Stunning Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala Explore | Travel Rethink Ways

Chinnar, located in the Idukki district. Spanning over 90.44 square kilometres, it offers a stunning experience of wildlife watching. Moreover, this sanctuary is known for its unique vegetation. The forest area features a unique mix of dry deciduous trees and thorny shrubs. In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors can enjoy nature walks, trekking, and camping. One of the highlights here is the Thoovanam Cascade, formed by the Pambar River. Flowing gracefully during the monsoon season, it is a popular tourist attraction within the sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit: December to April

An unmissable place for wildlife exploration in Kerala is Eravikulam National Park. Located in the Kannan Devan Hills, it lies approximately 8 to 13 kilometres from the popular tourist destination of Munnar. Spanning 97 square kilometres in the southern Western Ghats, the park showcases undulating terrain blanketed with lush plantations that offer a breathtaking experience. Furthermore, the picture-perfect scenery of the region draws countless visitors year-round.

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Neyyar is a haven for diverse wildlife and is popular among enthusiasts. It is located in the capital city of Kerala, in the Thiruvananthapuram district. This sanctuary is situated nearer to the Neyyar Dam, which is a popular tourist attraction. The sanctuary covers an area of around 128 square kilometres. It provides shelter to a large variety of wild animals, including tigers, sloth bears, leopards, elephants, sambhars, etc. The wildlife safari offers an exhilarating experience.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Tucked away in the Palakkad district, Parambikulam is one of the finest places to experience in Kerala. Remarkably, the sanctuary is home to 39 species of mammals, including iconic creatures like the Bengal tiger, elephant, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, and bison. In addition to its thriving mammal population, it also supports 47 species of reptiles, 268 species of birds, and 124 species of butterflies, making it a true paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers alike

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Situated in the Palakkad district, Silent Valley National Park is a breathtaking expanse of dense tropical forest. Widely regarded as one of the most magnificent natural spots in Kerala, the park spans 89.52 square kilometres within a larger ecosystem covering 237.5 square kilometres. Teeming with wildlife, it provides a haven for elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian bison, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. Encircled by high ridges and steep escarpments, the park’s dramatic landscape is further enhanced by the River Kunthi, which flows gracefully through the entire valley. Furthermore, the forest nurtures diverse flora, including bamboo, teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and a range of medicinal plants.

Best Time to Visit: December to April

Located in the Ernakulam district, It is a favorite and eye-catching place for bird lovers. It offers a habitat for over 500 species of birds. Hawk-eagles, blue kingfishers, orange-headed thrushes, Indian cuckoos, Jerdon’s nightjars, Oriental darters, crested woodpeckers, black-headed orioles, bronzed drongos, yellow-browed bulbuls, and grey-fronted green pigeons are some of the bird species that can be spotted. Mammals such as leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and jungle cats also dwell in this region.

Best Time to Visit: October to March