The state of Kerala, situated at the south-western corner of the country, flanked by 580km shoreline on its western side bordering Arabian Sea and western ghat mountain on it eastern is richly endowed with varieties of flora and fauna. Most of the natural vegetation of Kerala is Tropical evergreen forest exhibiting the richest bio-diversity as one encounters in other great forests like Amazon basin. The other forests are tropical semi-evergreen, Montane forest and grassland and even moist deciduous forest. Top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala provide a different specter not only in regard to these wide varieties of greenery and landscape but also the natural habitation of some of the rare tropical species. Most of the areas of natural vegetation are well preserved in the state thanks to the general awareness and goodwill of the people of the state as well as the initiatives taken by the government of the state towards bio-diversity preservation and scientific methods of conservation. About 5 National Parks and 13 wildlife sanctuaries are well preserved in Kerala and it covers about 6% of the total land area of the state.
Although back-waters and beaches are the most sought after tourist destinations in Kerala, the popularity of the forests are growing by days and the tourist nowadays are flocking towards the wildlife national parks and some of the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. Away from the hullaballoo of the urban heritage sights or crowded beaches, the wild-life sanctuaries offer a pristine peace and nature in its unadulterated best. Man seeks to re establish its connection with the nature: it is an invisible umbilical cord that man has severed in his headlong journey towards progress and civilization. Living, amidst the dense foliages, feeling the throbbing of vibrant life in its conspicuous silence, watching the wild animals like Indian elephants, tigers, leopards in their natural habitat is quite an experience. Even the most urbane of visitors feel their mystical connection with nature re-established by one these visits.
In spite of the remoteness of these places, the tourist bungalows have all the modern facilities and securities required. The trekking inside the forest is done either at the back of the elephants or by foot. The forest guards are there for your help and services for twenty-four hours of the day. Kerala national parks and forests unlike many such green covers in the country still remained by and large virgin, though industrial and other civic encroachment are increasing on a continuous basis.
The top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala as per popularity, importance and bio diversity of natural flora and fauna are as follows:
Aralam Wild-life Sanctuary in Kerala:
If you have a wildlife adventurer in you who besides enjoying the green specter and wildlife movement want to take part in trekking and other jungle adventures, this sanctuary is the ideal place for you. This wildlife sanctuary covers about 55sqkm and situated in the northern part of Kerala .The area falls under Kannur district 35km from the beaches of Thalassery.This is a dense forest where you can trek by obtaining prior permission. Other facilities like rafting, sightseeing, watching the animals in their natural and unbridled habitat, tree-house staying at Pariputhodu and Bhootamkallu are some of the coveted attraction of the place. The animals usually observed in this place is sloth, mouse deer, Sambar deer and of course elephants.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
Among the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala this one deserves a special place for its outstanding natural diversity. Situated in the Wayanad district, this wildlife sanctuary can be accessed by visiting Sulthan Bathery and Manantherady, the towns located at the vicinity of the park. The interference of man in this natural habitat has been minimal and one gets in touch with the unadulterated nature, once they visit this place. The lush green forest is a sight so soothing to the eyes that relieves one of the tension and stress of the urban life. The elephants are frequently seen grazing in their hordes in the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary.
Kadalundy Bird Sanctuary in Kerala:
If you are a bird lover then many of the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala can provide the perfect horizon to pursue your interest in the flying creatures, but this one is truly special among them. This is an estuary falling within mangrove vegetation some 25 km from Kozhikode. This place is famous for the migratory birds as well as local varieties that can be observed with great ease. The chief birds seen in this place are herons, terns, gulls, sandpipers along with hundreds of local species. The mangrove animals like jackals, otters, mussels and great variety of crabs can be spotted in this place.
Neyyar Dam Sanctuary in Kerala:
This is a comparatively small reserve, about 12,000 hectares of land around Neyyar Dam some 32 km from the capital city Thiruvanathapuram. A handful of tigers, quite a number of elephants, lion tailed macaques, boars, Sambar deer, gaurs can be observed in this place. The visitors can arrange for safari or can opt for a trek along the narrow track of roads in the forest. Permission for the entrance can be had for a nominal fees and it is allowed from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm.Visitors who cannot to have a longer stay should opt for this small strip of forested land so close to the capital city.
Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala:
Among the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala this tiger reserve is the pride of the state representing a great variety of the tiger species in the natural lush greenery of the forest. This is the most famous reserve of Kerala, home to more than 50 adult tigers, located 4km from Thekkady town in the Idukki district. Only a very small portion of the reserve is open to the visitors, where they can trek, arrange for a safari, night walks etc. Various types of accommodations and transport facilities are available in the forest but they are a little expensive. The animals frequently spotted in this place are Sambar deer, macaques, giant squirrel, elephants and of course tigers.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
Situated 50km from Trivandrum via Vithurai on the road, Peppara wildlife sanctuary is visited by hundreds of foreigners every year. Lion tailed macaques, elephants, Shola birds are frequently observed in this place. The eucalyptus plantations of Peppara wild life sanctuary are also famous.
Shenduruney Wild life Sanctuary/ Thenmala in Kerala:
If you have a simultaneous knack in wildlife, heritage and historical marvels of sculpture, among the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala this is the best place to pursue both of your interest in plenty. This is a very unique place where alongside the foliages and wildlife, visitors come here to observe remnants of Stone-age culture located some 66km east of Kollam. Thenmala situated within this wildlife sanctuary has witnessed the emergence and flourishing of eco-tourism development. Thenmala has a deer rehabilitation centre, Sway Bridge, sculpture garden, cultural centers and tree-nurseries. The visitors can enjoy organized cultural activities, trekking, mountain biking, rock-climbing among other activities.
Silent Valley National Park in Kerala:
Situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala, The Silent Valley National Park is a pristine reserve of Tropical rain forest where you can observe biodiversity at its best, both in its variety of flora and fauna. Transport by vehicles is available up to Mukkali, some 24km from the park and therefore the visitors would have to plan beforehand before embarking into such a journey. Tigers and lesser carnivores, lion tailed macaques are frequently observed in this place.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
Situated north of Periyar Tiger reserve, amidst Idukki reservoir, the Idukki sanctuary is surrounded by lakes on three of its sides. The vegetation is mixed where tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and most deciduous forest are found. The animals frequently spotted in this place includes elephants, wild boars, bison, deer, jungle cats and poisonous snakes like cobras, vipers, kraits; the birds also spotted in this place includes kingfisher, bulbul, laughing thrush, peacocks etc.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala:
For seeing some rare bird species of tropical or other climatic conditions in different seasons this bird sanctuary is a place to be. Thousands of birds enthusiast flocks here every year to this world famous bird sanctuary the nearest town of which is Thattekad 12km away from Kothamangalam in the Ernakulum district of Kerala. About 270 species of birds are recorded to have been spotted here, the notable among them being jungle nightjars, rare Srilankan frogmouth, Malabar grey hornbill etc.
Eravikulam National Park in Kerala:
This forested area has been declared as National park as it is the home of the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr in the world and undoubtedly it is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. It is 15km from Munnar in the Idukki district. The highest peak of Kerala, Anamudi stands 2695mts tall. Nilgiri Tahr is the greatest attraction of this forested region, although another exotic attraction is a rare species of flower called Neelakurunji that blooms every twelve years and turns the whole forest into a blanket of mystic blue. Others animals to be spotted are panther, elephant, tiger, giant Malabar squirrel, barking deer.
Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
With widest range of natural flora and fauna and great travel activities that this place offers is unmatched among the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala .This wild life sanctuary is situated at an area bordering the two states of Kerala and Tamilnadu, 60kms from the hill station Munnar in the Idukki district. The dense deciduous forest has a thick canopy and a panoramic view of Nature with its rare assortment of plants and animals. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is maintained by the eco-tourism and development committees run by the local tribal population, and as this place is not often visited by the tourist you can enjoy a peaceful stay. The activities in the park include trekking, staying in the tree-houses, jungle safari, and sightseeing amidst this splendidly green forested area and the adjacent grassland. The forest is richly endowed with varieties of plants and animals: it has 1000 species of flowering plants, 225 species of birds, and Muggar crocodile along with tiger, elephants, bison, barking deer, giant squirrel and very rarely seen white bison. A strange and unique phenomenon called butterfly migration occurs between two monsoons.
Mangalavanam bird Sanctuary in Kerala:
This is a small stretch of mangrove vegetation, extremely sensitive vegetation found at the heart of the Kochi. The best time to visit this place is in the month of May-July when the largest variety of birds can be seen. The most common species to be spotted are little cormorant and black crowned heron. It is the congregation of largest collection of communally breeding birds.
Chimmini wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
This place invokes the typical aspects of another tropical rainforest in this part of the earth and among the top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala this forest has a special place for its rich greenery and variety of natural flora and fauna. The best time to visit this place is in between the month of October to March. Situated in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Trissur district, 35km from the Trissur railway station, the wildlife sanctuary covers an area of about 87 sq km. A dam standing 75 meters above sea level on the Chimmini River is found within this wild life sanctuary. The evergreen, the semi evergreen, and tree shedding leaves are to be found in this wild life sanctuary. Being a part of the tropical natural vegetation, a great variety of trees and animals enjoys a peaceful stay and habitat at the Chimmini wildlife sanctuary. The vegetations and insects are typical of the tropical rain forest. The animals frequently seen are elephants, bison, wild pigs, tigers along with a great variety of flowering plants and insects.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
All wildlife national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries in Kerala have their own brand of greenery and specter and this one is no different with its huge green cover. This is a large forested area covering about 125 sq km and 20km east of the town of Trissur. The nearest railway station is Trissur. The best time to visit this place is in between October to March when the visitors flocks here to spend some days amidst the dense evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous vegetation. About 50 species of orchids are spotted in this place along with the rare medicinal plants and variety of animals like tiger, leopard, spotted deer, wild boars, elephants, barking deer, wild bison among others.
Anamudi Shola National Wildlife Park in Kerala:
This is a comparatively smaller national park situated in Idukki and covering area of about 7.5 sq km. This national park is famous for its Shola species and tigers. The natural vegetation falls under the category of Montane forest and grassland.
Mathikettan Shola National Wildlife Park in Kerala:
This is also a small forested area covering about 12.82 sq km covered by dense montane vegetation and grassland, known for its rare assortment of Shola species and tigers. This national park also falls under the Idukki region.
Chenthuruni Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
If you want to encounter nature in its most astounding youthful freshness then this sanctuary near the travel destination of Kollam is the best place in Kerala. About 70km from the town Kollam on the Kollam-Shencotta road, Chenthuruni wild life sanctuary is covered by a dense vegetation of tropical evergreen and mixed deciduous forest. The best time to visit this place is in between March to July. The Chenthuruni River flows across the sanctuary covered by a dense canopy on both its sides. The sanctuary is surrounded by rugged and steep slopes and ravines of phenomenal beauty. The animals, birds and trees chiefly encountered in tropical and deciduous forest are to be spotted here like tigers, leopards, elephants, spotted deer, bison and others.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala:
As one of the largest tiger reserves of both the state and the country this one is always considered a great destination as top wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. It is situated far south of the Palakkad district and can be best approached through Pollachi of Tamilnadu situated some 39km from the forest. The forest is in fact in a valley surrounded by dams on all its three sides and the whole area is dotted with breathtaking waterfalls, winding streams and rivulets.
Parambikulum has been declared by the Kerala government as the second largest tiger reserve after Periyar. Tigers are a common sight here along with the spotted deer, elephants, bison and a large variety of birds. The tented stays, the tree-top stays, trekking, rafting are the attractive activates offered bb the governing authority of the forest. The forest is chiefly maintained by the eco-tourism initiative run by the local tribal.
Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve in Kerala:
This is a community reserve found in Malappuram, about 1.5 sq km in size, mangrove vegetation known for its habitat of a wide variety of birds. The typical mangrove vegetation nestles great numbers of birds like terns, gulls, heron, Whimbrell, Sandpipers. Variety of crabs and mussels are also spotted here.
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