Travel India Info

Visiting Kerala Wildlife Parks Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala provide refuge to many animals in Kerala such as Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, lions and elephants. WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES - NATIONAL PARKS IN KERALA

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary attracts visitors from all over the world. It is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake which is actually an artificial lake and stretches out for over 5000 hectares The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq kilometers. Since 1979 the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary has been designated as a Tiger Reserve. The grand artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the beauty of the park. A vast number of animal species such as, Elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Deer’s, Wild Dogs and several bird species inhabit this sanctuary. Begal Tiger Kerala Wildlife Boat cruises are also available in the sanctuary giving visitors the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake by taking a boat cruise. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season when rains provide a different source of water for the animals and hence they do not make their way over to the lake side. • The best time to visit is October to May. • Nearest Airport is Cochin Airport (approximately 190 kilometers, • Nearest Railway Station is Kottayam.

KUMARAKOM BIRD SANCTUARY – KERALA

This bird sanctuary is located on the scenic banks of the Vembanad Lake in the state of Kerala India. There are hundreds of species of birds here including some very rare ones. The sanctuary is a favorite haunt of several migratory birds such as the Siberian stork, egret, heron and teal to name a few. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between the months of June and August to watch resident birds. To watch migratory birds, November to February is the ideal time.

Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

This park stretches for about 97sq km but there is only a 10km pathway that visitors are asked to use. In an effort to cut down on erosion to the grasslands, taking walks off the pathways is not allowed. Plastic water containers are also banned in an attempt to discourage littering. The park is a pleasant place to enjoy a walk and admire the stunning mountainous and hilly scenery. The main attraction is the Nilgiri tahr (type of mountain goat). These goat like creatures are native to this region, and thrive on the grass covered land, forest and seem to favor rocky habitats. The tahrs were said to be in danger of extinction, but due to serious conservation work led by Clifford Rice, there are now estimated to be over 1100 tahrs in this area of parkland. The park also is home to Elephants, Sāmbhar's, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards. Open 08.00 - 17.30 daily. Please note: In addition to the entrance fee there is also an extra charge for taking video cameras into the park.