Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is composed of the dense forests and the Peppara dam built on the Karamana River and was declared as a sanctuary in 1983 to increase the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram and the adjoining suburbs. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is merged partially with the Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and the Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms); all the three together forming the whole of the area covered by the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 53 sq.kms with the reservoir spread in an area of 5.82 sq.kms.Located about 50kms. North East of capital city Thiruvananthapuram in Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district, the topography of the wildlife sanctuary is quite hilly.
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience.The sub tropical and tropical evergreen forests are populated with a variety of wildlife. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts.
The major wildlife species found in the wildlife sanctuary are: tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse deer, 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. Several species of snakes including the king cobra and python are dominantly present in this sanctuary. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for its wide variety of moth and butterflies. Apart from the wildlife, there are 13 tribal settlements in the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Sprawling over an area of 128 sq km, the Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most frequented and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. Tucked away in the southeast region of the Western Ghats, this Kerala wildlife sanctuary has vegetation from tropical wet evergreen forests to grasslands. It was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1958. It is the catchment area for the Neyyar River, Mullayar and Kallar. 1890 meters high Agasthyakoodam Peak and the Neyyar Reservoir of 9.06 sq km will make your Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary tour more adventurous and full of fun.
The wooded forests and hills of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offer shelter to rich and diverse flora and fauna. Travel to Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary and get enchanted with its treasure trove of wildlife and nature's beauty. As you go deep on your safari tour to Neyyar wildlife Sanctuary with Kerala Travel Tourism, you can see Elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs (endangered mountain goats), Sambhars, Tigers, Gaur, Wild Boars, Jungle Cats, Indian Porcupines, Barking Dogs, Malabar Squirrels, Sloth Bears, Pythons, Cobras, Flying Snakes and many other mammals and reptiles.
On your Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary tour, you can also spot diverse species of avifauna such as White-breasted Water Hen, King Fishers, Woodpeckers, Little Green Heron, Indian Cuckoos, Indian Hill Mynas, Mynas, Egrets, Little Cormorants, Gray Jungle Fowl, Darters and many more. The Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is a treat to all wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers.
On your Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala tour, explore the Crocodile Farm, Lion Safari Park and Deer Farm. Visitors can indulge in boat riding on the picturesque Neyyar Lake. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy trekking to Agastiar Peak on your Kerala wildlife sanctuary tour with Kerala travel Tourism. The best time to travel to Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is in between the months of October to March.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated in the Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve of Quilon District, Kerala, covers a total area of 250 sq kms and is acclaimed the world over for its bio-diversity. The “Shendurney” Wildlife Sanctuary named after a Shendurney tree**.The wildlife sanctuary spread on either side of Shendurney River (which also apparently got the name from the tree) is part of the Thenmala (Honey Hill) Ecotourism Project, the first of its kind in India. It is reportedly world famous for highly successful venture for its biodiversity. The terrain here is rugged with gentle to steep slopes ranging between 90m to 1550m. Elephatns, tigers, leopards, bears and lion tailed macques are the natural occupants of the sanctuary
Thenmala Dam has formed a beautiful lake through which also one can reach the sanctuary. Then there is Palaruvi (River of milk) with its 300ft waterfall which is considered to be the most picturesque one in Kerala. It is believed that the water of this beautiful river also has many medicinal values. The Travancore Royal Family used to have a retreat palace in the area.
**Shendurney, the Royal Tree “In some old texts,” the elderly physician continued, “it is said that sleeping regularly on a cot made of shendurney wood helps to resist seven major diseases. It increases potency as well.” (Flash Fiction: THE ROYAL TREE.)There is no proven scientific basis to the statement quoted above but the belief is that Shendurney (also spelt Shendurni local name Chenkuruny botanical name gluta travancorica), a tall hardwood tree, has several medicinal properties. Research is going on regarding this. A piece of shendurney wood (it has a crimson-red color) kept in a container of water would almost chill the water!
Shendurney is also called ‘Royal Tree’. There could be two reasons for this. Firstly, this highly endangered species is found almost exclusively in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in the erstwhile princely State of Travancore. Secondly, only the Maharajas of Travancore had the power to order cutting down a shendurney tree or its branches. Violating this rule could result in imprisonment and a huge fine.
The tourist season is during the cooler months from October to MarchNearest . the nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram (72 Kms) Nearest Railhead Thenmala and well connected with Road to Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on an area of 777 square kilometers in the Cardamom hills region of the Western Ghats the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest and most frequented wildlife reserves in India. 350 square kilometers area forming the core region was declared as a National Park in 1982. In 1895 a dam was built across Periyar River to provide irrigation facilities in Tamil Nadu.
It is visited by the wildlife enthusiasts with a view to spotting tigers and leopards. But sightings of these animals are all but assured. However, this place is ideal for watching other animals in their natural habitat. Other animals include elephant, wild pig, sambar, gaur, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked mongoose and over 260 species of birds including blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied tree pie, laughing thrushes and flycatchers.
Located close to the border of the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the park makes an ideal base to have a sojourn while undertaking long journey across the Ghats between Madurai and the coast. It's also a convenient place for excursion to the Cardamom hills, combined with the well known pilgrimage center of the Sabarimala, a couple of tea factories, spice plantations, and spectacular view of the forest waterfalls all of them a stone's throw distance.
Situated at cool altitudes with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C, the park centers on a vast artificial lake The Periyar Lake. In 1899, the forest around the Lake was declared as Periyar Lake Reserve. In 1934 the sanctuary came to be known as Nellikkampetty Sanctuary. It was included into the Tiger Project in 1979. Sambhar, Indian Bison and Wild Boar are prey animals of Tiger. Cattle fringe area, however, forms the prey base.
Boat cruises on the lake are the best way to explore the park. There are boat services, which will take you around the lake. You can also indulge in trekking and elephant rides in the sanctuary. The tours to the natural world will be guided tours.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated at an altitude of 450-748 mt above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni river and the Periyar river.
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu - extends to 33 sq km.
There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered by an enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and offers boat rides. Elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.
The wildlife here is similar to that of Thekkady. This sanctuary lies adjacent to the world renowned Idukki Arch Dam. The lake on the three sides of the sanctuary offers a panoramic view to the tourists.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
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 India, 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 Udumalpetta.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Kerala is home to many popular National Parks of India.Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the National Parks in Kerala spread over an area of 285 sq. kilometers. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is laid with serene vegetation in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala.
This National Park in Kerala offers a scintillating sight of rare wild animals. The area has quite a few hill tribes here like Malayars, Kadas, and Muthuvaas. This wildlife sanctuary has some marshy land and scattered patches of grassland, thickly forested with stands of bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood, and teak. Here you can find little remains of the original teak forests, other than the famous Kannimari teak tree, the largest in Asia as teak plantations. The tree is about 5 km from Thunakadavu, and is one of the prime attractions at the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
On your tour to Kerala you can visit the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the largest population of Gaurs (bison). It is also a home to elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, sambhars, chital tigers, panthers, and crocodiles. There are also bonnet macaques, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants, and black eagles. Parambikulam is open throughout the year, but is best avoided during the monsoon. Between June and August, the monsoon rains lash, making hillsides unstable and causing slush, mosquitoes, drippy roofs and other nuisances.
On your tour to Kerala you can enjoy a ride in the boat cruises, which can be arranged in the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. The Rest House of the State Forest Department at Thunakkadvu, Thellikkal, and Elathode offer comfortable lodging facilities. A tree house in the Reserved Forest area in Thunakkadavu has to be booked in advance. There are two watchtowers one at Anappadi, 8km from Thunakadavu, and other at Zungam, 5km from Thunakadavu.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Aralam is a village in Thalasserry. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Northern most protected area of God’s own country, Kerala. It is situated in South east Kannur District surrounded with huge Evergreen trees covering about 55sq km.
The highest peak here is Katti Betta which rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Rivers here are still crystal clear and unpolluted. The sanctuary was constituted in the year 1984 and is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna common to the Western Ghats. With 215 Bird species and 172 different types of butterflies, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a hot favorite and must visit place for wildlife tourism lovers as there are ample opportunities for trekking and camping on the sides of the Aralam wildlife sanctuary. Aralam is also home to more than 23 species of mammals like Wild boar, Barking Deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Leopards, Mouse Deer, Gaur, Sambar Deer, and even Tigers. It is also a nesting place to more than 20 species of Amphibians and 22 species of reptiles including the King Cobra. Some of the animals that can be spotted here are Hanuman langur, Nilgiri langur, spotted deer, Elephant, gaur, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, etc. Nilgiris wood pigeon, Malabar grey hornbill and the blue win
ged parakeet are some of bird species from the 215 types reported get sanctuary here.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Popularly known as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary located on the Kerala side of Western Ghats and offers a natural habitat to a large number of wild animals.
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is located over an area of 344.44 square kilometers and is home to wildlife such as Gaur, sloth bears, sambhar, elephants, reptiles, tigers, spotted deer, monkeys, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, wild dogs, bison, lizards, bears, wild pigs, leopards,lion-tailed macaque and other animals.
Muthanga in Kerala, South India is a special Project Elephant site and you are bound to see herds of elephants frolicking near the water holes as you course the wildlife trails within this lush wildlife sanctuary.
Sit on elephant back and follow the nature trails at the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary located in Kerala, South India and discover a beautiful green world. As you go on wildlife tours to the Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary you will notice tiny colorful butterflies flitting on sweet flowers and pretty shrubs.
The perfect time to go on wildlife tours to the flourishing Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, South India is during the months of June to October.
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary also provides home to various species of deer, monkeys and birds. The flora of sanctuary includes deciduous and evergreen forests. One of the best ways to explore the sanctuary is an elephant ride, which can be arranged by the Forest Department.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located in Malappuram district of Kerala. The sanctuary is situated 19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore Port. The bird sanctuary is spread over an area of clustered islands, which is surrounded by little hammocks. Kadalundi River flows through this region and joins the Arabian Sea. This place is also popularly known as Kadalundi Nagaram. The main sanctuary hill is based on a height of 200 m above sea level, from where the visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the river and the Arabian Sea. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is famous for its diverse avian fauna, which include as many as hundred varieties of indigenous birds and nearly 60 species of migratory birds. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary provides shelter and ideal conditions to a number of migratory birds. These birds include Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sandpipers and Cormorants, which arrive on this sanctuary in the month of November and return to their respective regions by the end of April. Some other important bird species in the sanctuary are Whimbrels and Brahminy Kites. Apart from birds, there is considerable population of different varieties of fish, mussels and crabs in the sanctuary. The sight of thousands of colorful birds flocking to a region of 2 sq. km offer a rare and captivating moment for the visitors. There are boat facilities available for tourists to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the lush green plantation and bird population of this sanctuary. These boats provides a great way to see turtles found here. The best season to visit this sanctuary is from December to April, since it is the season for migratory birds to stay in this wildlife sanctuary.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Kerala provides ideal locations for National Parks, surrounded by ridge and forest area. At the National Parks of Kerala you can watch the animals in their natural habitats along with the rare varieties of animals and birds. Come with Kerala Hub on a tour to Kerala where you can visit the National Parks of Kerala.
Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular National Parks of Kerala.This Bird Sanctuary is situated in the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and grassland patches. Thattekad Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. It is a home to a microcosm of India's bird population with about 500 winged species. The renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali designed the Thattekad Bird sanctuary. This Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 25 sq. km. covered with deciduous forests and plantation of rosewood, teak etc. Rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black winged Kite, and the Night Heron are also commonly sighted here.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a rare haven in Kerala, which offers picturesque landscapes, and is a nature lover's paradise. Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here. The rivers are rich in fish life and are shallow for most of the year.
To reach this sanctuary you can take a pleasant bus-ride from Kothamangalam early in the morning and reach the southern bank of the Periyar, the lake is surrounded by low, thickly wooded hills, which makes it look more beautiful. Important birds found at the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary are large falcon, jungle fowl, white-breasted water hen, hornbill etc. The vegetation in this area consists of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany etc. Further, more than 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles have accepted this area as their natural habitat.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary that is situated amidst the lake and on an island. Not only the varieties of the birds are there to enthrall you but the flora and fauna of the place are also very exciting to see.
With heavenly beauty and lush greenery, Kumarakom Sanctuary, is one of the favorite tourist destinations in India for all the nature lovers. Located on the bank of Vembanad Lake this bird sanctuary is a home of numerous bird species. Spread over around 14 acres of land this Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala is a paradise for the people who have a great interest in local and migratory birds. This place has a beautiful island amidst the lake with name Pathiramanal and which can access only by boat, is a home for the variety of rare birds.
Not only the birds but the scenic beauty of the place also attracts tourists to this place. The mangrove forests, paddy field and swaying coconut groves create an enchanting sound to attract the people to the place which with the gust of wind that carry the fragrance of blooming lilies and other wild flower do the remaining spell to trap them to the place for ever. Bear elephants, wild pigs, leopards, tigers, Niligiri tahr, deer monkeys and more animal roam around fearlessly and this mangrove forest is also a home for the reptiles like Pythons, Cobras, Rattle snakes etc. You can see beautiful and rich is hues butterflies on the flowers near the lake but don’t let it fool you as deep in this lake are the deadly crocodiles as well playing hide and seek with the number of fishes and other water creatures.
Not only the picturesque beauty of the place and the flora and fauna are what attract tourist to this place but this Bird Sanctuary in Kerala is also known for the large variety of bird species that you will witness here. This place is a paradise for bird lovers and you can find a great number of migratory birds from India and as well as Siberia. From Himalaya to various other places this birds Sanctuary is a favorite destination for all the migratory birds and therefore for ornithologists as well. Teal, larks, parrots, wood beetle, flycatchers, cranes etc are the birds that you can see in their respective migratory seasons but still there are some birds like cuckoo, egret, owls, ducks, fowls, herons and more are there in this Sanctuary. The best way to enjoy the flora, fauna and the panoramic beauty of Kumarakom is by taking boat to the island.
Silent Valley National Park
There is no other place as exotic and captivating as Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. This beautiful Kerala national park is a perfect holiday spot for adventure enthusiasts, nature observers and wildlife aficionados. Travel to Silent Valley National Park Palakkad to rendezvous with the wild. Extend out to 89 sq km of land in the Nilgiri Hills, Silent Valley was noted as a national park in 1990.
Silent Valley National Park Palakkad provides habitat to 26 species of mammals, 120 species of birds and 100 species of butterflies. This Kerala national park invites you to take in a world of wildlife experiences. During Kerala wildlife safari into the park, you will see four different types of vegetation. 110 types of plant that can be used for medicinal purpose are recorded at Silent Valley National Park.
As you travel to Silent Valley National Park Palakkad for wildlife safari, you might come across the endangered species of the Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Tahr, Niligiri Langur, Peshwa's Bat and Hairy-winged Bat. Other animals include Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Wild Boar, Gaur, Barking Deer and Porcupine.
Explore the deep dense forests of Silent Valley Park Kerala and enjoy bird watching. Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Treepie, Grey-headed Bulbul, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Broad-tailed Grassbird, Wynaad Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Crimson-backed Sunbird are some of the endangered avifaunal species that can be found here. Travel to Silent Valley National Park and come closer to nature.
Eravikulam National Park
The popular Eravikulam National Park is locaed in the high ranges of the southern western ghats, a short distance from the tea town of Munnar. The place is especially known for supporting a large population of the Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat seen in parts of south India.
Once a hunting reserve for the British, the place was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and in the year 1978 it is declared as the Wildlife national park India. The lush green surroundings are the result of the abundant rainfall that it receives. Temperatures may dip below the freezing point at night time during winters.
The Wildlife park remains open for visitors throughout the year except for a small period between January and March. The best time to visit the park are the months of September and October, when the entire area is covered with greenery and featuring flowers and which is also the best time for animal spotting. The wildlife national park of Eravikulam has a large variety of flora and fauna with more than 26 species of mammals, 132 species of birds, 101 species of butterflies, 19 species of amphibians and 20 species of orchids already registered in the national park.
Besides the Nilgiri tahr, other fauna found in the park includes the elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter and a rare tiger or leopard. Avian residents register their presence with over hundred species including the Nilgiri wood pigeon, Kerala laughing thrush and the white bellied shortwing. Other added attractions of the place are the beautiful and colorful butterflies and the blooming orchids. Vehicles are not allowed inside the Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary. Travelers have the option of walking from the Rajamallay checkpost up to the core area of the park. While walking, keep an eye for the tahr. An interpretation centre is located near the checkpost.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
The Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is 15 km north of Mananthavady and connected to Muthanga in Wayanad and Nagarhole in Karnataka. Flanked by towering mountain ranges on all four sides, Tholpetty is spectacular and serene, with a floating population of 900-odd elephants. These moist deciduous forests are rich in bio-diversity and form an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was here that the renowned Malabar king Pazhassi Raja fought the British.
Major tourist attractions around Tholpetty include the Thirunelly temple, Panchateertha, where the water from five rivers was supposed to have met in the past, the Papanashini River, which is believed to cleanse one of all sins, and Pakshipathalam, a natural rock cave in the Brahmagiri Hills. September-May is the best time to visit Tholpetty.
