Kerala Wildlife, Wildlife of Kerala, Wildlife in Kerala, Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries

Welcome to :Kerala Wildlife, Wildlife of Kerala, Wildlife in Kerala, Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries, Wildlife destinations in Kerala, Kerala Wildlife Tourist Places, Kerala Wildlife Tour

Wildlife destinations in Kerala

The wildlife destinations in Kerala are ideal for adventure lovers. Trekking, rock climbing, river rafting, and jungle safaris are some of the exciting adventures that await you. You can even go camping in the hills and watch the day break early over the forest and see the lovely, rosy hues of the sun set.

Boating is another activity that lets you observe wildlife at close quarters. At Thekkady, you can see elephants, tigers and deer slaking their thirst at the river, as you go boating. The Adventure zone at Thenmala, Kollam district is a popular tourist destination. Infact, Thenmala Ecotourism is India’s first ecotourism project.

The hills, rocks and valleys of Wayanad and Idukki are perfect for some exciting dares. The wildlife of Periyar, Thekkady and the deep dense forests offer the adventure seekers a fine holiday.

 

Camping and Trekking at Munnar
KTDC offers several packages that take you camping and trekking in the breahtaking hills and jungles. The treks genrally start from the foot of the hills, at an altitude of 4500 ft and end at an altitude of 8000 ft. The trek passes through the Sholas and the streams that criss-cross the mountain. The Safari in the Idukki Tiger Reserve takes you through the thick jungles that house majestic tigers.

Thenmala Adventure Zone Kerala
Thenmala Ecotourism is the first of its kinds in India. The Adventure Zone is a part of the ecotourism initiative. Here you can indulge in river crossing, tree climbing, and trekking. A beautiful wooden stairway through the lush green foliage leads to the hill top. Thenmala literally means the honey hill. Thenmala is famous for its honey as it is believed to be of high medicinal value.

Watersports at backwaters and beaches in Kerala
You can go cataraman sailing(a catamaran is a small  wooden vessel with twin hulls joined together which is set sail across the backwaters), kayaking ( a kayak is a small one or two man boat which the rowers actuate with twin paddled oars) which is extremely conducive to the backwaters here, parasailing, scuba diving or even snorkeling at the beaches and backwaters here. Snorkeling at the seas of Kovalam or Varkala would show you the underwater wildlife bounties. Definitely, an experience you musn’t miss.

Read More
Birdwatching, Kerala
Kerala, with over a hundred species of birds is truly a paradise for the bird watchers. The bird tours can be conducted at Kumarakom bird sanctuary, the Periyar tiger reserve, the Thekkedy bird sanctuary, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary and the Wayanad hills. The PathiramanalIsland at Alappuzha is known for the migratory birds that dwell it.

Canoeing, Kerala
Kerala is well known for its canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers. You can go canoeing on the enchanting waters and watch the village life very closely. As you sail the breathtaking backwaters, you will also see flocks of ducks, cranes, gulls and even otters. You will see fishes graciously making their way through the ripples your canoe makes. Kerala's uniqueness lies in these backwaters found nowhere else in the world. Go canoeing and discover the rustic village life and the beauty of the aquatic wildlife.

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary  Thrissur, Kerala
The Peechi Vazhany sanctuary near the Peechi Dam has tigers, leopards, elephants, sambars and spotted and barking deers. It lies in the catchments of Peechi and Vazhani dams in Trichur. Peechi, the headquarters of the sanctuary is 15 kms by road from Trichur.

Neyyar Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Neyyar is known for its dam, lion reserve and wildlife sanctuary. The dam situated on the foot of the Western Ghats is a popular picnic spot. It is at a distance of 30km from Thiruvananthapuram. The lion reserve has boating facilities in addition to a crocodile farm. A mini-sanctuary, the lake garden and a swimming pool are the main attractions here. The Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is spread over an area of 128 sq km. Elephants, sloth bears, jungle cats, nilgiri langurs, wild boars, gaurs and Niligiri tahrs can be spotted here.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary declared a sanctuary in 1983, is composed of the dense forests and the Peppara dam built on the KaramanaRiver to increase the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram and the adjoining suburbs. The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 53 sq.kms. with the reservoir spread in an area of 5.82 sq.kms. The major wildlife species found in the wildlife sanctuary are: tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. The bird species especially the water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are most commonly seen in the sanctuary.

Mayiladumpara Sanctuary Palakkad, Kerala
A sanctuary not bound by fence or gate, the Mayiladumpara sanctuary that houses around 200 peacocks allows free access. Though sightings of the peacocks are infrequent during the day, they can be seen moving around during dawn and dusk. The sanctuary is at Nedungathara, about 25 km south of Palakkad.

SilentValleyNational Park Palakkad, Kerala
The SilentValley gets its name from the eerie silence that surrounds this valley because of the lack of cicadas. The habitat of rare species, SilentValley is at a distance of 80 km from Palakkad. The valley which is a protected area for tigers, lion-tailed macaques, is also inhabited by tribals.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Palakkad, Kerala
Located 110 km from Palakkad, sprawled across 285 sq. km, is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to several wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari is found here.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad Ernakulam, Kerala
The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km, formed between the branches of the river Periyar. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. can also be sighted.

Mangalavanam Ernakulam, Kerala
This mangrove forest is a small bird sanctuary, located in the heart of the town behind the High Court of Kerala. It was declared a protected area on 31st August 2004. Managalavanam has a shallow tidal pond covered by dense mangrove growth around its periphery. The mangroves serve as a shelter for birds both resident and migratory. The area under protection is an extent of 2.74 ha. The place is of great significance since the mangrove trees and the birds that flock this place play an important role in stabilizing the land along the coast.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary  Wayanad, Kerala
Better known as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga is unique for the colours of the forests that change with the seasons. Bordering the Mudumulai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Nagarhole and Bandipur Sanctuaries in Karnataka, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 344 sq kms and is about 16 kms east of Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad. Elephants, spotted deer, gaur, sambar, sloth bear and many varieties of birds and reptiles can be seen here.
 
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary Wayanad, Kerala
This is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. Camping out at night in the watch tower in this sanctuary is a memorable lifetime experience - for any adventure sports loving patrons. The watch tower is just above the lake, which is the only source of water to all animals. All animals come here to drink water at night. Trekking, rock climbing or camping out at nights are activities you can indulge in while you are here.

 

 

Periyar National Park IDUKKI
Periyar beckons are the adventure seekers, nature lovers and the animal watchers alike. Periyar is renowned for the Thekkady/Periyar National Park. At the Periyar National Park you may spot the wild elephants, leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear besides the tigers and the Nilgiri tahrs. Along with animals Periyar is home to monitor lizards, pythons, king cobras and flying lizards. Birds like darters, cormorants, ibises, gray herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons, kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and parakeets add to the attraction of Periyar. You may watch the animals on the move from the motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers only after prior permission. Else you may enjoy a walking tour of the PeriyarNational Park with the local guides. The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

The Periyar Widlife sanctuaryis spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.  The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. If elephants are what you love to see on your wildlife tour, there is no better place than the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The sanctuary was established in 1895 and is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in . The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary) is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in and perhaps the finest in south .

PeriyarNational Park is a Tiger Reserve, the greatest attractions of the park are the herds of wild elephants, who come to the PeriyarLake to frolic in the water. The PeriyarNational Park is the only wildlife sanctuary in where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. You can also enjoy elephant rides in the PeriyarNational Park. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also offers the unique opportunity to photograph wild animals at close quarters.

Eravikulam National Park, Idukki, Kerala
The Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It is situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the north where it extends as the AnnamalaiNational Park.  The mountains covered with the rolling grasslands and high level sholas is breath-takingly beautiful. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. The Rajamala is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres) lives here. (Around 1317, according to the 1991 census). Besides the Nilgiri tahr other important fauna are elephant, leopard, tiger, malabar civet, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, langur, phyhon etc. The birds found are imperial pigeon, grey jungle fowl etc. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.

EravikulamNational Park harbours the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius).Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.Its relatives are the Himalayan tahr(Hemitragus jemlahicus) and Arabian Tahr(hemitragus jayakiri).The estimated population of Nilgiri tahr inside the park is about 750.  Wild dog, leopard and tiger are the main predators.

Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.
 
Wild dog, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

The high altitude rolling grasslands in the park looks like an emerald stretch highly romantic and captivating. The trekking paths to the park were originally bridle path used by the English planters who lived in Munnar tea town. A steady climb takes one to the cloud covered hillocks with numerous sholas and the Nilgiri tahr moving around. In the tourist zone the Tahrs move unperturbed in spite of the tourists watching them at close range – such is the level of protection afforded! You can be quite fooled thinking that they come to rub shoulders with you too.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kottayam , Kerala
The bird sanctuary here, which is sprawled over 14 acres, is a favorite haunt for migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that arrive in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary  Malappuram, Kerala
The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the KadalundiRiver flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram. This land is the abode of a hundred species of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds that flock here in large numbers during February-March. A hillock nearby, which is 200 m above sea level, offers a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. Kadalundi is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary  Kannur Kerala
35 kms from Thalasserry and 60 kms from Kannur town, the Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq. kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here ‘Katti Betta’ rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.

Chinnar Wild life Sanctuary: Idukki, Kerala
The beautiful Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is rated amongst the finest wildlife sanctuaries of , and is one of the best tourist spots in Kerala. Set amidst enchanting backwaters of Devikulam in Idukki district of Kerala, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary covers an area over 90 sq km in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. Known for its enchanting scenic beauty, Chinnar is a natural habitat for an amazing variety of flora and fauna including some rare and endangered wildlife species. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, and so receives comparatively less rainfall in comparison to other parts of Kerala. The vegetations of Chinnar primarily comprises of thorny scrub forest, dry deciduous forest, high sholas and wet grasslands, which supports a wide variety of wildlife. Popularly regarded as the second habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary also shelters Asiatic Elephants, Tigers, Sambars, Bonnets, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Indian Bisons and spectacled Cobras to name a few. The sanctuary is also rich in its avifauna and attracts a wide variety of exotic and colorful birds including Woodpeckers, Peacocks, Little Cormorants, Darters and Black Eagles etc.

Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast monsoons are at work. Apart from being the habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel in , the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephant, bonnet macaques, gaur, Kraits, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, sambar, turtles, vipers, little cormorants, darters and black eagles. The place is also ideal for boating and trekking.

  The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. The flora of the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. It is, indeed, a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced the verdant valley.

Among the species of flora include Acacia arabica (Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam), Santalum album (Chandanam), Anogeissuslatifolia (Mazhukanjiram), Elaeocarpus recurvatus (Bhadraksham) and Strobilanthus kunthianus (Neelakurinji). The rippling topography with breathtaking spectacle of craggy rocks adds to the scenic grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season to visit the sanctuary is from December to April. As far as accommodation is concerned, private lodges are available at Marayoor, Munnar and Udumalpetta. You can also find accommodation in the government guesthouses at Munnar and dumalpetta.

Located 40 km from Mannarkkad, Silent valley is Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala. This is one of the best tourist spots in Kerala. The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south. The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the SilentValleyNational Park. Despite its name, the SilentValley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger. Perhaps, nowhere else can one also find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals, over a 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths and other fauna like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-tailed Macaque. The river Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills, an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, and traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through the deep forest. The river Kunthi never turns brown and is always crystal clear, perennial and wild.

The evapo-transpiration from these forests is much higher than from any other surfaces. This cools the atmosphere, helps easy condensation of water vapour and thus causes the summer rains. Though smaller in size in comparison to the other national parks in , what makes it unique is the sylvan environment the region has along with its high altitude peaks and several rivers that run through it.

Located 40 km from Mannarkkad, Silent valley is extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests, totally undisturbed, lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains during June- July in Kerala.

The local name for the park is Sairandhrivanam (the forest in the valley) which is also the last representative of tropical evergreen forests in . The park which is remote has difficult terrain and is surrounded with Attappadi Reserve Forests in the east, and vested forests of the Palghat and Nilambur divisions in the west and south. In the North, the park is an extension of the Nilgiri Forests. The park which has never had human habitation is in the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The fauna here includes around 100 species of butterflies, 400 species of moths, Ceylon Frogmouth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, the giant Malabar squirrel, Nilgiri langur, the lion-tailed Macaque, elephant, tiger, leopard, wild bear, nilgai, sambar, pit viper etc. The parks best known primates, the Nilgiri Langur and Lion- tailed macaque are both listed in IUCN's Red List of Threatened Animals. A valuable reserve of rare plants and herbs including around 966 flowering and over 100 orchids plants are found along with the wide range of animals and birds. This park consist of 10 sq.kms of evergreen forests, 15 sq.kms of semi evergreen forests and 40 sq.kms of leaf shedding forests with a large variety of trees. There are very old trees in the park including a huge hollow tree which can hide at least 12 people in it.

Tags : Kerala Wildlife, Wildlife of Kerala, Wildlife in Kerala, Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife destinations in Kerala, Kerala Wildlife Tourist Places, Kerala Wildlife Tour