Top 5 National Parks in Kerala
Kerala, a state located in the southern part of India, has some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Here are the top 5 national parks in Kerala:
List of National Parks in Kerala
Eravikulam National Park
Located in the Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park is known for its beautiful landscapes and the Nilgiri Tahr, a species of mountain goat found only in the Nilgiri Hills. Eravikulam National Park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division. The national park is a protected area and is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area that is in Rajamala. Every twelve years, it is the one and only place where you can witness the mass flowering of Neelakurinji flowers. The park is also home to several species of birds, including the black-and-orange flycatcher and the Nilgiri pipit.
Mathikettan Shola National Park
Mathikettan Shola National Park is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and is known for its beautiful forests and rich biodiversity. The National Park is a biodiversity hotspot with its rich treasure of medicinal herbs. The park is home to several species of animals, including the Indian bison, sambar deer, and the Nilgiri langur and is located between other reserve forests like Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park.There are 2 viewing centre called Njandaar mettu and Uchilukuth mettu. One can see Tamilnadu from these mountains.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. It is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. A crocodile farm, set up in 1977 at Neyyar, is home to around 20 mugger crocodiles. The Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre was inaugurated at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in May 2007. Neyyar Elephant Rehabilitation Centre cares for several elephants, from elephant calves to an 87-year-old elephant, and offers elephant rides and elephant feeding. There is also a deer rehabilitation centre. One can also avail boating facilities at the reservoir which provides for a beautiful panoramic view of the area.
Anamudi Shola National Park
Another national park in the Western Ghats, Anamudi Shola is known for its tropical evergreen forests and rich wildlife, including rare species of birds and butterflies. Anamudi prides itself on its name, of having the tallest peak in peninsular India in its core area. Anamudi Shola consists of southern subtropical hill forests, southern montane wet temperate forests and moist deciduous forests. The dense shola woods presence of lichen, mosses, and climbers, which are all hallmarks of the pure air in such high altitudes.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Thrissur district, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich birdlife, including the Great Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill. It is the second oldest sanctuary in Kerala. The highest point here is the 923 m high Ponmudi which offers an excellent view of the underlying valley. There are over 25 species of mammals including the leopard, tiger, Sambar, deer, Spotted Deer, Indian Bison and Asian Elephant. It is also home to several species of mammals and reptiles.
