| Wildlife |
With about 24% of Kerala's land mass being occupied by its tropical deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, it is no wonder that the Kerala's biodiversity registers among the most significant in the world. Nestled along the thick forests in the Western Ghats are 14 wildlife sanctuaries and some of the most delightful wildlife trails in the country. Kerala host two wetlands of international importance – Vembanad and Shastamkota Lake and numerous protected areas like the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve which is under consideration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The sheer range of flora and fauna in Kerala is mesmerizing. From the Asian Elephant, the majestic Bengal Tiger to reptiles, rare birds and endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and giant squirrel, Kerala has an awesome wild life experience to offer. Kerala has a well organized setup for Wild life trails with trained professionals to assist tourists and memorable experiences like elephant safaris and jungle treks on offer. We have enlisted a few of the reserves in the land and the types of flora and fauna seen there for your reference:
 Periyar Tiger Reserve
Bengal tiger
This green land is the oldest and one of the twenty-seven reserves in India. Located in the southern region of the Western Ghats, this rambling 777 sq kilometer of foliage is a habitat of the Asian elephants. A storehouse of rampant, rare and diminishing biota, this sanctuary is a major seminal point for two important rivers, Periyar and Pamba. This area is also renowned for the two pilgrimage centers- Sabarimala and Mangala Devi Temple.
Periyar is a combination of tropical evergreen, semi-green, moist deciduous forests and grasslands. The statistics records prove that there are 62 species of mammals, 320 variety of colorful birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, 38 species of fish and 160 collections of butterflies and 1,966 varieties of flowers. 'The Travancore Evening Brown', one of the most difficult to find butterflies in the world was spotted here. Boat cruises are a trilling experience at dawn and dusk when the chances of viewing wildlife are bright. Herds of gaur, sambar and wild boar can often be noticed in a distance grazing in the grasslands. If you are lucky enough then you might see the pride and national animal of India, the Indian Tiger. Water birds like darters, grey herons, egrets and kingfishers can be sighted here. Some of the India's most fascinating rain forests are found here, and there is an opportunity to observe not only mammal species such as the sloth bear and the Nilgiri languor but also rare birds like Paradise flycatcher, racket tailed drongo and pied hornbill. The Periyar Valley, a great place for wildlife lovers, bird watchers and trekkers, is also a holiday of choice for families. There are three watch towers for observing wild life- at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi.
 Eravikulam National Park
Nilgiri tahr
It is located 15km from Munnar and the hills is the famous Eravikulam National Park. Anamudi is also located at the southern end of the park. The star attraction of the park is the endangered mountain goat species known as the Nilgiri Thars. About 50 per cent of the world population of this species of goats is found in this park. It is estimated that there are around 1500 goats in the park. Eravikulam is also home to the famous Nilakurinji flower which blooms only once in 12 years.
 Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Giant squirrel
Close to Munnar while lesser known compared to the Eravikulam Park, this is a unique park due to its Ecological and floral significance. The grizzly giant squirrel is the star attraction of this sanctuary. The sandalwood forest here and the treasure trove of medicinal plants are additional attractions of Chinnar. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the White bison here too. Besides this, Chinnar has a rich reptilian fauna including the mugger crocodile and 29 species of snakes.
 Silent Valley National Park
lion-tailed macaque
Located 120 km from Kozhikode, Silent Valley National Park is one of the rare tropical evergreen rainforests to have survived untouched by the destructive tendencies of man since time immemorial. The park is home to the lion-tailed macaque and orchids of various colours and shapes. Malabar orchids and Srilankan Orchids are star attractions over here. The birds around the area include the black bulbul, hill myna and the blue winged parakeet to mention a few. Trekking options are available here and it is certainly worth a visit if you have your camera and binoculars in hand.
 Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
spotted deer
Located in the Palakkad district along the Western Ghats, this sanctuary offers really challenging trekking paths and vast lakes for boating. Parambikulam was also known to be the favorite haunt of the legendary ornithologist, Salim Ali. With 3 dams and a series of connected reservoirs, the fringes of the catchment areas are ideal for wild life viewing with Elephants, spotted deers and gaurs being regular visitors. The sanctuary also boasts of the largest (49 meters tall) and oldest teak tree in the world. The sheer range of flora and fauna is mesmerizing the sloth bear and slender Loris to mention a few. This place is a trekker's paradise with well trained tribal guides for accompanying you.
 Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary
Indian Elephant
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises an area of 344.44 square kilometers which is combined by Muthunga in the south and Tholpetty in the north. Muthunga is a part of the Nilgiri biosphere region that is made up of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Plantations of teak, silver oak, rosewood and eucalyptus cover nearly a third of the sanctuary. Moist deciduous forest with few patches of semi-evergreens, bamboo groves and also varieties of ground flora, shrubs and creepers are found over here. The sanctuary is also enriched with various types of fauna. Elephants and deers are daily attractions of the sanctuary. Sometimes we can see them amidst of the thick bamboo groves eating or flanking the roads. The big cats, tiger and panther are infrequent visitors. Bonnet macaques and Langurs are the most common types of monkeys found here. According to 2004 census; 4 tigers, 6 leopards, 450 bison, 200 Great Malabar squirrels and 12 bears enhanced the beauty of this sanctuary. Reptiles like monitor lizards and varieties of snakes have also made this their home. Watching towers erected near waterholes are made for the ideal viewing of spots. You can still merge in the peacefulness of forest from your perch amid the tree tops.
 Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Located around 42km from Kochi, this sanctuary alternatively known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary after the legendary ornithologist is truly an avian paradise. This rubber plantation turned sanctuary has a rich bird repository to be comparable to the Himalayas. Wood peckers, drongos, crow pheasants and so on are common sights. If you are lucky you might spot uncommon species like Malabar grey hornbill, night heron, bee eater and fishing eagle. The range of animals in this protected area also merits mention. All facilities for a comfortable and fruitful bird watch are made available by authorities over here.
 Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
This 14 acre rubber plantation which was part of the Baker's Estate continues to attract and delight keen bird watchers. With Vembanad offering a ready source of fish and water it is no wonder why around 135 species of birds fly to Kumarakom in thousands. The sanctuary comes alive at dawn and dusk with shrill cries so a morning trip here will give you great sightings. Egrets, Indian Shag, Herons, kites and so on are among the inhabitants of the Sanctuary.
These are only some of the 14 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. The list just goes on and on. Be sure to not miss the great wildlife experience on offer in Kerala.
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