Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Explore the Western Ghats in Kerala

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches across Kerala, offering breathtaking mountains, dense forests, waterfalls, trekking trails, and rich biodiversity. Whether you love adventure, wildlife, or scenic landscapes, Kerala’s Western Ghats have something for every traveler. Here’s how you can explore the Western Ghats in Kerala:

1. Trekking Through the Western Ghats

Kerala’s mountainous terrain is perfect for trekkers of all levels.

Best Treks in Kerala’s Western Ghats:

✅ Meesapulimala Trek (Munnar) – Second-highest peak in Kerala (8,661 ft), offering breathtaking sunrise views.
✅ Agasthyakoodam Trek (Trivandrum) – A spiritual and nature trek through rare medicinal plants (requires special permission).
✅ Chembra Peak (Wayanad) – Famous for its heart-shaped lake and panoramic valley views.
✅ Banasura Hill Trek (Wayanad) – A challenging trek through grasslands and dense forests.
✅ Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Trek (Munnar) – Highest organic tea estate in the world, accessible only via off-road jeep and trekking.

 Best time for trekking: October – March (after monsoon for clear views and pleasant weather)

2. Wildlife Safaris in the Western Ghats

Kerala’s Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare wildlife.

Top Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks:

✅ Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady) – Famous for boat safaris on Periyar Lake, spotting tigers, elephants, and sambar deer.
✅ Silent Valley National Park (Palakkad) – Home to Lion-Tailed Macaques and the Great Hornbill, with deep jungle trekking options.
✅ Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (Palakkad) – Best for eco-tourism, tribal village experiences, and guided safaris.
✅ Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, known for elephants, leopards, and Malabar giant squirrels.
✅ Eravikulam National Park (Munnar) – Best place to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

 Best time for wildlife safaris: November – April (dry season for better animal sightings)

3. Exploring Waterfalls in the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats in Kerala are dotted with spectacular cascading waterfalls.

Must-Visit Waterfalls:

✅ Athirapally Waterfalls (Thrissur) – Kerala’s biggest and most famous waterfall, known as the Niagara of India.
✅ Soochipara Waterfalls (Wayanad) – Ideal for rock climbing and swimming in a natural pool.
✅ Meenmutty Waterfalls (Wayanad) – A three-tiered waterfall reached via trekking.
✅ Palaruvi Waterfalls (Kollam) – "Stream of Milk," believed to have medicinal properties.

 Best time to visit waterfalls: June – September (monsoon season for full flow)

4. Off-Road Jeep Safaris & Adventure Rides

To explore Kerala’s remote Western Ghats, off-road jeep safaris are a thrilling experience.

Best Off-Road Experiences:

✅ Kolukkumalai (Munnar) – The highest tea plantation in the world, accessible only by off-road jeep rides.
✅ Gavi (Pathanamthitta) – A secluded forest eco-tourism destination, best explored in jeeps.
✅ Vattavada (Munnar) – Offbeat vegetable farms and forest trails with stunning landscapes.
✅ Ponmudi (Trivandrum) – Winding roads through misty mountains and lush greenery.

 Best time for off-road safaris: October – March (dry season for smooth rides)

5. Experiencing Eco-Tourism in the Western Ghats

For those who love sustainable and green travel, Kerala offers eco-tourism villages, forest stays, and organic farms.

Best Eco-Tourism Experiences:

✅ Thenmala Eco-Tourism (Kollam) – India’s first planned eco-tourism destination with canopy walks and trekking.
✅ Gavi (Periyar Reserve) – Stay in eco-lodges, treehouses, and enjoy boat rides in pristine nature.
✅ Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – Offers tribal eco-tourism experiences with forest camping.
✅ Kumarakom (Backwaters & Bird Sanctuary) – A model responsible tourism village with houseboat stays.

 Best time for eco-tourism: October – March (pleasant weather for outdoor activities)

6. Birdwatching & Photography in the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.

Best Birdwatching Spots:

✅ Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Ernakulam) – The best birdwatching destination in Kerala, home to Malabar Grey Hornbills and Indian Pittas.
✅ Silent Valley National Park – Spot endangered Lion-Tailed Macaques and Great Indian Hornbills.
✅ Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Watch flocks of migratory birds along Periyar Lake.

 Best time for birdwatching: November – February (winter months for migratory birds)

7. Staying in Treehouses & Forest Lodges

To experience the Western Ghats up close, stay in treehouses, jungle lodges, or plantation bungalows.

Best Treehouse Stays & Jungle Lodges:

✅ Vythiri Treehouse (Wayanad) – Luxury treehouse stay inside a rainforest.
✅ Rainforest Resort (Athirapally) – Offers a direct view of Athirapally Waterfalls.
✅ Parambikulam Treetop Stay (Palakkad) – Stay inside a tiger reserve with tribal guides.
✅ Kaivalyam Retreat (Munnar) – A forest yoga retreat inside the tea plantations.

 Best time for treehouse stays: October – March (cool climate, no heavy rains)

How to Plan Your Trip to the Western Ghats in Kerala

✅ For Adventure & Trekking: Munnar, Wayanad, Agasthyakoodam
✅ For Wildlife & Jungle Safaris: Periyar, Silent Valley, Parambikulam
✅ For Waterfalls & Scenic Drives: Athirapally, Soochipara, Ponmudi
✅ For Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel: Gavi, Thenmala, Kumarakom
✅ For Offbeat Experiences: Kolukkumalai, Vattavada, Gavi Jeep Safari