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Wildlife of Kerala has in store some of the best Bird Sanctuaries, Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the country. Kerala wildlife includes Sanctuaries and National Park like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuaries etc. Wildlife of Kerala has a diverse physical environment that provides a diversity of habitat, each supporting an assemblage of life forms with distinct biological values. 

 KERALA WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES 

Eravikulam National Park:

Eravikulam National Park of Kerala is 15 kms. from Munnar in Idukki Cuddled amidst the Idukki district, this National Park of Kerala is spreads over an area of 97 sq.km. The wildlife variety includes Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs and wild boars. The floral diversity which abounds in evergreen forests and lush grasslands is sure to amaze you. The park exhibits the breathtaking natural splendor of rolling grasslands and exotic flowers.

Climate: June, July, and August are the monsoon months and this is the period when the region receives maximum rainfall while April and May are the hottest months. January and February receive little rain and the weather is generally clear during this time of the year. From September to December, the northeast monsoon brings a little rain and this period along with the months of January and February are the best time to visit this park.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

Nestled on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 14 acres. At this Bird Sanctuary of Kumarakom there are varieties of kingfishers, egrets, night herons, golden-backed woodpeckers, paradise fly-catchers, cuckoos, wood beetle, waterfowl, water duck and the list is just endless. At Kumarakom bird sanctuary, you will find loads of indigenous bird species like owl, waterfowl, egret, Brahminy kite, heron, duck, cormorant, darter, cuckoo, and the moorhen. In addition, do not miss out the specialty of the sanctuary that is migratory birds like flycatcher, Parrot, Siberian crane, teal, lark and many more. Bird sanctuary of Kumarakom bird sanctuary is quite a fun to visit.

Things to Do: Bird watching is the prime activity for which people come here from all round the globe. Boating in the Vembanad Lake is one of the most pleasuring moments in the sanctuary. If you like solace and love exploring then Kumarakom is the best place to come.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

This Kerala Wildlife is cuddled in cardamom hills region of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary holds the credit of being one of the largest and most frequented wildlife reserves in India. Spread over an area of 777 sq.km., it was declared a National Park in 1982. The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead tree trunks still jut out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses.

Flora found in Periyar:  Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala boasts a quite rich and diverse flora. The flora in Periyar National Park chiefly comprises of Tropical Evergreen forests (30,500ha) and Semi-evergreen forests (27,500ha) around the reservoir, and Moist-deciduous forests and Woody grasslands in the central part of the park.

The major flora in the park include the Teak, Rosewood, Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jacaranda (a hardwood timber tree with purple flowers), Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar and Bamboo among many others.                         

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 60kms from Idukki and is spreads over an area of 90 sq.km. This Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary is declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. You can spot a rare giant grizzled squirrel only here in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. 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. This place is perfect for boating and trekking. The undulating natures of the relief with rugged areas heighten the effect.  

Things to Do

1. River trekking.
2. Trekking to the cultural site (dolmens)
3. Nature trail to the watch tower.
4. Trek to Thoovanam falls.
5. Interpretation activities and medicinal Garden.
6. Tree house at Chinnar.
7. Machans at Koottar,Karakkad and Champakkad.
8. Trekking and camping at Vasyappara. 

Silent Valley National Park:

This National Park of Kerala is tucked away at a distance of 40km. from Mannarkkad, Silent valley spreads over an area of 90 sqkm. The Silent Valley National Park is the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Silent Valley is considered to be the last pristine region of tropical evergreen forest in India and is an area rich in biodiversity. The lush tropical greenery, undulating slopes, hills and rivers make the Silent Valley National Park a beautiful wildlife tourism destination in Kerala, India. The National Park of Kerala is also known for the rare and unique herbs and plants that grow here, as well as the wildlife found in the Silent Valley, which include elephants, tigers and lion-tailed macaques. 

Climate: The climate at Silent Valley National Park is warm in summer and pleasant in winter. The temperature rises to a maximum of around 35°C in June and drops to a moderate 20 °C in December. The Southwest monsoon lasts from July to September and brings heavy rainfall to Silent Valley. The humidity can reach 95% and the rainfall during the year can reach over 1600 mm.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:

This Wildlife Sanctuary is a charming canopy of dense tropical evergreen forest, tropical semi – evergreen forest and moist deciduous forest fringe the scenic lake that surrounds this protected area on the three sides. There is a picturesque lake located within the Idukki wildlife sanctuary that is worth visiting during your wildlife tours to this wildlife sanctuary. The Idukki wildlife park is covered with dense deciduous and evergreen forests that provide a natural habitat to a number of animals such as wild boars, jungle cat, bisons, elephants, wild dogs, deer and bears.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary:

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is just 20kms. from Kothamangalam in Eranakulam the sanctuary is also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This Kerala Bird Sanctuary is nestled in evergreen forest and renowned by the name Ornithologist of India. Some of the rare species of birds are Malabar grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, crimson throated barber, peninsular bay owl, rose billed roller, fairy bluebird, great Indian hornbill, and many more to captivate the visitors. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.

The Bird list: Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmoth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here.

Peechi – Vazhani Wildlife sanctuary:

The Sanctuary is just 25kms. away from Thrissur and is one of the oldest wildlife reserves. Formed around the twin reservatiors of peech and Vazhani. The sanctuary is a rich repository of bio – diversity with several endangered herbs, shrubs , rare medicinal plants and innumerable variety of orchids. It is a part of the Palapilli Nelliampathy forest and is covered with a thick growth of dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Situated in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams, you will find a wide variety of orchids and medicinal plants. An ideal place for nature lovers, you will be amazed at the flora and the fauna the Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary offers. At the Peechi Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, there are herbs, teak and rosewood trees too. As you venture into the thick forest under able guides, you may be lucky to spot deer, elks, barking deer, elephants and bison. The sanctuary has around 25 types of mammals. Carnivorous animals like the tiger, leopard and fox are also found lurking in the thick growth. The wildlife sanctuary is also rich in bird life as more than 60 types of birds and 10 types of snakes are also found here. Besides the flora and fauna at the sanctuary, one can also enjoy boat rides at the Lake in the sanctuary. 

Flora and Fauna: The Peechi Vazhani wildlife sanctuary has a great variety of flora and fauna. In fact, there are only a few wildlife sanctuaries in India that has the variety like that of Peechi Vazhani wildlife sanctuary. The major species include spotted deer, leopards, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, kraits, turtles, bison and elephants. The Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is also blessed with tiger, barking deer, bonnet macaques, vipers, darters, little cormorants, and black eagles. 

Chimini Wildlife Sanctuary:

The sanctuary is just 37 kms. from Thrissur with its dense forest. A variety of birds & butterflies and innumerable trekking trails the sanctuary that provides heady experience for nature enthusiast. One can take part in the programs like trekking and bamboo rafting. 

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

This wildlife sanctuary 110kms. from Plakkad and is a home to rare wild animals. Here one can enjoy boating/ cruising. This Sanctuary is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife.

Facts: This Sanctuary is located adjacent to the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, the 285 km² stretch of forest, known as the Parambikulam Sanctuary, is one of Kerala’s premier wildlife reserves. Parambikulam lies in the Anamalai Hills, south of the Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats. The area is hilly and rocky, drained by several rivers, including the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy.

Things to do: Enjoy an exhilarating boat cruises on your tour to Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. There are two watchtowers at Anappadi (8 km) and Zungam (5 km) offering opportunities have a peek into the wilderness of the sanctuary. The nearest airport is at 100 km at Coimbatore from the sanctuary, while the nearest railhead is at a distance of 60 km at Pollachi.  

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :

This wildlife sanctuary of Kerala is made up of two disontinuous pockets - Muthanga in the South & Tholpetty in the north. Muthanga is located at 18kms. west of Sulthan Bathery while Tholpetty is 15kms. from Manathavady. This wildlife sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest. Elephant, spotted deer. Bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear etc. can be spotted here. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest department. 

Climate: The climate of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala is very much influenced by the southwest monsoon that touches it in the months from June to September. There is good rainfall during the Northeast monsoon too in the months of October and November. July receives the highest rainfall while February is the driest month here. April and May are the hottest months here while coldest months are January and February.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary :

This Kerala sanctuary is 35kms. from thalassery in Kannur. The sanctuary area falls in Aralam, Kelakam and Kottiyoor revenue villages and is located in the Northwest slopes of Western Ghats contiguous with the forests of Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka state. The only Range of Aralam wildlife division, which is part of Northern Wildlife Circle (Northern Region) Palakkad. 

Neyyar Sanctuary:

Neyyar Sanctuary of Kerala is 30kms. from Trivandrum and is a heaven for exotic flora & fauna , 12,000 hecters of natural vegetation is spread across an undulating terrain interspersed with rushing  brooks , flat meadows and gentle slopes . The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be for wildlife lovers and nature gazers. This Sanctuary of Kerala is nestled in the southeastern part of the Western Ghats, it is a sheer pleasure to visit this sanctuary amidst the picturesque landscape. Sprawled over an area of 128 sq km, the reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958. The sanctuary has the impressive Agasthyakoodam Peak at an elevation of 1,890 meters and the reservoir extending over an area of 9.06 sq km.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary : 

This wildlife Sanctuary is 50kms from Trivandrum and is spread over 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats. It is interspersed with hillocks, forest & eucalyptus plantations. The Peppara national park, Kerala, is a beautiful park with hilly topography and merges partially with Palode Reserve and Kottoor Reserve. This sanctuary of wildlife also has a dam built on the Karamana River and is called the Peppara dam. The list of wild animals and birds can go on and on! However the wildlife mostly encountered over here are animals like panthers, wild boar, elephants, tigers, lion tailed macaque, gaur, sambar, barking deer, Nilgiri Langur, etc.

Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary :

This wildlife sanctuary of Kerala is 66 kms. from Kollam the region is unique for its bio-diversity, remains of a Stone Age culture and an important ecotourism resources. Shenduruney wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala was the cradle of one of the oldest river valley civilizations in India, as is proved by recent archeological studies. Excavations at a large cave in the northwestern part of the Shenduruney river have yielded evidence of the remains of Stone Age culture of the Mesolithic period (5210 - 4420 BC). This cave houses paintings similar to the Mesolithic paintings found in the caves of central India.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE VISITING WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN KERALA

1. The best time to visit the wildlife sanctuaries is from October to March.
2. The best time to watch wildlife is in the early morning or evening.
3. Binoculars, Measuring tape, notebook, etc. are the various things that You can carry on your visit.
4. Avoid heavy footwear and clothes that hinder easy movement. Ideally wear colours that match with the surroundings.
5. Maintain silence while you are in the sanctuary.
6. Do not run when you see the bigger animals. Usually an animal sight us before we see it and moves away.
7. Do not smoke or wear perfumes on your visit.
8. Do not go very close to carnivores.
9. Be alert at all times.
10. Do not litter the sanctuaries and surroundings.