KERALA WILDLIFE, KERALA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, WILDLIFE OF KERALA, WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS OF KERALA

KERALA WILDLIFE

In Kerala there are a large number of wildlife parks and sanctuaries. Kerala is considered to be a green paradise on earth. The dense green forests with a wide variety of animals such as elephants, tigers, deers, leopards etc and water birds provide a great opportunity to the tourists to sight these different creatures.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary    
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 40 kms from Thodupuzha in Kerala. This sanctuary sprawls over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district spanning over 77sq. kms, at an altitude of 450 - 748m above sea level.

The beautiful Idukki reservoir formed by three dams-Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu - extending to 33 sq. km, adds to the beauty of the sanctuary. A luring lake, a majestic arch dam across two hills, the rich flora & fauna and wandering and playing herds of elephants and gaur are sights that charm you to this captivating canopy of tropical semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. The fauna population here includes Languor, Leopard and Wild Boar.

Wild Population of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary has a large variety of flora and fauna. Among the mammals, Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, Tiger, Wild Boar etc reptiles such as Cobra, Viper, Krait and a large number of non- poisonous snakes can be seen.

Jungle Fowl, Myna, Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Peafowl, Woodpecker, Kingfisher etc also inhabit the place in large numbers.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also know as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. The picturesque Periyar Lake at the heart of the sanctuary is one major attraction of the region. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it’s a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants moving freely all around with their complete family of adult and kid elephants. Famous for its pachyderm population (which is around 800 in number), Periyar Wildlife Reserve is probably one of the few places, where one can observe the elephants in their natural habitats.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary   
12 Kms from Kottayam, Kerala, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here.

Sprawling over 101 acres of enchanting wooded land and lake, the Kumarakom Tourist Complex, which was built around the 50-year-old 'Baker's Mansion', has been renovated in grand style by the Taj Kerala Resorts Ltd. Earlier this complex was a small hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Peppara
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is on the Western Ghats in Nedumangad Taluk. This sanctuary includes part of Palode and Kottoor Reserve forests. It was established as a sanctuary in the year 1983 due to its ecological importance. The forest types in this sanctuary include tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist mixed deciduous forests. Some other attractions of this sanctuary are dam, eucalyptus plantation, rocky terrain, rich fauna and flora etc. There are about 13 tribes settled in this place.

The topography consists of lakes, rivers, mountains, backwaters, forests and farms. The only freshwater lake in Kerala called Sasthamkotta Lake is in this district. The main rivers are Kallada River and Ithikkara River. A major fishing port called Neendakara is located on the banks of Ashtamudi. A large area of this district is covered by forests and there is a Wildlife Sanctuary here called as Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary.

Neyyar    
The Neyyar wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1958 and it is covered with around 12,000 hectares of vegetation. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna. The vegetation consists of tropical evergreen, mixed deciduous, sub tropical savannahs etc. It acts drainage for the Neyyar River and the tributaries Mullayar and Kallar. The peak Agasthyamalai which has a height of 1890 m lies in this park. This peak has a large variety of plant species which includes medicinal plants and rare orchids. The animals found here include Elephants, Sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Python etc.

Eravikulam
The Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Idukki district. It was established with the aim of protecting the endangered species Nilgiri Tahr. But due to its wide range of flora and fauna and also its ecology, it was considered as a National Park. Around 16 km northeast of Munnar is the hill side where the Neelakurinji flower is grown which blossoms once in 12 years.

A large variety of animals are found here such as the Atlas Moth which is the largest of this species found in the world. It is one of the major attractions of this place. An endangered species found in this park is the Nilgiri Tahr which gives pride to this area. The highest peak in south India i.e the Anamudi hills are located here. Nature lovers get s chance to trek in these hills.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Devikulam in Idukki district. The area around this sanctuary is a protected area and it was declared as a sanctuary in the year 1984. The main vegetation found here are dry thorny forests; it is because this area receives rain only 48 days in a year. Besides there are other vegetative types such as deciduous forests, shoals, grasslands etc. Due to the variation in altitude the area will be plain or covered with rocks and cliffs.

Chinnar is the main place of habitat for Giant Grizzled Squirrel which is an endangered species. There are large numbers of reptiles found here. A reptile called as Albizia lathamii which is an endangered species is seen in the dry forests of Chinnar. There is a wide variety of medicinal plants. The main attraction is the Sandalwood forest. Some other animal species have also been reported as found in these areas such as the White Bison. The rivers namely Chinnar and Pamba flow through this sanctuary. Chinnar River originates from the Kumarikal Malai and then it flows through the state boundary and forms the Amaravati river in Tamil Nadu. River Pamba originates from Anamudi hills and many other small streams join this river. A waterfall is also found here namely the Thoovanam waterfall. The rivers Chinnar, Pamba, Kabani and Bhavani flow towards east.

In Chinnar there are about 11 tribes settled and each tribe is separated from one another by a wall. The main inhabitants among them include Muthuvas and Pulayas. The Forest Department and the Eco Department Committees have taken several measures for promoting and organizing eco tourism. Visitors who come to Chinnar get engaged in trekking activities.

Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park is located in Nilgiri hills in Palakkad district. This area was explored by a botanist named Robert Wight in the year 1847. It consists of rain forest and tropical moist evergreen forest. The rain forest area is at a height of 1000 m above sea level and forests called as Sholas are at a height of 1500 m.

Earlier the Kerala State Electricity Board has put up plans for setting up a hydroelectric project in this area. As it is a threat for the rich wildlife, an environmentalist Social Movement called as the ‘Save Silent Valley’ was started in the 1970s. This resulted in cancelling the project and the Silent valley was declared as a National Park in the year 1984. Silent Valley is a bio diversity hotspot. The visitor center in this park is at Sairandhri.

This area is popularly called as Sairandhrivanam meaning Sairandhri’s forest. This has got some relation with the Hindu mythology. According to the myth Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas was disguised as Sairandhri during their exile. They believed to have stayed in a cave near to this place. Hence, this place is called as Sairandhri. Similarly there is a river called as Kunthipuzha which flows through this forest. It derived its name from Kunthi, mother of Pandavas.

The area is inhabited by some tribes such as the Mudugar and Irula. People from these tribes work as porters and forest guides etc. Several rare species of animals are found here. Hence it is called as the ‘Richest expressions of life on Earth’. This is an ideal place for nature loving tourists. Silent valley is famous for the Lion tailed Macaque which is an endangered species. The other animals found here include tiger, elephants, leopards, nilgiri langur etc. Besides there are several colored butterflies, reptiles etc.

This park is declared as polythene free zone and so the visitors are not allowed to carry polythene bags into the park. There are leeches found in this area. This insect would stick on to the body and bloat on the blood. So it is advised to wear high angled boots while on your trip to this park. The starting point for Silent valley is Mukkali which is at a distance of 23 kms. The visitors can engage in trekking after getting prior permission from the forest department. They provide the trekkers with a guide to accompany them in their whole trekking journey.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is located between the Anamalai ranges in Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges in Kerala. It lies at a height of 300 m to 1,400 m above sea level. The world’s oldest and the tallest teak tree lies here and this sanctuary is said to have the first scientifically managed teak plantation. Another main attraction of this sanctuary is the Kannimara teak tress which is around 350 years old.

There are several peaks in this area namely the Karimala Gopuram which is the tallest peak here. Some other major peaks found in this sanctuary include Puliyarapadam and Vengoli malai. The Vengoli peak is said to inhabit the Nilgiri Tahrs. The tourists can climb these peaks and if possible can get a glance of these animals. There are reservoirs that are connected by tunnels and river channels and have a freshwater ecosystem. The rivers Parambikulam, Sholayar and Thekkady rivers flow through these areas. The three dams in this place are the Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Perivarapallam. Four different tribes of people namely the Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar are living here in colonies.

This sanctuary has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Animals like deer, gaur etc can be seen wandering through the outer areas of the sanctuary whereas animals like tiger, Nilgiri marten etc. can be seen deep inside the sanctuary. Besides these there are about 250 species of birds, 285 species of flora and 1320 species of flowering plants.

The activities that can be carried out from here include camping in the forests; take a look of the animals from the watch towers, bird watching, boating, bamboo rafting etc. The tourists can conduct adventurous trips to the hilly areas and can do trekking if they get permission from the Forest Information centre at Anappady. The trekking trails can be soft, medium, tough or adventurous.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary | Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary | Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Eravikulam National park  | Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Silent Valley National Park | Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries, Kerala Wildlife Destinations,Kerala Wildlife, Wildlife Tour Kerala,National Parks in Kerala

Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries, Kerala Wildlife Destinations,Kerala Wildlife, Wildlife Tour Kerala,National Parks in Kerala

The wildlife destinations in Kerala are ideal for adventure lovers. Trekking, rock climbing, river rafting, and jungle safaris are some of the exciting adventures that await you. You can even go camping in the hills and watch the day break early over the forest and see the lovely, rosy hues of the sun set.

Boating is another activity that lets you observe wildlife at close quarters. At Thekkady, you can see elephants, tigers and deer slaking their thirst at the river, as you go boating. The Adventure zone at Thenmala, Kollam district is a popular tourist destination. Infact, Thenmala Ecotourism is India’s first ecotourism project.

The hills, rocks and valleys of Wayanad and Idukki are perfect for some exciting dares. The wildlife of Periyar, Thekkady and the deep dense forests offer the adventure seekers a fine holiday.

           

Camping and Trekking at Munnar

KTDC offers several packages that take you camping and trekking in the breahtaking hills and jungles. The treks genrally start from the foot of the hills, at an altitude of 4500 ft and end at an altitude of 8000 ft. The trek passes through the Sholas and the streams that criss-cross the mountain. The Safari in the Idukki Tiger Reserve takes you through the thick jungles that house majestic tigers.

Thenmala Adventure Zone Kerala

Thenmala Ecotourism is the first of its kinds in India. The Adventure Zone is a part of the ecotourism initiative. Here you can indulge in river crossing, tree climbing, and trekking. A beautiful wooden stairway through the lush green foliage leads to the hill top. Thenmala literally means the honey hill. Thenmala is famous for its honey as it is believed to be of high medicinal value.

Water sports at backwaters and beaches in Kerala

You can go cataraman sailing(a catamaran is a small  wooden vessel with twin hulls joined together which is set sail across the backwaters), kayaking ( a kayak is a small one or two man boat which the rowers actuate with twin paddled oars) which is extremely conducive to the backwaters here, parasailing, scuba diving or even snorkeling at the beaches and backwaters here. Snorkeling at the seas of Kovalam or Varkala would show you the underwater wildlife bounties. Definitely, an experience you musn’t miss.                                                                                                                                                                         

Bird watching, Kerala

Kerala, with over a hundred species of birds is truly a paradise for the bird watchers. The bird tours can be conducted at Kumarakom bird sanctuary, the Periyar tiger reserve, the Thekkedy bird sanctuary, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary and the Wayanad hills. The PathiramanalIsland at Alappuzha is known for the migratory birds that dwell it.

Canoeing, Kerala

Kerala is well known for its canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers. You can go canoeing on the enchanting waters and watch the village life very closely. As you sail the breathtaking backwaters, you will also see flocks of ducks, cranes, gulls and even otters. You will see fishes graciously making their way through the ripples your canoe makes. Kerala's uniqueness lies in these backwaters found nowhere else in the world. Go canoeing and discover the rustic village life and the beauty of the aquatic wildlife.

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary  Thrissur, Kerala

The Peechi Vazhany sanctuary near the Peechi Dam has tigers, leopards, elephants, sambars and spotted and barking deers. It lies in the catchments of Peechi and Vazhani dams in Trichur. Peechi, the headquarters of the sanctuary is 15 kms by road from Trichur.

Neyyar Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Neyyar is known for its dam, lion reserve and wildlife sanctuary. The dam situated on the foot of the Western Ghats is a popular picnic spot. It is at a distance of 30km from Thiruvananthapuram. The lion reserve has boating facilities in addition to a crocodile farm. A mini-sanctuary, the lake garden and a swimming pool are the main attractions here. The Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is spread over an area of 128 sq km. Elephants, sloth bears, jungle cats, nilgiri langurs, wild boars, gaurs and Niligiri tahrs can be spotted here.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary declared a sanctuary in 1983, is composed of the dense forests and the Peppara dam built on the KaramanaRiver to increase the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram and the adjoining suburbs. The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 53 sq.kms. with the reservoir spread in an area of 5.82 sq.kms. The major wildlife species found in the wildlife sanctuary are: tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. The bird species especially the water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are most commonly seen in the sanctuary.

Mayiladumpara Sanctuary Palakkad, Kerala

A sanctuary not bound by fence or gate, the Mayiladumpara sanctuary that houses around 200 peacocks allows free access. Though sightings of the peacocks are infrequent during the day, they can be seen moving around during dawn and dusk. The sanctuary is at Nedungathara, about 25 km south of Palakkad.

Silent Valley National Park Palakkad, Kerala

The SilentValley gets its name from the eerie silence that surrounds this valley because of the lack of cicadas. The habitat of rare species, SilentValley is at a distance of 80 km from Palakkad. The valley which is a protected area for tigers, lion-tailed macaques, is also inhabited by tribals.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Palakkad, Kerala

Located 110 km from Palakkad, sprawled across 285 sq. km, is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to several wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari is found here.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad Ernakulam, Kerala

The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km, formed between the branches of the river Periyar. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. can also be sighted.

Mangalavanam Ernakulam, Kerala

This mangrove forest is a small bird sanctuary, located in the heart of the town behind the High Court of Kerala. It was declared a protected area on 31st August 2004. Managalavanam has a shallow tidal pond covered by dense mangrove growth around its periphery. The mangroves serve as a shelter for birds both resident and migratory. The area under protection is an extent of 2.74 ha. The place is of great significance since the mangrove trees and the birds that flock this place play an important role in stabilizing the land along the coast.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary  Wayanad, Kerala

Better known as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga is unique for the colours of the forests that change with the seasons. Bordering the Mudumulai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Nagarhole and Bandipur Sanctuaries in Karnataka, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 344 sq kms and is about 16 kms east of Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad. Elephants, spotted deer, gaur, sambar, sloth bear and many varieties of birds and reptiles can be seen here.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary Wayanad, Kerala

This is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. Camping out at night in the watch tower in this sanctuary is a memorable lifetime experience - for any adventure sports loving patrons. The watch tower is just above the lake, which is the only source of water to all animals. All animals come here to drink water at night. Trekking, rock climbing or camping out at nights are activities you can indulge in while you are here.

           

Periyar National Park IDUKKI

Periyar beckons are the adventure seekers, nature lovers and the animal watchers alike. Periyar is renowned for the Thekkady/Periyar National Park. At the Periyar National Park you may spot the wild elephants, leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear besides the tigers and the Nilgiri tahrs. Along with animals Periyar is home to monitor lizards, pythons, king cobras and flying lizards. Birds like darters, cormorants, ibises, gray herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons, kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and parakeets add to the attraction of Periyar. You may watch the animals on the move from the motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers only after prior permission. Else you may enjoy a walking tour of the PeriyarNational Park with the local guides. The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

The Periyar Widlife sanctuaryis spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.  The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. If elephants are what you love to see on your wildlife tour, there is no better place than the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The sanctuary was established in 1895 and is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in . The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary) is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in and perhaps the finest in south .

PeriyarNational Park is a Tiger Reserve, the greatest attractions of the park are the herds of wild elephants, who come to the PeriyarLake to frolic in the water. The PeriyarNational Park is the only wildlife sanctuary in where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. You can also enjoy elephant rides in the PeriyarNational Park. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also offers the unique opportunity to photograph wild animals at close quarters.

Eravikulam National Park, Idukki, Kerala

The Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It is situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the north where it extends as the AnnamalaiNational Park.  The mountains covered with the rolling grasslands and high level sholas is breath-takingly beautiful. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. The Rajamala is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres) lives here. (Around 1317, according to the 1991 census). Besides the Nilgiri tahr other important fauna are elephant, leopard, tiger, malabar civet, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, langur, phyhon etc. The birds found are imperial pigeon, grey jungle fowl etc. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.

EravikulamNational Park harbours the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius).Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.Its relatives are the Himalayan tahr(Hemitragus jemlahicus) and Arabian Tahr(hemitragus jayakiri).The estimated population of Nilgiri tahr inside the park is about 750.  Wild dog, leopard and tiger are the main predators.

Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

Wild dog, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

The high altitude rolling grasslands in the park looks like an emerald stretch highly romantic and captivating. The trekking paths to the park were originally bridle path used by the English planters who lived in Munnar tea town. A steady climb takes one to the cloud covered hillocks with numerous sholas and the Nilgiri tahr moving around. In the tourist zone the Tahrs move unperturbed in spite of the tourists watching them at close range – such is the level of protection afforded! You can be quite fooled thinking that they come to rub shoulders with you too.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kottayam , Kerala

The bird sanctuary here, which is sprawled over 14 acres, is a favorite haunt for migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that arrive in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary  Malappuram, Kerala

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the KadalundiRiver flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram. This land is the abode of a hundred species of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds that flock here in large numbers during February-March. A hillock nearby, which is 200 m above sea level, offers a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. Kadalundi is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary  Kannur Kerala

35 kms from Thalasserry and 60 kms from Kannur town, the Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq. kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here ‘Katti Betta’ rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.

Chinnar Wild life Sanctuary: Idukki, Kerala

The beautiful Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is rated amongst the finest wildlife sanctuaries of , and is one of the best tourist spots in Kerala. Set amidst enchanting backwaters of Devikulam in Idukki district of Kerala, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary covers an area over 90 sq km in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. Known for its enchanting scenic beauty, Chinnar is a natural habitat for an amazing variety of flora and fauna including some rare and endangered wildlife species. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, and so receives comparatively less rainfall in comparison to other parts of Kerala. The vegetations of Chinnar primarily comprises of thorny scrub forest, dry deciduous forest, high sholas and wet grasslands, which supports a wide variety of wildlife. Popularly regarded as the second habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary also shelters Asiatic Elephants, Tigers, Sambars, Bonnets, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Indian Bisons and spectacled Cobras to name a few. The sanctuary is also rich in its avifauna and attracts a wide variety of exotic and colorful birds including Woodpeckers, Peacocks, Little Cormorants, Darters and Black Eagles etc.

Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast monsoons are at work. Apart from being the habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel in , the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephant, bonnet macaques, gaur, Kraits, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, sambar, turtles, vipers, little cormorants, darters and black eagles. The place is also ideal for boating and trekking.

  The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. The flora of the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. It is, indeed, a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced the verdant valley.

Among the species of flora include Acacia arabica (Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam), Santalum album (Chandanam), Anogeissuslatifolia (Mazhukanjiram), Elaeocarpus recurvatus (Bhadraksham) and Strobilanthus kunthianus (Neelakurinji). The rippling topography with breathtaking spectacle of craggy rocks adds to the scenic grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season to visit the sanctuary is from December to April. As far as accommodation is concerned, private lodges are available at Marayoor, Munnar and Udumalpetta. You can also find accommodation in the government guesthouses at Munnar and dumalpetta.

Located 40 km from Mannarkkad, Silent valley is Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala. This is one of the best tourist spots in Kerala. The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south. The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the SilentValleyNational Park. Despite its name, the SilentValley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger. Perhaps, nowhere else can one also find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals, over a 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths and other fauna like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-tailed Macaque. The river Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills, an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, and traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through the deep forest. The river Kunthi never turns brown and is always crystal clear, perennial and wild.

The evapo-transpiration from these forests is much higher than from any other surfaces. This cools the atmosphere, helps easy condensation of water vapour and thus causes the summer rains. Though smaller in size in comparison to the other national parks in , what makes it unique is the sylvan environment the region has along with its high altitude peaks and several rivers that run through it.

Located 40 km from Mannarkkad, Silent valley is extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests, totally undisturbed, lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains during June- July in Kerala.

The local name for the park is Sairandhrivanam (the forest in the valley) which is also the last representative of tropical evergreen forests in . The park which is remote has difficult terrain and is surrounded with Attappadi Reserve Forests in the east, and vested forests of the Palghat and Nilambur divisions in the west and south. In the North, the park is an extension of the Nilgiri Forests. The park which has never had human habitation is in the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The fauna here includes around 100 species of butterflies, 400 species of moths, Ceylon Frogmouth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, the giant Malabar squirrel, Nilgiri langur, the lion-tailed Macaque, elephant, tiger, leopard, wild bear, nilgai, sambar, pit viper etc. The parks best known primates, the Nilgiri Langur and Lion- tailed macaque are both listed in IUCN's Red List of Threatened Animals. A valuable reserve of rare plants and herbs including around 966 flowering and over 100 orchids plants are found along with the wide range of animals and birds. This park consist of 10 sq.kms of evergreen forests, 15 sq.kms of semi evergreen forests and 40 sq.kms of leaf shedding forests with a large variety of trees. There are very old trees in the park including a huge hollow tree which can hide at least 12 people in it.