Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Notified as a wildlife sanctuary, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is just 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram. This sanctuary covering an area of about 128 sq. km forms the catchment area of the Neyyar DAM. With a rugged topography of meadows and slopes, altitudes ranging from 90 to 1800 meters above sea level, the sanctuary is contiguous with the Kalakkadu Tiger Reserve and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary in TamilNadu. The famous Agasthyamala and the Meenmutty falls form part of this sanctuary.

The sanctuary has a remarkable diversity of vegetation. There are over 1000 species of flowering plants, including some of the best orchids in the world. The faunal diversity is rich and fascinating. The endangered primates, the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri languor share the ever green forest. Other animals like bonnet macaque and giant squirrels are seen here. Elephants, Sambhar deer, gaur, barking deer, mouse deer and wild boar.

There is a Lion Safari Park spanning an area of four hectares and a Crocodile Farm established in 1977. Boats can be hired to explore the shores of the sanctuary. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation organizes (KTDC) tours to Neyyar Dam.

Kumarakom bird Sanctuary

16 km. west of Kottayam on the Vembanad lake. The Sanctuary teems with local waterfowls and over wintering migratory birds such as the Siberian storks. Boats are available for backwater cruises in the lake.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Thiruvananthapuram District

The catchment area of the Peppara Dam constructed across the Karamana River, was declared a Sanctuary in 1983.There are 13 tribal settlements in the Sanctuary – 11 of them in the Athirumala section and 2 in the Thodayar section. 50 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram city in Nedumangad taluk; Area: 53 sq.km; Topography: Hilly terrain 100 m to 1717 m above sea level.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary (Kollam District)

The Shenduruny forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984.The name Shenduruny comes from an endemic species of tree called Chenkurunny (Gluta travancoria), mainly confined on this region. The artificial lake formed by the Parappar Dam built across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers occupies the central region of the Sanctuary. Recent archaeological studies have revealed that Shenduruny was the cradle of one of the oldest river valley civilization in India – one older than Indus Valley(4400-3700 BC).Remains of a Stone Age culture belonging to the Mesolithic period, dating back 5210-4420 BC,have been excavated from a large cave at the northwestern part of the Shenduruny River. The cave which is large enough to hold 20 people at a time has painting similar to the Mesolithic paintings found in the caves of central India.Pathanapuram taluk, 66 km from Kollam on the Kollam – Shencotta road; Area: 100.32 sq.km; Lake: 26 sq.km;Topography:Hilly terrain 100 m to 1717 m above sea level.

Periyar Tiger Reserve (Idukki District)

This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the Western Ghats.One of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries; the Periyar Reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The Sanctuary declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger Scheme, attract travelers from all over the world. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observe and photographed at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest. Predominantly an evergreen biotope with great scenic beauty and rich assemblage of flora and fauna, Periyar epitomizes the opulent ecological and cultural diversity typical of tropical rain forests.Sabarimala the famous forest shrine of Lord Ayyappa, visited by around 5 million people annually, is situated on the western flank of the reserve.Periyar is a popular destination for thousands of tourist and nature lovers.

The Periyar Lake: Formed by the construction of the dam across the Mullaperiyar River in 1895, the lake harbors within itself a unique aquatic eco system. The numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the intricate inherent interrelationship among the terrestrial aquatic and subterranean life forms. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve.190 km west of Kochi or Cochin; Area: 777 sq.km; Core: 350sq.km; Periyar lake: 26 sq.km; Evergreen forest: 360 sq.km; Topography:900 m to over 2000 m above sea level.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki District

Spread over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, the Sanctuary was formed in 1976.The Idukki arch dam, the first major hydroelectric project in Kerala is situated here. The 33 sq.km.scenic lake around the Sanctuary – the Idukki reservoir is formed by the three dams Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu.40 km from Thodupuzha town; Area: 77 sq.km; Area: 77 sq.km: Topography: 450 – 748 m above sea level.

Eravikulam National Park, Idukki District

Established in 1975 to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam Sanctuary was declared a National Park in 1978 considered its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and zoological significance. The park is breathtaking beautiful and comparable to the Alpine ranges. This land of the Neelakurinji is 7 km from the Rajamalai hills.Devikulam taluk of idukki district, 15 km north of Munnar; Area: 97 sq.km; Topography: 1400 m to 2694 m above sea level.Anamudi (2694m), the highest peak south of the Himalayas is on the southern side of the Park.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki District

The Sanctuary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor – Udumalpet road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India. The location of the sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wildlife at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here.Located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats,43 km north east of Munnar.;Area:90.422 sq.km;Topography:500 m – 2400 m above sea level. Highest peak: Kottakombumalai (2144 m), Vellaikal malai (1863 m), Viriyoottu malai (1845 m).

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Ernakulam District

The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, constituted in 1983, occupies the catchments area of the Bhoothathankettu Dam. The only one of its kind in Kerala, this Sanctuary was designed by Dr.Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He is reported to have identified 167 bird species and his student – Dr.Sugathan, 207.In addition, the Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary attracts nature lovers from all over the world.13 km northeast of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutty Road; Area: 25.16 sq.km; Topography: 35 m – 523 m above sea level. The highest point is Njayapilli peak (523 m).

Peechi - Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur District

Established in 1958 in the catchments area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams with headquarters at Peechi, 15 km away. The Sanctuary is part of the Palappilli – Nelliampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini Sanctuary.This Sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur; Area: 125 sq.km; Topography: Plains and hills 45 m – 900 m above sea level.This Sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur.

Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad District

The Silent Valley National Park is perhaps the closest to a virgin forest in the entire Western Ghats.It is home to India’s last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forest, and a large number of wild animals, thanks to its difficult terrain and remoteness. The Silent Valley was so called by the group of British men who ventured into the forests over a century ago and found that there were no cycads there.Howerver, the park is seldom silent and the song of the birds and the dense forests give it an inexplicable unique character. Unlike other sanctuaries, viewing wildlife here is difficult because of the dense vegetation.40 km from Mannarkad in the northeastern corner of Palakkad (Palghat) district; Area:90 sq.km.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary,Palakkad District

Three dams have been built here by the Tamil Nadu government under the Parambikulam – Aliyar Project. The reservoir harbours several varieties of aquatic fauna. Tucked away in the valley between the Anamala ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary;Area:285 sq.km;Parambikulam Lake:21.2 sq.km;Thoonacadavu Lake:4.33 sq.km,Parivarippallam Lake :2.89 sq.km;Topography:600 m to 1444 m above sea level. Several streams originate from the hill ranges and flow down westward to join the River Chalakudi.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nlgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration to the general life style of the tribal and others who live on the fringes of the forest. These forests also have a historical importance as it was from here that Pazhassi Raja fought the British. Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarahole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu; Topography: 650 m to 1150 m above sea level.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kannur District

Established in 198, the Sanctuary is situated nest to the Central State Farm at Aralam in Kannur district; Area: 55 sq.km; Topography: 50 m to 1145 m above sea level.