Kerala popularly known as God’s Own Country has a wide variety of attractions. Kerala is home to wide variety of wildlife. The rare species of animals, birds, butterflies and marine life in Kerala is a unique and wonderful experience.
The dense green forests in Kerala have so many varieties of birds, butterflies and animals. Most of the wild life in Kerala is in its well maintained wild life sanctuaries. Apart from the scenic spots the wild life sanctuaries is another popular tourist attraction in Kerala.
The wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala provide shelter to various forms of wildlife and also offer the tourists an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife in close quarters in the natural surroundings.
The species of animals present in the sanctuaries include lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Leopards, Elephants, Tigers, Civet cats, monkeys, squirrels and many more. Besides the wild animals sanctuaries are home to wide variety of birds and butterflies.
Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in India is situated on the banks of Periyar lake in Kerala. The sanctuary is renowned for the large herd of elephants.
The dense evergreen forests and the grassland provides a favorable environment to the herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. This is the only place where you can see wild animals in close quarters. Elephant ride and trekking to the Mangaladevi temple are other entertainment option here.
2. Eravikulam National Park
The Eravikulam national park located about 15 km from Munnar is renowned for the endangered mountain goat of South India Nilgiri Tahr. Other major attractions of the Eravikulam National Park are the rolling grasslands and shoals, which spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.
The highest peak of South India, Anamudi, is situated in here. The Eravikulam National Park has three different areas; the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Among the three only the tourism area is allowed for visitors.
3. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Aralam wildlife sanctuary located about a distance of 35 km from Thalassery spread over 55 sq km of forested land on the slopes of the Western Ghats. This Sanctuary has large variety of wonderful flora and Fauna.
The main fauna present at the Aralam wildlife sanctuary include boar, deer, elephant and bison while jungle cats, Leopards and various types of squirrels. Aralam Sanctuary is well known for the Central State Farm, which produces hybrid coconut seeds and is one of the main production centers in the country.
4. Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
The Begur wildlife sanctuary situated about 20 km from Mananthavady in Wayanad district is another beautiful wildlife sanctuary surrounded by lush green and dense forests. This sanctuary is a home to several species of animals like elephant, leopard, spotted deer, bison, tiger, bear and wild boar.
5. Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley National Park is the heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It covers an area of about 90 sq km. The important inhabitants in this park include rare birds, tiger and deer. Numerous other species of wildlife like butterflies, moths, Great Indian Hornbill; Lion tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Laughing thrushes are seen here. The Park is home to a fragile and unique tropical evergreen rain forest.
