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 Wildlife in KeralaNestled in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala there are 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks. The following are the Wildlife Sanctuaries / National Parks in Kerela :
Access : Nearest Airport - Coimbatore and Cochin. Nearest Railway Station - Pollachi (60 Km) and Aluva (200 Kms). Area : Total - 90.422 Sq.Km. Climate : Rainfall - 100 Mm. Unlike Other Regions in Kerala, Chinnar Gets Only 48 Days Of Rain (Northeast Monsoon: October - November) Annually. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, India., and represents a large number of plants and animals unique to the thorny vegetation., Apart from the dry thorn forests, due to the significant variation in altitude and rainfall, it has a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorny forest, riparian types, sholas and grasslands that are interspersed with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs which provide microhabitats for varied forms of life. It is an abode of reptilian fauna and the richest in Kerala in terms of the number of species. Albizia lathamii, a critically endangered species has been reported from the dry forests of Chinnar. It is a well known repository of medicinal plants. The riverine forests along Chinnar and Pambar support a healthy population of Grizzled Giant Squirrel. The famous ‘white bison of Manjampatti’ has been recently reported from Chinnar. With 225 species of birds, Chinnar is rich in avian diversity. In association with the neighbouring PAs, Chinnar forms part of a viable conservation unit. Wildlife Population : Mammals - Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Panther, Sambar, The Endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Rabbit Etc Eravikulam National Park : Access : Nearest Airport - Cochin (155 Kms) Nearest Railway Station - Aluva (114 Kms) From Munnar. Area : Total - 97 Sq.Km. Core: 350 Sq.Km. Periyar Lake 26 Sq. Km, Forest Cover: 360 Sq.K.M. Climate : This is one of the wettest regions of the world. Rainfall: 4500 mm. Frost is common in the winter months - December to February. Eravikulam National Park is 97 sq. km. in extent, situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the High Ranges of Idukki district of Kerala state, India. Established In 1975 To Protect The Nilgiri Tahr, The Eravikulam Sanctuary Was Declared A National Park In 1978 Considering Its Ecological, Faunal, Floral, Geomorphological And Zoological Significance. The Park Is Breathtakingly Beautiful And Comparable To The Alpine Ranges. This Land Of The Neelakurinji Is 7 Km From The Rajamalai Hills. The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). Apart from tahr, the Park is the abode of other little known fauna such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose,small clawed otter,dusky striped sqirrel etc. Wildlife Population : Mammals - Tigers , Panther, Wild Dog, Civet Cats, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Tahr etc Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary : Access : Nearest Airport - Madurai (143 Kms) Nearest Railway Station - Kumarakom (114 Kms). Nearest Town - Kumily (4km), the entry point to the Reserve is Thekkady, Which is Accessible by Good Roads from Madurai, Cochin & Thiruvananthapuram. Area : Total - 77 Sq.Km. Climate : Monsoon: June - November Rainfall: 2200 Mm. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 40 kms from Thodupuzha town just above the arch dam. The sanctuary was formed in 1976. An area of 77 sq. km. of forest land in between the Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers form an excellent habitat for wildlife. The lake on the three sides of the sanctuary offers a panoramic view to the tourists. The sanctuary has a large variety of flora and fauna. Among the mammals, Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, Tiger, Wild Boar etc reptiles such as Cobra, Viper, Krait and a large number of non- poisonous snakes can be seen. Jungle Fowl, Myna, Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Peafowl, Woodpecker, Kingfisher etc also inhabit the place in large numbers. Wildlife Population : Reptiles - Elephant, Deer , Bear, Leopard Tiger, Wild Pig Etc. Mammals - Cobra, Viper, Python, Rat Snake, Etc. Reptiles - Hornbill, Kingfisher, Woodpecker. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : Access : Nearest Airport - Kochi (106 Kms) Nearest Railway Station – Kottayam Junction (15 Kms). Nearest Town – Kottayam ( 05 KMS ) Located on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary encompasses a sprawling 14 acres of tropical rain forests. It is really an ornithologist's paradise, favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembabad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. Best Time : Between June and August. (Migratory Birds: November - February) Pathiramanal : This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to may rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. Periyar Tiger Reserve : Access : Nearest Airport - Madurai (143 Kms) Nearest Railhead - Kumarakom, (114 Kms). Nearest Town - Kumily (4km), The entry point to the reserve is Thekkady, which is accessible by good roads from Madurai, Cochin & Thiruvananthapuram. Climate & Rain fall The temperature ranges from 15ºC in December and January and up to 31ºC in April & May. The Annual rainfall ranges from 2000 mm to 3000 mm. Two–thirds of the rainfall occurs during the southwest monsoon from June to September. The northeast monsoon impacts from October to December. There are some pre-monsoon showers from mid April. Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq km., Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. The Periyar reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under the project tiger scheme, attracts travelers from all over the world. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest. The Periyar Lake formed by the construction of the dam across the Uullaperiyar River in 1895, the lake harbors within itself a unique aquatic eco system. The numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the intricate inherent interrelationship among the terrestrial aquatic and subterranean life forms. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve. Best time to visit : October - May entry to the reserve 0600 - 1800 hrs Wildlife Population : Mammals - 35 Species Including The Wild Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild Dog, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Civet, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur Etc. Reptiles - King cobra, Viper, Krait, a number of non poisonous Snakes, Bicolor Frogs, Tortoise and Crocodiles. Avifauna - 265 Species including Migrants. The great Indian Hornbill, Peafowl, Brahminy kite and black - Winged Kite. Aquatic birds Like Darter, Little Cormorant, Kingfisher, Black - Necked stork Etc. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary : Access : Nearest Airport - Cochin (71 Km) Nearest Railway Station - Aluva (48 Km). Area: 25.16 sq. km Rainfall: 2500 mm annually The Thattekkad bird sanctuary, constituted in 1983, occupies the catchments area of the Bhoothathankettu dam. The only one of its kind in Kerala, this sanctuary was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He is reported to have identified 167 bird species and his student - Dr. Sugathan, 207. In addition, the Bombay natural history society has identified 253 species here. The Thattekkad bird sanctuary attracts nature lovers from all over the world. Wildlife Population : Mammals - Leopard, Bear, Porcupine Etc. The Elephant Is An Occasional Visitor. Birds - Indian Roller, Cukoo, Common Snipe, Crow Pheasant, Jungle Nightjar, Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Baya Sparrow, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Robin, Jungle Babbler And Darter. Reptiles - Python, Cobra etc. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary : Access : Good Roads And Rails Connect The Sanctuary with Kozhikode (Calicut), Mysore and Ooty - all Within a 110 Km Radius.The nearest airport is Kozhikode (Calicut). Area: Total - 77 Sq.Km. Climate : Warm Months - March - May, Moonsoon : June - August. Rainfall: 2000 mm. Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve , which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest. Elephant, spotted deer. Bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear etc. can be spotted here. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest department. Wildlife Population : Mammals - Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Jungle Cat, Monkey, Wild Dog, Bison, Deer, Bear Etc. The Elephant Occupies Prime Position Interstate Seasonal Migration Of Elephants Is Common. The Tiger Population In The Sanctuary Is Fairly Good. Birds - Peacock, Babbler, Cuckoo, Owl, Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl Etc. Reptiles - Monitor Lizard and a Variety of Snake Your Tour Booking Form
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