Top National Parks to Experience the Wildlife of Kerala:

People call Kerala “God’s own Country” not only because of its beautiful beaches, enchanting natural views and verdant hills. But, the rare flora and fauna of Kerala is also a prominent reason behind this famous title.

All nature and animal lovers should visit Kerala once in their life. Yes, because Kerala houses six huge national parks, fourteen wildlife sanctuaries and two tiger reserves. All these places feature many protected and endangered species of animals and birds that live here in complete harmony!

These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries remain flocked with tourists and nature photographers who wait for hours to capture perfect shots of animals. All these beautiful animal habitats also encourages tourists to book Kerala tour packages to enjoy hassle free and enjoyable trip.

encourages tourists to book Kerala tour
packages to enjoy hassle free and enjoyable trip.

encourages tourists to book Kerala tour
packages to enjoy hassle free and enjoyable trip.

We have handpicked the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that you must visit on your Kerala trip. Let’s read more about them:

• Eravikulam National Park: 

Tucked in one of the most beautiful destinations of Kerala i.e. Munnar, Eravikulam National park houses endangered Mountain Goat known as Nilgiri Tahr. This national park is located in the Idukki District and also famous for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom only once in 12 years.

Being a UNESCO world heritage site, this national park attracts lots of people. While trekking through this diverse natural place, you will also come across Anamudi Peak; which is the highest peak in South India. You can also spot rare epiphytic orchids and wild balsams along with Indian Bison, Nilgiri Langur and Leopards here.

• Silent Valley National Park: 

Silent Valley National Park was once used to be a hidden tropical rainforest that was free from human disturbance. This place was declared as a national park in 1984 after which it became the favourite place of nature lovers, life sciences scientists and biology students. Situated in the Palakkad district, this national park is nourished by Kunthippuzha River.

The diverse flora and fauna of this national park are bound to amaze you! One can spot animals like tigers, leopards, snakes, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels and many more here. In addition, 1000 species of plants, 110 species of orchids and 200 species of butterflies make it an ideal place for nature’s treat. 

• Periyar Tiger Reserve: 

Periyar Tiger Reserve is a protected area which is one of the 27 popular tiger reserves of India. If you wish to encounter big striped cats or you can also say “Bengal tigers”, then this is the best place to go. This tiger reserve is spread over the whole district of Thekkady. 

People come here to take jeep safari tours and boat cruise rides in the Periyar Lake. Yes, you can see ferocious animals like Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, Indian bison, leopard, barking deer, smooth-coated otter and sambar deer while enjoying these activities here. You can also see the wide view of wildlife through the watchtowers of this reserve.

• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: 

Idduki Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for nature lovers who visit Kerala for a honeymoon. Yes, because this sanctuary boasts of some of the most scenic natural views along with a gorgeous lake where you can take a romantic boat ride! In addition, the unique flora and fauna of this sanctuary will surely satiate your inner love for wildlife. 

The main highlights of this tropical evergreen and deciduous forest are elephants, sambar deer, tiger, wild boar, jungle cats and snakes like cobra, kraits and vipers. Birds like Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, bulbuls and woodpeckers embellish the skies and trees of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. 

• Mathikettan Shola National Park: 

Mathikettan Shola is yet another national park that is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. Adorn by nature’s beauty, the green trails of this national park can easily confuse you. So, keep a special eye on your route as it is famously named as “the maze” by locals.

This national park is perfect for jungle safari, forest trekking and bird watching. So, don’t forget to pack your binoculars if you wish to adore a myriad of birds closely. You can find animals like tigers, panthers, flying squirrels, giant grizzled squirrels and Nilgiri Tahr.

• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuaries: 

Parambikul Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala, and it is under the attention of UNESCO nowadays. It means this wildlife sanctuary can be announced as the world heritage site anytime soon. The sanctuary features rich flora and fauna and four native tribes that have created their colonies under this area.

The sanctuary houses 39 species of mammals, 16 species of amphibians, 61 species of reptiles, 124 types of butterflies and 268 varieties of birds. The main highlights among this long list of inhabitants are loin tailed macaques, storks, rollers and king cobras. You can also take special permissions from the forest department if you wish to enjoy trekking in this region. 

• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: 

Situated on the Tamil Nadu border in the Idukki district, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another sanctuary that is being considered by UNESCO for announcing as the world heritage site. This wildlife sanctuary is different from the others due to its sharp scrub forest that receives rain only around 48 days in a whole year.

That’s why you can spot only specific and unique vegetation in the Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary. People who have never seen thorny scrub forest should surely visit this amazing sanctuary during their Kerala trip. Apart from it, the main highlights of this sanctuary are mesmerising waterfalls, famous sandalwood forests, trekking, camping and nature walks. You can also observe animals from the watchtowers of this sanctuary.

So, you can experience the wildlife of Kerala by visiting any of these national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. Be ready to see some unique vistas, capture amazing wildlife images and adore flora and fauna of Kerala there.