WILD LIFE KERALA

Kerala, with equatorial forests covering 12 % of its land, has a rich and varied flora and fauna. You may choose to stay in a jungle lodge/resort bordering the forest or try out the unique experience of a tree house in the forest and take on treks, forest-tours, fishing-camps accompanied by an experienced guide. See below a glimpse of the various wild life parks (forest area permitted for tourist visits). Please note that wild life hunting is a criminal offence in India, so keep your ace lenses ready to shoot that picture of a life time when you see an elephant cuddling its baby or deers block your way in gay abandon or a peacock chooses to dance to its mirth…..

We will help you choose and organize a trip to one of these locations below based on your itinerary and time availability.

 

Eravikulam National Park :
This sanctuary was set up specially for the preservation of Nilgiri Tahr, one of the seriously endangered animals. Now the number of tahrs has increased and they constitute the largest known population of tahrs existing in the world. In addition to tahr, the park shelters elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, tigers and leopards. Munnar, the nearest town, which is connected to Kottayam (148 km.) and Ernakulam (130 km.) by road. There is a motorable road upto Rajamally. Further, travel is on foot, but the trekking is really enjoyable.
 
Silent Valley National Park :



The Silent Valley contains India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests and it is perhaps the only vestige of a near virgin forest in the whole of the Western Ghats. Elephants, tigers, wild dog, flying squirrel and lion-tailed macaque are found here.From Mukkali one has to cover at least 24 km on foot to reach the source of river Kuntipuzha,which flows through the valley. Nearest railhead is Palghat, 75 km away. Admission to this part is restricted. Prior permission is required to visit the part. For further detail contact: The Divisional Forest Officer, Palghat.
 
Thekkady (Periyar) Wildlife Sanctuary :

The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady, one of India's major sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife areas encircle. In addition to the wild life, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting in for one or two weeks of serious observations.
 

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary :


This bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km. Formed between the branches of River Periyar. The rivers are rich in fishlife and are shallow for most of the year. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. are also seen.
 
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. Agasthyakoodam of 1890 metres elevation is in this sanctuary. Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, Nilgiri Langur etc. are seen. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions near the dam site.
 

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary :

Situated along the Nagarhole river, this area of forest offers you a rich visual treat of tigers, elephants, deers, peacocks and varied birds. However, the best time to spot animals would be summer when they move out from the dense interiors to the river side. Experienced guides take you around the forest in the early morning and dusk in SUVs to spot animals. You can also take a boat ride in the river to spot various birds, alligators and elephants splashing about in waters. Retreat your resort at sun set to enjoy freshly cooked hot meal, some beer and warmth of the camp fire.