Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary - Travel Guide & Activities

Step into Nature’s Wonderland, Plan Your Kerala Wildlife Tourism now!
Kerala: Where Misty Mountains Meet Wild Wonders; Explore a world of emerald tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife and experience the lush greenery and diverse wildlife of Kerala's premier hill stations. Kerala's wildlife and hill station destinations like Thekkady, Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi and Vagamon offer a blend of wildlife and stunning landscapes.
September to March for pleasant weather for Jeep Safari, Trekking, Birdwatching, Falls, Dam, and Peak, Echo Point, Tea and spice plantations.

About Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

About Kerala's sanctuaries are situated within the bio-diverse Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the primary purpose of creating wildlife sanctuaries and national parks is to protect and conserve the entire ecosystem, including flora, fauna, and their habitats, from exploitation, Notable sanctuaries include Periyar, Parambikulam, Neyyar, and Chinnar, which are known for their specific ecosystems and wildlife.

Visitors can see diverse wildlife like tigers, elephants, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats. The sanctuaries offer stunning natural scenery, including lush forests, hills, and waterfalls. They provide an opportunity to experience a healthy and thriving ecosystem and learn about the importance of conservation.

Attractions of Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

Kerala is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, with major attractions including the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, and Silent Valley National Park. These protected areas offer diverse activities like jungle safaris, trekking, and bird watching amidst rich biodiversity.

Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady)

Located in the Cardamom Hills, Periyar is one of India's most popular and well-managed tiger reserves. Its large populations of Indian elephants and Bengal tigers, and the chance to spot animals from a boat safari on Periyar Lake.

Eravikulam National Park (Munnar)

Eravikulam is the first national park in Kerala and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its high-altitude grasslands and shola forests. The Kannan Devan Hills, home to the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats with the mass flowering of the Neelakurinji flowers, which happens only once every 12 years. The park is closed annually during the tahr calving season, usually in February-March.

Silent Valley National Park (Palakkad)

A core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Silent Valley is one of the last untouched tracts of tropical evergreen rainforest in India. A unique preserve of tropical rainforest, of the Western Ghats with numerous plant and animal species. The crystal clear Kunthi River flows through the park, adding to its untouched beauty.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (Palakkad)

Nestled between the Nelliyampathy and Anamalai hills, Parambikulam is a highly protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage site along with several dams and a reservoir, housing the world's oldest and tallest teak tree (the Kannimara Teak), and offering a chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including the elusive lion-tailed macaque.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (Idukki)

Distinct from other Kerala sanctuaries due to its unique thorny scrub forest ecosystem, Chinnar is a haven for a specific variety of wildlife. Famous for the highly endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the rare Albino Gaur (white bison). It is also known for the nearby sandalwood forest and Thoovanam Waterfall.

Best Time to Visit Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit Kerala wildlife sanctuaries is generally during the winter season, from October to February, when the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and increasing the chances of spotting wildlife.

Wildlife Safari (Jeep/Boat)
This is the primary activity, forest interior via open-top jeep safaris or boat cruises on a lake (e.g., Periyar Lake in Periyar National Park). Guides and sometimes armed guards accompany groups.
Boat safaris: 90 minutes to 2 hours long, with multiple slots from early morning to late afternoon (e.g., 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:30 PM). Jeep safaris can range from 3-4 hours to full-day excursions.

Nature Walks & Trekking
Guided walks offer a more immersive, on-foot experience to explore the flora, smaller fauna, and forest ecosystem. Walking along designated trails within the sanctuary with a local guide, focusing on the finer details of the forest environment. Night treks are also available in some locations. Typically, 2.5 to 3 hours long. Multiple daily slots are available, often in the morning (e.g., 7:00 AM) and afternoon (e.g., 2:00 PM).

Bamboo Rafting
This activity in parks like Periyar Tiger Reserve combines trekking and a silent raft journey, providing a unique vantage point to observe wildlife near the water's edge. A combination of a short hike and exploring the lake's coves on a paddle-driven bamboo raft, often with an armed guard and guides. Half-day (approx. 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM) or full-day (approx. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) options.

Bird Watching
Kerala's sanctuaries are a haven for over 500 species of resident and migratory birds.
Observing and identifying various avian species in their natural habitats, such as the Thattekad or Kumarakom Bird Sanctuaries. Binoculars are recommended. Best time for migratory birds is from November to February. Local birdwatching is good year-round but especially during the monsoon (June to August) when the landscapes are lush. Early mornings are optimal for activity.

Elephant Experiences (Camps/Festivals)
Beyond wild sightings, specific camps and cultural events offer guaranteed interaction with domestic elephants. Activities like elephant feeding, bathing, and short rides in controlled environments, or observing grand temple festivals like Thrissur Pooram featuring decorated elephants. Temple festivals like Thrissur Pooram usually occur in April-May. Varies greatly depending on the specific activity or festival attendance, from basic entry to paid interaction packages.

Activities at Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities in Kerala's wildlife sanctuaries include wildlife safaris, trekking, bamboo rafting, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy elephant rides, visit plantations, and see captive animals in places like deer parks and python parks. Other options include nature walks, jeep safaris, and camping. Go on a Wildlife Jeep safari or a guided jungle walk to spot animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife safaris, Trekking and nature trails, bamboo rafting and boating: Enjoy a peaceful journey on the water, often offered at sanctuaries like Periyar and Shendurney.
Boat rides are also available in sanctuaries like Neyyar.

How to Reach Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

Kochi is a good central hub to access many of the sanctuaries in the southern and central parts of Kerala, and Kozhikode is a good option for accessing northern sanctuaries.
Since sanctuaries like Periyar are spread across Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, and others are in the northern districts like Kannur and Wayanad
Kochi (around 120 km from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Kottayam is a convenient station (around 85 km from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary).

Some sanctuaries like Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are located on State Highway 17, about 18 km north of Marayoor town. Planning your itinerary based on the specific sanctuaries you want to visit is recommended.

FAQs :

The best time to visit Kerala wildlife sanctuaries is generally from September to March during the cooler, drier winter months, which is ideal for wildlife viewing and activities. For a lush green landscape and waterfalls, the monsoon season from June to September is suitable, though some areas may have limited access. The summer months, March to May, are also a comfortable time for a visit, with fewer crowds.

Yes, Kerala's wildlife sanctuaries are generally safe for tourists, especially when visiting with experienced local guides, following designated paths, and adhering to safety guidelines. The state is considered safe for travellers, with experienced guides and organized tours to ensure a worry-free experience.

A minimum of 2 to 3 days is enough to visit a single Kerala wildlife sanctuary, like Periyar National Park, to enjoy the main activities such as a boat safari and some eco-tourism options. If you plan to visit multiple sanctuaries or other destinations in Kerala, such as the backwaters or hill stations, a trip of 7 to 10 days is recommended to see more of the state.

For a day trip to a Kerala wildlife sanctuary, pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, and rain gear such as a light raincoat or umbrella. Essentials also include a daypack, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a camera to capture the scenery.

For the most diverse and popular wildlife viewing: Choose Thekkady. For eco-tourism focused on biodiversity and scenic landscapes: Choose Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. For exploring northern Kerala: Choose the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are interested in specific attractions like a lion park or crocodile rehabilitation center: Choose the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

A rental car is preferable for flexibility and convenience, as wildlife sanctuaries often have scattered attractions, and public transport can be limiting and crowded. While public buses serve the major routes and some sanctuaries like Parambikulam, a car allows you to cover more ground and access remote areas more easily.

Yes, there is mobile network connectivity, but it varies by sanctuary and specific location. Most major networks like BSNL, Airtel, and Vodafone have some coverage in places like Periyar Tiger Reserve, though signals can be weak in certain areas. Recently, BSNL began installing a tower in the Gavi village, which is within the Periyar reserve, to improve coverage in that specific area, as reported by The Hindu.

Yes, many Kerala wildlife sanctuaries, particularly those near popular areas like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, have restaurants and cafes, some within the sanctuary premises and many more in the nearby towns. These can range from the official park cafeteria to local eateries in the surrounding areas.

The best time for an international tourist to visit Kerala's wildlife sanctuaries is from September to March, as this is the peak season with pleasant, cool, and dry weather. During these months, expect less humidity and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the sanctuaries and other attractions like backwaters and hill stations.

Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary