Wildlife
Nestled in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in kerala are twelve wild life sanctuaries and two national parks. Each a home to rare animals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants. No travel dictionary of kerala is complete without a visit to the wildlife sanctuaries. Some of them are famous tourist destinations by their own right while some are close to other well known tourist spots and hence easily accessible...
 
 
 
 
PERIYAR WILD LIFE SANTUARY

 One of the world's most fascinating natural wild life sanctuaries the Periyar reserve is noted for its Geomorphology, diverse wild life and beautiful landscape. the drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting, as the roads wind through tranquil country side, rich plantations and thick jungles.

The sanctuary which was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the project tiger scheme, attracts travelers from all over the world. This is the only sanctuary in India, where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest. 
The Periyar lake harbors within itself a unique aquatic ecosystem. The numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the intricate inherent interrelationship among the life forms. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve.

ACCESS : The entry point to the reserve is Thekkady, which is accessible by roads from the airports of Madurai (145kms), Cochin (190 kms) and Trivandrum (272 kms)
 
 
 
PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANTUARY

 Tucked away in the valley between the Anamala ranges of Tamil Nadu and Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic western ghats, is the Parambikulam wild life sanctuary.

ACCESS : Nearest airport- coimbatore (100 kms)
AREA : Total 285 square kms, 600 to 144 kms above sea level.

Several streams originate from the hill ranges and flow down Westward to join river Chalakudi.

Ideally suited to the growth of Teak, large scale teak plantation through artificial regeneration has been encouraged in the sanctuary, and managed in such a way as to restore the forest to its original state.
 
SILENT VALLEY WILDLIFE SANTUARY

 The sanctuary is situated 40 km away from Mannarghat in Palghat District. It extends to an area of 90 sq. km . Silent Valley contains India's last substantial stretch of tropical ever green forests. Elephant, Tiger, Wild Boar, Flying Squirrel and Lion-Tailed-Macaque can be seen here.

Transport: From Palghat there are frequent buses from Mannarghat(40 km). Mannarghat is connected to Mukkali (19 km) by bus. Silent Valley is 18km away from Mukkali which can be reached by Jeep or Truck.
 

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

This park with an area of  97 sq. km. lies at crest of the Anamalai range in Munnar, 130 km away from Cochin. This can be reached only by trekking from Rajamala, 17 km from Munnar and is famous for Nilgiri Tahr, one of the most seriously endangered species. Elephant, Sambar, Gaur, Lion-Tailed-Macaque, Nilgiri Langur etc can also be seen here.

Accommodation facilities are available at Munnar. Munnar is connected with Kottayam(148 km) and Thekkady (100 km) by road.
 
CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This sanctuary is situated 70 km away from Munnar near Marayur on the Munnar-Udumalpet route. It extends to an area of  90 sq. km. The forest is mixed deciduous type with occasional Shrubs and Throny types. Due to the proximity of Eravikulam National Park and Anamalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, this sanctuary is rich in wildlife. There are frequent buses from Munnar to Marayur.
 
PEPPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This sanctuary is situated near Vithura, 50 km away from Trivandrum-Ponmudi road. It extends to an aea of 53 sq.km. This is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with evergreen and semi evergreen forests and Ecualyptus plantations. Elephant, Sambar, Leopard and Lion-Tailed-Macaque are commonly seen here.
 
NEYYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This sanctuary is situated 32 km away from Trivandrum city. The main scenic attraction of this sanctuary is Neyyar Reservoir. There is a wide range of herbivorus, carnivorus and omnivorus in the sanctuary. The animals found here are Elephants, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Tahr etc.

There is an inspection bungalow of the Forest Department for accommodation.
 
THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY(70 km from Cochin)

This sanctuary, located 20 km away from Kothamangalam on the Cochin- Munnar road, is the most important Bird Sanctuary in Kerala. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar Grey-Hornbill, Wood Pecker, Rose Winged and Blue Winged Paracket etc. Rare birds like Ceylon Frog- Moth, Rose Billed Roller etc are also seen here. A boat cruise from Boothankettu to Thattekad is an unforgettable experience through the evergreen forest nestling migratory and indigenous birds. The best time for a visit is in morning from 5 to 6. There is an inspection bungalow at Boothathankettu and there are midrange hotels at Kothamangalam.
 
KUMARAKOM BIRD SANCTUARY(16 km from Kottayam)

Kumarakom an unbeleivably beutiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy feilds and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting water ways and canals adorned with white lilies and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an Ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Strok, Egret, Darter Heron and Teal. Other common varieties like the Wood Pecker, Skylark, Crane Water Hen, and Parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembenad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake can be acessed by boat from here.

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