Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is home to some of India’s most biodiverse and scenic wildlife sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers. Here are the top wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that offer incredible experiences:

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – The Most Famous Tiger Reserve

 Location: Thekkady, Idukki
 Best for: Elephant and tiger sightings, boat safaris, bamboo rafting

Why Visit?

✅ Kerala’s largest and most popular wildlife reserve.
✅ Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and Nilgiri langurs.
✅ Unique boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife.
✅ Activities: Jungle trekking, bamboo rafting, night safaris.

 Best time to visit: September – April

2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – The Land of Elephants & Leopards

 Location: Wayanad
 Best for: Elephants, leopards, and birdwatching

Why Visit?

✅ Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO-listed).
✅ Home to Indian bison (gaur), elephants, and sloth bears.
✅ Best for jeep safaris through dense forests.
✅ Includes Muthanga and Tholpetty forest ranges, ideal for spotting large mammals.

 Best time to visit: October – May

3. Silent Valley National Park – The Last Tropical Rainforest

 Location: Palakkad
 Best for: Birdwatching, trekking, and rare wildlife sightings

Why Visit?

✅ One of the last undisturbed rainforests in India.
✅ Home to the rare Lion-Tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Great Hornbill.
✅ Best for trekking and deep jungle exploration.
✅ A paradise for nature photographers and conservationists.

 Best time to visit: December – April

4. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – The Hidden Wildlife Gem

 Location: Palakkad
 Best for: Tigers, tribal eco-tourism, and camping

Why Visit?

✅ Less crowded than Periyar but equally rich in biodiversity.
✅ A protected tiger reserve with over 40+ tigers.
✅ Unique treehouse stays and eco-tourism managed by tribal communities.
✅ Best for guided safaris, trekking, and overnight camping.

 Best time to visit: October – March

5. Eravikulam National Park – Home of the Nilgiri Tahr

 Location: Munnar
 Best for: Neelakurinji flowers (once in 12 years), Nilgiri Tahr sightings

Why Visit?

✅ The best place to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat).
✅ Stunning rolling hills, tea plantations, and misty landscapes.
✅ The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years, turning the hills blue!
✅ Home to over 120 species of butterflies and rare birds.

 Best time to visit: September – March (closed during the monsoon for animal breeding season)

6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – The Dry Forest Reserve

 Location: Idukki
 Best for: Star tortoises, Indian gaurs, and guided nature walks

Why Visit?

✅ One of the few dry deciduous forests in Kerala.
✅ Home to grizzled giant squirrels, mugger crocodiles, and spotted deer.
✅ Best for night safaris and trekking along riverbanks.
✅ Ideal for camping and eco-tourism experiences.

 Best time to visit: December – April

7. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A Peaceful Escape Near Trivandrum

 Location: Near Thiruvananthapuram
 Best for: Lion Safari Park, crocodile farm, and trekking

Why Visit?

✅ Less touristy, perfect for a peaceful nature getaway.
✅ Features a Lion Safari Park where lions roam freely.
✅ Neyyar Dam offers scenic boat rides with stunning views.
✅ Home to crocodiles, elephants, and exotic birds.

 Best time to visit: October – March

8. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – The Hidden Birdwatcher’s Paradise

 Location: Near Trivandrum
 Best for: Birdwatching, trekking, and boating

Why Visit?

✅ Home to Malabar Grey Hornbills, Indian Pittas, and woodpeckers.
✅ A mix of tropical forests, waterfalls, and lakes.
✅ Best for offbeat trekking trails and boat safaris.

 Best time to visit: November – February

9. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary – The Biodiversity Hotspot

 Location: Near Kollam
 Best for: Rare birds, butterflies, and jungle safaris

Why Visit?

✅ A part of the Western Ghats’ biodiversity hotspot.
✅ Best for spotted deer, Malabar civets, and leopards.
✅ Ideal for nature camping, trekking, and river boating.

 Best time to visit: October – April

10. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary – The Northern Beauty of Kerala

 Location: Kannur
 Best for: Offbeat nature treks and rare bird species

Why Visit?

✅ A less crowded, hidden wildlife sanctuary.
✅ Home to elephants, sambar deer, langurs, and over 200 species of birds.
✅ Ideal for nature walks and peaceful forest getaways.

 Best time to visit: October – May

 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala for Different Interests

✅ For Tiger and Elephant Safaris: Periyar, Wayanad, Parambikulam
✅ For Birdwatchers: Peppara, Shendurney, Aralam
✅ For Adventure & Trekking: Silent Valley, Chinnar, Neyyar
✅ For Unique Wildlife Experiences: Eravikulam (Nilgiri Tahr), Chinnar (Star Tortoises), Mannarasala (Snake Sanctuary)