Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Naturally green Kerala is just right for adventure wildlife tours. A profusion of greens, thick undergrowths, lush forests, temperate climate, hills and natural water sources offer the ideal habitat for wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, South India.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala offer you a glimpse into a wild world that radiates happy hues of emerald and gold. Chinnar, Periyar, Eravikulam, Thattekad, Kumarakom, Parambikulam and other wildlife sanctuaries offer an exciting and wild holiday in the enchanting paradise. Let us know more about them before going on a tour.

Major Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala are:

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Also known as ?Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary? and spread over an area of 675 sq. km; Periyar is majorly known for its Tigers and Elephants. Other inmates here are Bisons, Sambars, Wild Boars and Antelopes. Among the bird population, one will find Great Malabar Hornbills, Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Rufous-bellied Eagle and Crimson-baked Sunbird. Best adventures in Periyar are trekking and boating in the Periyar Lake.

Best Time to Visit: September to April
How to Reach: Kochi Airport (200km), Kottayam railhead (114 kms), buses from Kumily.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sanctuary in Palakkad district is home to the wild as well as native tribes. Wildlife population here is 39 species of mammals, 16 species of amphibians, 268 varieties of birds, 61 species of reptiles, and much more. Common animals found here are Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel, Sloth Bear and Wild dog. Bird population includes Drongos, Bee-eaters, Treepies, Mynas, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers and other birds of prey.

Best Time to Visit: August to January
How to Reach: Coimbatore Airport (110 km), Coimbatore Railway Station (96 kms), buses from Pollachi.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Amid the thick evergreen forest land, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger and wild boar. Various kinds of snakes like cobras, vipers, kraits and many non-poisonous snakes are also found here. Winged creatures include Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, woodpeckers and bulbuls.

Best Time to Visit: December to March
How to Reach: Cochin International Airport (112 km), Kottayam Railway Station (87 kms), buses from Munnar, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

An integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this wildlife sanctuary is a witness to the battle between Pazhassi Raja and British. Inside, one will find 45 species of mammals, 203 birds and 45 species of reptiles. Animal population includes Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Spotted deer, Wild Dog, Malabar giant squirrel and many more. Migratory birds.

Best Time to Visit: October to May
How to Reach: Kozhikode (125 km), Kozhikode Railway Station (100 kms), buses from Calicut (98 km), Kasaragod (216 Km).

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Sprawling over 14 hectares, the bird sanctuary sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake has migratory birds in thousands. With numerous and rare bird species like Indian Darter, Little Cormorant, White Ibis and several others; the bird sanctuary is largely visited by bird lovers. Boating trips here are popular among tourists.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: Cochin International Airport (38 km), Kottayam Railway Station (12 kms), buses and taxis available at 12km from the sanctuary.

Keep your cameras ready with reel as you never know when you'll chance upon a rare wild species and unbelievably stunning nature spots on your wildlife treks to the Kerala wildlife sanctuaries with Caper Travel India.