi Forest and forms the northern boundary of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
The location specifications are that of 35km from Thalasseri and 60 km from Kannur and the sanctuary was started in the year 1984. It extends over 55 sq km of forested land on the Western Ghats and is a paradise of variety of birds and reptiles.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated 50 km from the capital city of Trivandrum, it is on the way to Ponmudi and the travel is enjoyable with lush green forest that borders the road. The sanctuary was launched in the year 1983 and consists of an area of 53 sq km.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary extends to 9.06 sq km and has a crocodile rearing center, a deer park and lion safari park as the main attractions. Agasthyarkodam is located in this sanctuary and the elevation of it is 1890 m. Elephants, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur are some of the wildlife species found there.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagarhole is popular as the sole habitat of many endangered wildlife species. It derived its name from Naga a Kannada word that means “Snake” and hole that means “Stream”. It shares its vast boundary with Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala. To reach there you have to travel 40 km from Mananthavady. This sanctuary is the habitat of the Jungle King Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Sambhar, Chilthal, Panther, Sloth Bear, Gaur etc and 250 species of birds.
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