Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerela

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

The Western Ghats of Kerala are lush, verdant and consist of dense and thick rainforests. There are so many wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that one can never tire out if one has come looking for nature, wildlife and thrill. Several wildlife reserves house several species of birds and animals. People throng these places to glimpse into the nature, the bio diversity and the unique eco system. The tourist attractions here are majorly the national parks and several reserves. Given below are species of reptiles and animals found in all the sanctuaries mentioned below them.

The animals found in the Kerala sanctuaries are gaur, sambar, deer, wild dogs, langur, wild boars, tigers, grizzled giant squirrels, leopards, sloth bears, lion tailed macaques, Elephants, jungle cats, Hanuman langurs, malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, barking deer, panthers, spotted deer, Nilgiri Tahrs, wild dogs, peacocks, star tortoises, The Atlas moth, civet cats, macaques, Loris, mongoose, foxen, bears, pangolins, bison, bonnet, bears etc..

The reptiles found in the sanctuaries are Viper, Cobra, a number of non poisonous snakes, krait, crocodiles, bicoloured frogs, cane turtles, varanur pond terrapins, geckoes, star tortoises, chameleons, skunks, pythons, spectacled cobras, rat snakes, green keel backs, vine snakes, monitor lizards etc.

Below is a list of sanctuaries located in Kerala.

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary

The Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 20 km from Wayanad district of Kerala. This sanctuary is at Mananthavady in Wayanad close to the Western Ghats. The best time to come here is between the months of December and May.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is 60 km from Munnar, Idukki. The Idukki Chinnar wildlife sanctuary sprawls over a region of 90 sq km. It is situated somewhere 500-2000 meters above the sea level. One can spot the rare grizzled squirrel here. The best time to visit this place anytime except the monsoon months.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Muthanga wildlife sanctuary also referred to as Wayanad sanctuary is situated in the well shielded regions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This place is spread over 344 sq km. It was estabilished in 1973. The best time to visit this place is between the months of June to October.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The most prominent of all the sanctuaries Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is considered to be one of the most beautiful sanctuaries of India. It is known for the 200 species that it houses. The best time to be here is between October and March.

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife

Located 22 km from Trissur, Peechi Vazhani houses wildlife like Palapilli - Nelliampathy. This sanctuary is one of the most famous sanctuaries in India. The sanctuary lies between dams of Peechi and Vazhani. The best time to be here is October to March when the weather is pleasant.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located between Annamalai mountains of Taminadu and Nelliampathy mountains ranges of Kerala. The Palakkad Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary covers a mind boggling expanse of nearly 285 square kilometres. The Anna Malai hills are spread all across this sanctuary over .The best time to visit this place is from October to March.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated around 50 km from Trivandrum, This wildlife sanctuary covers a large area of approximately of 53 square kilometers. This wildlife sanctuary was declared one in the year 1983. This sanctuary has one of a kind eco system. It is the core of various life forms. The best time to visit this place is between the months of October to March.

Silent Valley National Park

This park lies in the verdant hills of Kundali in Palakkad. This Silent Valley national park is supposed to be one of the most untouched by human intervention. The place is very dearly protected by the scientists as they value the place for its rich bio diversity.  The best time to visit this place is during the months between September and March.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located some 66 km away from Kollan town in Kerala. This sanctuary has been named after a tree which is known as a Chenkuruny. The rivers Shenduruny and Kalatupuzha are at its very centre. The best time to visit this place is probably between the months of October and May.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary was formed in the year 1983 by a very famous and learned Indian ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. This sanctuary is situated in the Kothamangalam district of Idukki. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between the months of September and March.