Wild Sanctuaries & Destinations in Kerala

Kerala is a mystic land featuring some of India's most amazing wildlife experiences. Full of rich forest cover, Kerala houses exciting forest reserves and national parks that are great crowd-pullers all year round. In these wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves, you can experience the most thrilling, abundant, rare, and exotic species of flora and fauna. You can visit these places for a fun forest safari and a captivating jungle experience you will never forget.

List of top wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala to visit

Kerala has two tiger reserves and 14 wildlife sanctuaries that attract domestic and international tourists. Each of these forest reserves and sanctuaries is famous for its unique range of flora and fauna. No doubt, these destinations are a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. There is an endless expanse to explore when it comes to the wild spaces in Kerala. However, if you want to discover wildlife at its best, then make sure you visit these  best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala

1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

One of the best wildlife reserves in Kerala, this forest reserve lies near to the Annamalai hills. This tiger reserve offers great safari trips for everyone. You dont have to pay extra fees if your child is under ten. Along with that, the safari contains toilet facilities. This is very useful if several ladies and children are in your group. There are trekking facilities for an adult group of bachelors or families(if they wish to). 

 If you are visiting this tiger reserve with your family and wish to trek,it would be advisable to take the Elephant Song Trekking Trial. There are toilets and drinking water facilities. Therefore, you will not have any problem with trekking here with your family members. If you are a college student, you will like the jungle camps.

If you choose the Treetop Hut jungle camp,you will get to stay in a tree house, and you will be able to hear the chirpy songs of birds and the trumpets of the elephants nearby. If you can rent a car in Palakkad, you can also go on a jungle safari.

2. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary  

If you stay in Kochi, or visiting Kochi for a short period,don’t miss Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Located behind the Kerala high court building, this sanctuary contains a wide variety of birds. In fact, not only birds, you will even get to see more than 50 kinds of spiders and around 15-16 species of butterflies. The scenic beauty of this place is also breathtaking.

 The sanctuary is open on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM. It is better to come to see this sanctuary within 9:30 AM because there are a lot of things to see and as time passess, the place gets so crowded, especially around lunchtime, that people may find it difficult to look around. This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, and children and biology students love this place.

Also Read: Top Hill Stations in Kerala You Must Visit

3. Periyar Tiger Reserve

If we are talking about wildlife sanctuaries, then how can we forget the Periyar Tiger Reserve? This place is near Thekkady and is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. There is a separate entry fee for adults and children,and this place opens for the visitors as early as at 6 AM.In this reserve,you can see tigers,a few types of bears and jackals.There are two other attractions in this area that you can try. One is the trekking cum rafting program which will cost you only Rs. 750 per person. Another place that you can visit once you come to this tiger reserve is the museum. There are dormitory facilities if you wish to stay for one night while camping with your friends. You will enjoy staying one whole day near this tiger reserve. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a must-visit place for wildlife enthusiasts. Tiger lovers from across the world visit this forest reserve for a thrilling experience of rich wildlife. It is a perfect destination for a holiday with family, especially if you have kids. Children will surely love the jungle safari, which will be a learning experience as they explore nature and wildlife.

4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Idukki district. This sanctuary is mainly famous for the various kinds of snakes available here. This sanctuary opens from 6 AM to 6 PM. Other than the snakes, there are various kinds of crocodiles and turtles.

If you have children with you, they will love the elephant ride, jeep safari, etc. Close to this wildlife sanctuary, there is a sandalwood forest you can visit. Entry to this forest is free and the opening and closing times are the same as that of this wildlife sanctuary. However, when you enter the forest, you will be allowed to stay at most for 1 hour.

Also Read: One day Trip From Kochi to Illikkal Kallu  

5. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

The last one on this list has to be from Wayanad, where you can find a great variety of flora and fauna. There are three wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad:Sultan Bathery, Kurichat, and Muthanga. Most of the trees found in this sanctuary help in making strong furniture. You will find peacocks, jackals, tigers, elephants, civet cats, monkeys, cuckoos(if you are lucky enough), vultures,and even bison. Due to heavy rainfall, this sanctuary remains unusually cold March and April. Therefore, if you wish to visit this wildlife reserve, then you can choose the months of October, November, and February. Trekkers often come to this place in September and October to trek or cycle. 

Along with that, you can opt for camping trips over here. Like the Periyar Tiger Reserves, you can spend the night here, camping and take advantage of the jungle safari and some adventure sports here. You can try rock climbing, archery, kayaking, and trekking to Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad. There is every kind of sport for people from a variety of tastes.  If you book a camping trip for two days, you will be taken for this trekking by the organizers themselves. 

There are many more wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. It is not possible to visit all of them in one go or even all the five mentioned here in one trip. You can visit the Periyar forest reserve and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, or the bird sanctuary in one day because; Idukki is very close to Thekkady. However, you would require the help of any tour company or a private car company that will arrange these tours for you. If you keep at least five days in hand, you can go through all these forest destinations individually.

Conclusion 

Plan your trip to the best wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves of Kerala. The best way to reach these destinations is through a rented car. You can hire cars from IndusGo at reasonable prices, explore the route to these destinations, and easily reach the location without any hassles. Forest trips are always fun, and if you have a convenient mode of transport to reach your destination, things become easier. Make sure you have everything planned for your next holiday trip, and visit these fascinating forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries for a fun experience.