Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
Kerala is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here are the top 5 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala:
List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Thekkady, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The park is located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the south Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. It was founded as Nellikkampatty Reserve. It was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and deer. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake or go on a jungle trek to spot these animals.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Idukki district, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its unique flora and fauna. It is one of 18 wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. It is home to endangered species like the grizzled giant squirrel, the star tortoise, and the slender loris. Visitors can go on a trek to spot these animals or visit the watchtower for a panoramic view of the sanctuary. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The Chinnar and Pambar rivers are the major perennial water resources in the sanctuary.
Silent Valley National Park
Located in Palakkad district, Silent Valley National Park is one of the last remaining tracts of undisturbed tropical evergreen forest in India. In 1914, the forest of the Silent Valley area was declared a reserve forest. Silent Valley offers one of the widest possible ranges for reptiles like snakes. It is home to rare and endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, and the Malabar giant squirrel. The indigenous tribal groups that live within park boundaries include Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas and Kattunaikkars, the ethnic heritage of these communities is well protected. If you are interested in trekking trails and camping there are packages available at Silent Valley.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Wayanad district, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife, the sanctuary is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1973. This wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer. Prior permission is needed to visit the place and the visitors are restricted to the outer zone of the sanctuary. Only researchers and wardens are allowed to go to the inner zone of the sanctuary which is about 25 km wide. Visitors can go on a jeep safari or trek to spot these animals.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Located in Ernakulam district, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers. Thattekad is a home to one of the most popular bird sanctuary in India ‘Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary’. One can run across the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Racket Tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, White-bellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and the Malabar Grey Hornbill in these parts. It is home to over 300 species of birds, including the Malabar grey hornbill, the Indian pitta, and the black bulbul. The forest has Sloth bears, Porcupines, leopards, elephants and many such mammals living. Visitors can go on a birdwatching tour or visit the watchtower for a panoramic view of the sanctuary..
