KERALA WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 35 km from Thalasserry and 60 km from Kannur town.

The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here. Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Thalasserry, about 35 km.

Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 71 km from Thalasserry town.

Begur Wildlife SanctuarY 

Location: About 20 km east of Mananthavady, Wayanad district, north Kerala.

The district of Wayanad lies on an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats. Historians are of the opinion that organised human life existed in these parts of Kerala at least ten centuries before Christ. In this virgin land, which has not seen much human habitation later, is the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests here are amongst the most beautiful locales of Kerala. The region has a wealth of diverse species of plants and animals and is of great interest to nature lovers.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery in Kannur district is about 80 km from Mananthavady.

Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 106 km

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: About 60 km from Munnar,Idukki district.

A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. The last world count of these squirrels was less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking. An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction. This is also an ideal place to watch herds of Bisons amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be spotted on either sides of the road.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam about 130 km from Munnar.

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 km from Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

Location: 15 km from Munnar.

Visiting hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area - Rajamalai - the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Here one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters. Don't make this your destination for a monsoon visit because visitors are not allowed here during this season.

Getting there Eravikulam is 15 kms from Munnar.

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, about 142 km from Munnar; Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.

Nearest Airport: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 142 km; Cochin International Airport, about 150 km.

Idduki Wildlife Sanctuary 

Location: About 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district, central Kerala.

A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 77 sq km in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of the district. Situated at an altitude of 450-748 m above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni river and the Periyar river. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered by an enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and offers boat rides. Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc. The wildlife here is similar to that of Thekkady. This sanctuary lies adjacent to the world renowned Idukki Arch Dam.

Getting there Thodupuzha - Kochi is about 58 km.

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam about 114 km; Changanassery about 114 km away.

Nearest Airport: Madurai in neighbouring Tamilnadu, about 140 km away; Kochi international airport, about 190 km away.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: About 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery, Wayand district, north Kerala.

Best time to visit: June to October.

Attractions: Freely roaming elephants and tigers.

An ideal destination to watch herds of wild elephants, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area network of the Nagarhole National Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the neighbouring State of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with fauna and flora, and comes under Project Elephant. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. The trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department.

Getting there Thodupuzha - Kochi is about 58 km.

Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode, about 97 km by road from Sulthan Bathery.

Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, nearly 120 km from Sulthan Bathery.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 110 km from Palakkad

Parambikkulam is an oasis of tranquil greenery nestled in a valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamilnadu and the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala. The Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 285 sq km on the Western Ghats. The sanctuary offers an exotic experience of the rare fauna of Kerala. Quite a few hill tribes, like the Malayars, the Kadas and the Muthuvans also live in the jungles of Parambikkulam. The fauna here include bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, lion tailed macaques, tigers, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants and black eagles. The sanctuary also has a variety of trees mainly teak, neem, sandalwood and rosewood. The oldest teak tree 'Kannimari' stands tall here. Boat cruises can be arranged in the Parambikkulam Reservoir. Trekking in the sanctuary is possible with the permission of forest officials. There is a tree-house in the Reserve Forest area in Thoonakkadavu, the headquarters of Parambikkulam, which has to be booked in advance. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode offer comfortable lodging.

Getting there Parambikkulam is accessible by a road from Pollachi in Tamilnadu. Palakkad-Pollachi is about 45 km by road and Pollachi-Parambikkulam is about 65 km by road.

Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi about 65 km

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore in Tamilnadu state, about 55 km from Palakkad.

Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 20 KM east of Thrissur

The hot spot we recommend for you this month is the Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district. Established in 1958, this 125sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli Nelliampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary. Having an abundance of enchanting flora and fauna and a lake where you can go boating, this place is a treat for the nature lover. There are more than 50 different kinds of orchids, innumerable rare medicinal plants, teak, rosewood, and so on. The wildlife population includes over 25 types of mammals including carnivores like the leopard, the tiger and the fox and herbivores like the elk, deer, barking deer, spotted deer, the bison and the elephant. More than 60 types of birds and 10 types of snakes are also found. The highest peak in the sanctuary is the 923 m high Ponmudi. The average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. For visiting tourists, accommodation is available at the rest house and the information centre at Peechi.

Getting there Parambikkulam is accessible by a road from Pollachi in Tamilnadu. Palakkad-Pollachi is about 45 km by road and Pollachi-Parambikkulam is about 65 km by road.

By road: There are direct buses from Thrissur to Peechi.

Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur.

Nearest Airport: Kochi, 98 km away.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: About 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram city enroute to Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram district, south Kerala.r

Lying on the outskirts of the capital city, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938. The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions. The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Elephants, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant are commonly seen here. Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the damsite and provide more entertainment/leisure facilities here.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km from the sanctuary.

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram, about 56 km from the sanctuary.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary 

Location: Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district, central Kerala

The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters. Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation options set in the sylvan lake side background. The romantic Lake Palace, formerly a summer retreat of the Maharaja of Travancore, is built on a small island accessible only by boat. Aranya Nivas(Jungle Retreat) a stone lodge with rubble masonry and colonial style of architecture at the head of the lake is a premium property of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Activities at Thekkady

1. Boating in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Timing 0700, 0930, 1400 & 1600 hours) – duration 2 hours

      Rs.125/- PER HEAD ENTERENCE EXTRA (ENTERANCE FEE - FOREIGNER  Rs.300/- AND INDIAN Rs.25/-)

2. Trekking (Timing 0700, 1030 & 1400 hours)-Duration 3 hrs -     Rs.600/- FOR A GROUP OF 05 PEOPLE + ENTARENCE

3. Bamboo Rafting (from 0800 to 1700 hours) -    Rs.1100/- + ENTERANCE (maximum 10 persons per day) includes break fast + lunch)

4. Border Hiking (From 0800 to 1700 hours) -     Rs.800/- + ENTERANCE (includes break fast and lunch)

5. GaviForest ( JEEP SAFFARI)   (from 0530 to 1730 hours) -       Rs.2000/-( includs breakfast ,lunch , trekking, boating, sightseeing)

6. Night Trekking (1900 to 2200 & 2200 to 0100 am) -       RS.550/- + ENTERANCE

7. Bullock Cart Ride (0600 to 1200 & 1300 to 1800 hrs) -       Rs.750/-(includes, vegetable farm visit, grapes farm visit, tea snacks)

8. Spice Plantation Tour (1.30 hours) any time from 800 am to 6pm -        Rs.100/- PER HEAD

9. Elephant Ride (30 minutes) from 0900 am to 5.30 pm -        Rs.350/- PER HEAD

10. Visit to TribalVillage (only model) -        Rs.50/- PER HEAD 

11. Cloud walk  09 am to 01 pm and 02 pm to 06 pm -          Rs.200/- PER HEAD + ENTERANCE

12. Peryar Tiger Trail. (05person per group  twice a week)

        (Programe  1 -  01night 02 days camping inside the forest start at 09am Food and accomodation in Tent)
         Rs.3000/- PER PERSON ( MINIMUM Rs.5000/-)

         (Programme 2  -02night 03 days camping inside the forest start at 09 am food and accomodation in Tent)
        Rs.5000/- PER PERSON ( MINIMUM Rs.7500/-)

PROGRAMMES ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, about 114 km

Nearest Airport: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 140 km; Cochin International Airport, about 190 km.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 66 km from Kollam town on the Kollam - Shencotta Road, in Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district.

Remember the last time you had a really wild time. This month, we invite you for another bash in a tropical semi-evergreen forest! For company, youll have some die-hard party animals - elephants, tigers, leopards, bisons, sambar, wild boar, lion-tailed macaques, langurs, deer - and most of the other regular inhabitants of a wild, West Coast tropical evergreen forest. The Shenduruny forest - declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 gets its name from an endemic species of tree called Chenkuruny (Gluta travancoria). In the central region of this moist, mixed deciduous forest, spread over hilly terrain of over 100 sq km, is the 26 sq km artificial lake formed by the Parappar dam built across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers. But beautiful surroundings guaranteed to give those exhausted batteries a recharge is not all that the forest is famous for. According to some recent archaeological studies, Shenduruny was the cradle of one of the oldest river valley civilizations in India - one older than even the Indus Valley which dates from 4400 - 3700 BC! Paintings similar to those of the Mesolithic period (5210 - 4420 BC) found in the caves of central India, have been excavated from a cave, large enough to hold 20 people, in the northwestern part of the river.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Thenmala connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kashmir.

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram 72 km away.

Silent Valley National Park

Location: 40 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala.
Attractions: Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala.
The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south. The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Silent Valley National Park. Despite its name, the Silent Valley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger. Perhaps, nowhere else can one also find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals, over a 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths and other fauna like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-tailed Macaque. The river Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills, an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, and traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through the deep forest. The river Kunthi never turns brown and is always crystal clear, perennial and wild. The evapo-transpiration from these forests is much higher than from any other surfaces. This cools the atmosphere, helps easy condensation of water vapour and thus causes the summer rains.
Getting there
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad, about 80 km.
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (in neighbouring Tamilnadu State), about 55 km.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Location: About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent. Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmoth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here. Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.
Getting there
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva, about 48 km away..
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.