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Nestled in the luxuriant forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries. And skirting this exotic destinations are some of the most delightful trekking trails in this country. All awash in the spice-scented air of endless acres of plantations ranging from cardamom, vanilla and pepper to tea and coffee.
Periyar Tiger Reserve :
One of the world‘s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekaddy is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. Covered with dense evergreen and deciduous forests, it provides an ideal habitat to wild life.This sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, Situated on an area of 777 sq-km with a 26 sq-km artificial lake created by the British in 1895, in the Cardamom hills region of the Western Ghats the Periyar. It’s home to sambar, wild bour, langur, over 1000 elephants and at least 46 tiger.
Main Attractions : Border Hiking, Bamboo rafting, Jungle patrol, Tribal heritage, Jungle in the night
Silent Valley :
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. The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km.
Main Attractions : rare birds, deer and tiger, 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
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary :
This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of 53 Sq. km. on the Western Ghats. (50 km from Thiruvananthapuram)
Main attractions : Elephants, sambar deer, leopards and lion tailed macques.
Neyyar wildlife Sanctuary :(30 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A haven for exotic flora and fauna, 12, 000 hectares of natural vegetation is spread across an undulating terrain interspersed with rushing brooks, flat meadows and gentle slopes. An ideal trekking destination, the 1868 m Agasthyamala Peak is its highest point.
Main attractions : Elephants , gaurs, sloth, bears, Nilgiri tars, lion safari park. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park near the dam site.
Trekking Trails
Agasthyarkoodam (Thiruvananthapuram), the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890 m above sea level.
Shenduruni Wildlife Sanctuary :
(66 km from town on the Kollam-Shencotta road)
Main attractions : Elephatns, tigers, leopards, bears, lion tailed macques.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake 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.
Aralam wildlife
The Aralam Wildlife sanctuary is spread over 55 square kilometres of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55 kilometres from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central state Farm at Aralam. Aralam wild life is situating in Muzhakkunnu panchayathu and Aralam panchayath. Muzhakkunnu is also a tourist spot. 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 , elephant,boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.
Eravikulam Natioal Park : (15 km from Idukki) The main attractions of this park situated in the Devikulam Taluk are the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurnji flower that bloom just once in 12 years. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi (2695m ), is located in the southern region of the park.
