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.
Located in the rain shadow region of the western ghats, the sanctary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalped road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of india. The location of sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wildlife at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here.
This is one of the wettest regions of the world. Rainfall : 4500 mm. Frost is common in the winter months - december to february. 15 Km North Of Munnar. 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.
40 kms from Thodupuzha town. Spread over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, the sanctuary was formed in 1976. The Idukki arch dam, the first major hydroelectric project in Kerala, is situated here. The 33 sq.km scenic lake around the santruary - the Idukki reservoir - is formed by the three dams Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu.
Located on the banks of the vembanad lake, the kumarakom bird sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a 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.
This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the western ghats. One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, 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 travellers 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 harbours 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.
The Thattekkad bird sanctuary, constituted in 1983, occupies the catchment 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 attract nature lovers from all over the world.
Established in 1973, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarahole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. Rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, which was established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region.