Kerala wildlife tours| national parks and Sanctuaries

Kerala has numerous national parks and Sanctuaries. The evergreen rain forests of Kerala are home to a large number of large and small sports. Internationally popular among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers much of the forest lands in Kerala have been turned into reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries for the conservation of the wildlife in these areas. These sanctuaries and national parks are thronged by elephants, tigers, leopards, jaguars, deer, monkeys, Malabar squirrels, hornbills, Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaque, civet cats and many more which make them excellent wildlife vacation sites. Besides the wild animals one can also see different varieties of birds like woodpeckers, Malabar cormorants, darters, hornbills, kingfishers, plovers, and brahminy. While visiting Kerala one is likely to spot many species of butterflies and moths, especially along backwaters of Kerala.

Wildlife santuaries :

- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
- Parambikulam Wildlife Santuary
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Peechi - Vazhani Wildlife

- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary

- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Eravikulam National Park
- Silent Valley National Park

Eco Tourism Centers in Kerala

AGASTHYAVANAM BIOLOGICAL PARK

The Agasthyavanam Biological Park, extending over an area of 23 Sq. Km, Is a center of ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts. The park is named after the Agasthyarkoodam, the second highest peak in the state.
Attractions :	The peak looms over the park in regal wist-wrapped splendour. A major center for conservation and nature education, ABP offers recreational facilities such as trekking in the wilderness, videography and bird watching.
How to reach:	35 KM from the Trivandrum city, 45 Kms from the International Airport, Trivandrum. Trivandrum Central Railway station and the state owned interstate, interdistrict, and local bus station are lying closely on the two sides of the National Highway NH. 47 .Kottur is accessible by road from Triandrum via Pangode, kattakada, Paruthipally (35 Km.)
Where to stay:	Accommodation is available in the local lodges. Forest Rest House at Neyyar Dam, which is 12 km away from Kottur. Rates varies from Rs 100-450 / per double room. The Agasthya rest House (KTDC) is located at Neyyar dam with a beer parlour. Taxies are available for local journey.

ARIPPA

Basically, a forest officers training center, Arippa offers excellent opportunities for trekking bird watching, photography, and living with nature in the evergreen and semi evergreen forests .
Attractions :	Arippa offers excellent opportunities for trekking bird watching, photography, and living with nature in the evergreen and semi evergreen forests
How to reach:	From Trivandrum town, 60 km. From the international airport, Trivandrum and the Railway Station, Trivandrum, the place is accessible via Nedumangad – palode – Madathara.
Where to stay:	Cottages of the Arippa Forestry Training Center can be availed. The Kerala Forest Development Corporation Rest House- Vanajyolsna, and the forest rest house of the training center can be availed pf Rent varies from Rs. 100 –450/day.

ATHIRAPILLY

One of the most scenic places in Kerala. A popular picnic spot and water falls of the Sholayar Ranges of the Vazhachal Forest Division. The waterfalls in the Chalakkudy river attract a lot of visitors. Vazhachal forest areas are attraction of the place .
Attractions :	Athirapally, falls from a fairly good height of approximately 80 mts (150 feet) and joins the Chalakudy river below. The water fall can be viewed from several points. On the way from the road itself you can have a view of the waterfall. There is another view from the top of the water fall. For this view, you have to go through the main entrance. There is an entry ticket for this. The100 meter rock pathway inside the entrance is surrounded by thick bamboo clusters and monkeys can be seen playing around. There are benches, small coffee shops and restaurants for tourists to relax. From the river view, you need to take a decline to the right to get to the falls. It is a paved road suitably sloped.
How to reach:	Air: The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport (55 Km) at Nedumbassery Rail: Nearest railway stations are Chalakudy Railway station ( 33 Km ) Bus: There are frequent buses to Athirappally from Chalakudy. KSRTC has buses from Thrissur (60km) and Chalakudy (30km). From Chalakudy, the NH47 turn off.
Where to stay:	Rain Forest,Riverok Villas ,Pookodan's Pleasant Residency .

THOLPETTY

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences is night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is abundant with flora as well as fauna .
Attractions :	Animals like Bison, Jungle Cats, Elephants can be spotted here.
How to reach:	Air: The Karipur international airport at Kozhikode, which is about 120 km away from Tholpetty city. Rail: Kozhikode railway station, which is nearly 130 km away Bus: There are frequent buses KSRTC buses connect Tholpetty with all nearby cities. Public super fast buses connect Tholpetty with Trivandrum, Mangalore and Kochi.
Where to stay:	Hotel Harithagiri ,Greengates ,Woodlands, Vythiri resort.

NELLIYAMPATHY

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences is night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is abundant with flora as well as fauna .
Attractions :	Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place.Seethakundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100 m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.
How to reach:	Air: The Coimbatore, which is nearly 140 km away from the Nelliyampathy. Rail: Palakkad junction (Olavakkode)is the nearest railway station, which is nearly 75 km away Bus: There are frequent buses from Palakkad to Nelliampathy .Palakkad, about 52 km from Nelliyampathy
Where to stay:	Greenland resort ,itl resort ,Whistling Thrush Bungalow ,

Main Animals seen in the sanctuaries of Kerela

Elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars, sloth bears, leopards, lion tailed macaques, Nilgiri Tahrs, langur, malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger,panthers, spotted deer, grizzled giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises, wild dogs, civet cats, The Atlas moth, bonnet, macaques, Loris, mongoose, foxen, bears, barking deer, pangolins, bison, bears etc.

Main birds seen in the sanctuaries of Kerela

Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowl, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Large pied wagtails, Bays sparrows, Grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds...

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady, one of India's major sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife areas encircle. In addition to the wild life, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting in for one or two weeks of serious observations.Covering an area of 777 sq. km. of lush green tropical forests, it is the natural habitat of elephant, bison, spotted deer, sambar, bear etc. Colourful variety of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey jungle fowl and the Jungle Myna are seen.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is situated just above the arch dam. An area of 70 sq. km. of forest land in between the Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers form an excellent habitat for wildlife. Elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar etc are found in this area. The lake on the three sides of the sanctuary offers a panoramic view to the tourists.Besides, different species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones are also found here. Among the birds, mynah, jungle fowl, black bulbul, laughing thrush, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc. are seen in abundance. This wildlife sanctuary also houses a number of birds such as woodpeckers, black bulbuls, jungle fowls, laughing thrushes, mynas, kingfishers and pea fowls. Like any other wildlife sanctuary in Kerala this wildlife park also presents a perfect spot for a wonderful weekend getaway.

Parambikulam Wildlife Santuary
This bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km, formed between the branches of River Periyar. The rivers are rich in fish life and are shallow for most of the year. 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, and wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. are also seen. Parambikulam is endowed with luxuriant vegetation. It has one of the largest populations of gaur (bison), Sambar, spotted deer, jungle cat; lion-tailed macaque, common otter, sloth bear etc. are also seen. There are also a few tigers and leopards. Facilities for boarding and lodging are available at the sanctuary. There are forest rest houses at Thunacadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode. Motor transport and boat cruise can be arranged on request. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu lies adjacent.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the Devikulam taluk of the Idukki district, Chinnar received the status of a sanctuary in 1984. Stretching over an area of 90 sq. km Chinnar is home to the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Proximity to Eravikulam National Park and Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu makes Chinnar rich in wildlife. This sanctuary is easily accessible from Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala.

Peechi - Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
It lies in the catchment areas of Peechi and Vazhani dams . Peechi, the headquarters of the sanctuary is 15 km by road from Trissur. It is spread over an area of 125sq km and is around 20 km east of Thrissur. At the Peechi Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, there are numerous rare medicinal plants and herbs, teak, rosewood and many more

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. Agasthyakoodam of 1890 metres elevation is in this sanctuary. Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, Nilgiri Langur etc. are seen. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions near the dam site.Trekking and rafting facilities are also available here but you should be highly physically fit to take up such challenging trips. Usually, a one-day trekking trip from Neyyar to Kombai to Meenmutty includes boat ride for 9 km up to Kombai and then a 6 km guided trek to Meenmuty falls. Whereas, a two-day trek includes an overnight halt at the camp house of Meenmutty along with other fun filled and adventurous activities like guided row boating up to the deer park, visiting the crocodile rearing centre, trekking in the forest and the lion safari park.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Elephants, sloth bear, sambar, mouse-deer etc. are found in this sanctuary. It is also rich in avifauna and reptiles. This sanctuary is easily accessible from Kannur.Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary houses various species of evergreen trees like Vellapine (Vateria indica), Mesua ferrea, Mechilus macrantha, Calophyllum elatum, Cullenia rosayroona, Magnifera indica, Toona cillata, Myristica Species, Euphorbia Longana, Strobilanthes. The common trees in the semi evergreen areas are Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Hopea parviflora, Largestroemia lanceolata, Xyliaxylocarpa, Mallotus, Philippinensis.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara is accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram – Ponmudi road. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of 53 Sq. km. on the Western Ghats. This is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and eucalyptus plantations. Elephant, Sambar, Leopard and Lion tailed macaque are commonly seen.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km,formed between the branches of River Periyar. The rivers are rich in fishlife and are shallow for most of the year. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, Collocalia unicolor Indian Swiftlet, Spizaetus cirrhatus Changeable Hawk-Eagle 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. are also seen. Also called The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary was described by Dr. Ali as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India comparable only with eastern Himalayas. The bird sanctuary is rich in teak and mahogany plantation too.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
It is 40 km from Mananthavady. There are no bus services to Nagarhole from Mananthavady, only jeeps and trucks are available. There is a PWD Rest House, Forest Rest House and Forest Inspection Bungalow at Mananthavady. The reservation authorities are the District Collector, Waynad and the DFO, Mananthavady. There are also mid range hotels and an Indian Coffee House here. From Cannanore, Tellicherry and Calicut there are frequent buses to Mananthavady

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located around the Vembanad Lake near the Backwaters, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and also the Himalayas flock here. The Siberian stork, teal, egret, heron and darter are commonly seen.Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the vembabad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.Best Time : Between June And August.

Eravikulam National Park
This sanctuary was set up specially for the preservation of Nilgiri Tahr, one of the seriously endangered animals.Now the number of tahrs has increased and they constitute the largest known population of tahrs existing in the world. In addition to tahr, the park shelters elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, tigers and leopards.Accommodation and board facilities are available at Munnar, the nearest town, which is connected to Kottayam (148 km.) and Ernakulam (130 km.) by road. There is a motorable road upto Rajamalai. Further, travel is on foot, but the trekking is really enjoyable. The Eravikulam sanctuary is divided into three areas; the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Only the tourism area is allowed for visitors/tourists. During the Monsoon season, visitors are not allowed in the Eravikulam National Park.

Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley contains India’s last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests and it is perhaps the only vestige of a near virgin forest in the whole of the Western Ghats. Elephants, tigers, wild dog, flying squirrel and lion-tailed macaque are found here. Vehicular traffic is allowed upto Mukkali from Mannarghat. From Mukkali one has to cover at least 24 km on foot to reach the source of river Kuntipuzha, which flows through the valley. Nearest railhead is Palghat, 75 km away. Admission to this part is restricted. Prior permission is required to visit the part. For further detail contact: The Divisional Forest Officer, Palghat.

Wildlife adventure tours are mainly designed to provide close observation and experience of the wilderness which involves a certain level of risk where as the wildlife safaris are based on safe and comfortable leisure holiday concept. So the Wildlife Safaris involves Jeep Safaris, Boat Safaris, Jungle Resort Accommodation, nature walks, bird watching, bonfire, listening to the wild etc.