Wildlife of Kerala

There are a number of popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala housing exotic and rare species of flora and fauna. Nestled in the elaborate forest of the majestic Western Ghats or Sahyadri Ranges in Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries and two tiger reserves. Kerala also has six national parks containing protected and endangered species like the Indian Sloth-Bear, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Indian Bison, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr etc.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers, Idukki is among the most beautiful districts in Kerala and the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with the most diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary has a gorgeous lake that is perfect for romantic boat rides. The tropical evergreen and deciduous forests teeming with elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger and wild boar along with various species of snake including cobras, vipers, kraits and many non-poisonous snakes is a wildlife lover’s dream. A variety of birds such as grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, woodpeckers and bulbuls also have found a home in this sanctuary.

Eravikulam National Park
Munnar is among the crown jewels of God’s Own Country and has attracted visitors from around the world for centuries due to its natural splendour. Hidden inside, lies the famous Eravikulam National Park, the home and sanctuary of the Nilgiri Tahr. This sacred haven for this exotic animal is a relief in a time when different species are disappearing off the face of the planet. Situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, people also flock to this park to view the special Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. The next sighting is expected to be in 2018. The park also boasts of hosting South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2695 m), in its southern area. This park is spread over an area of 97 square kilometers and packs tons of fun spots for people to have a good time in. One can see the crowds around the Echo Point, where the natural view and unique setting adds to the eponymous phenomenon. The Rajamalai region of the park is open to the public and from here; the exotic Nilgiri Tahr can be viewed. The Rajamalai region falls under the tourism zone of the area. The other two are the Core area and Buffer area which are both not open to the public. There is a host of trekking options as well in the area.

Silent Valley National Park
A couple of hundred years ago before humans encroached the area that is now known as the Silent Valley National Park, this reserve of tropical rainforests stood undisturbed and tranquil like a hidden treasure. Situated in the northeast corner of Palakkad district, it was only in 1984 that Silent Valley was declared a National Park. The Kunthippuzha River which feeds the entire forest was named after Kunthi, mother of the Pandavas. The park is flanked by the Nilgiri Plateau to the north and the Mannarkkad Plains to its south. It makes up the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, an important part of the Western Ghats, that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012. The flora and fauna found here are very unique. From tigers, leopards, elephants, snakes, lion-tailed macaques and malabar giant squirrels to moths, bugs and toads, the mere diversity of fauna is amazing, to say the least. Along with them there are over 1000 species of flowering plants and another 110 species of orchids. Over 400 species of moths and 200 species of butterflies have been recorded in this area. Out of the 128 species of beetles found here, ten were previously unknown.

Periyar Tiger Reserve
Saddled in the southern region of the Western Ghats, spread across an area of 777 sq. km of forest land and home to a luxuriant collection of different species of flora and fauna is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This spectacular stretch of greenery gets its name from the River Periyar which has its origin deep inside the reserve. The reserve also offers a host of eco-tourism programmes to the travellers. For centuries, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady has been host to the most exquisite flora and fauna in the country and nature lovers throng to it in great numbers. Famous for its rustic and refreshing climate along with a bird's eye view of a multitude of life forms, it is among the best tourist spots in God's Own Country.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is Kerala’s very first bird sanctuary. In 1983, the 25-sqkm area in Thattekad was declared a sanctuary. It was earlier in the same year that the legendary Dr. Salim Ali had surveyed Thattekkad, and called it the richest bird habitat he had ever seen. There are 284 species of birds that have been recorded at the sanctuary. It is located to the north of the Periyar River, at the foot of the Western Ghats. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March. According to the recommendations made by Dr. Salim Ali, in 1983 an area of 25 sqkm at Thattekkad was declared as Kerala’s first bird sanctuary.