Nothing beats escaping to a wildlife sanctuary/national park for a holiday. Agree??? This type of getaway is a great way to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. As well, seeing animals roam around freely in their natural habitat is such a pleasing sight that no visit to the zoo can match.
Seeking a thrilling wildlife holiday in Kerala? There are tons of excellent wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala packed with superabundant and most varied wildlife on the planet to offer the best wildlife vacation for you.
Periyar National Park And Wildlife Sanctuary
In Thekkady, on the banks of Periyar Lake lies the Periyar National Park And Wildlife Sanctuary. The national park boasts unbelievable scenic beauty along with rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna.
Embellished with the presence of tigers and elephants, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is better known for its tiger reserve and elephant reserve. It is one of Kerala’s best spots for wildlife spotting.
Best time to visit: October to June
Timing: 6 AM to 7 PM
Popular Residents: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, Gee’s Golden Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, Malabar Grey Hornbill, The Indian Pied Hornbill, Woodpeckers, Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Treepie, Indian Monitor Lizard, Cobra, Viper, Krait, etc.
Things to do: Jungle Safari, Elephant Safari, Trekking, Border Hiking, Nature Walks, Jungle Patrol, Bamboo Rafting, Periyar Tiger Trail, and Boating.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani Dams. This is the second-oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
The beautiful sanctuary is bestowed with epic natural beauty and is so picturesque with lush green forest covers, rolling hills, and charming lakes. The highest point at Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is the 923 m high Ponmudi which offers jaw-dropping views of the underlying valley.
Best time to visit: October to March
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Bison, Nilgiri Langur, Sloth bear, Leopard, Sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Slender Loris, and Spotted Deer.
Things to do: Boating, Trekking, Nature Walks, Nature Camps, Bird Watching, and Wildlife Photography.
Eravikulam National Park
The home and sanctuary of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is a favorite haven for wildlife enthusiasts across the world. It is the first national park in Kerala and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
It sprawls across the beautiful Kannan Devan Hills in Munnar and offers a wealth of natural delights. Eravikulam National Park is also famed for housing South India’s highest peak, Anamudi.
Best time to visit: September to May
Timing: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Popular Residents: Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Sambar Deer, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Langur, Indian porcupine, Jungle Cat, Wild Dog, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Ruddy Mongoose, Striped-Necked Mongoose, Dusky Palm Squirrel, Small-Clawed Otter.
Things to do: Trekking, Nature Walks, Jungle Safari, and Wildlife Photography.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest among the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. An integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this amazing wildlife sanctuary is blessed with rich wildlife consisting of fascinating animals and rare migratory birds. It is famous for its fantastic landscape and bountiful biodiversity.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of two major sections namely Tholpetty on the north side bordering Karnataka and Muthanga towards the east partnering with Tamilnadu.
Best time to visit: October to February
Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Indian Bison, Deer, Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Jackals, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, King Vultures, Malabar Grey Hornbill.
Things to do: Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari, Bird Watching, Nature Walks, Wildlife Photography.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in Palakkad district, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is snuggled between the Nelliyampathy Ranges of Kerala and the Annamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is a renowned tiger reserve in Kerala and is enriched with a plethora of endemic flora and fauna.
It earns the status of being the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation in the world and also houses the world’s tallest and oldest teak tree named Kannimara teak tree (believed to be over 350 years old).
Best time to visit: September to May
Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM
Popular Residents: Asian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Great Pied Hornbill, Fresh Water Crocodiles, Pit Vipers, and King Cobras.
Things to do: Wildlife Safari, Wildlife Photography, Trekking, and Camping.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in close proximity to the famous Idukki Arch Dam and is cradled by the Cheruthoni and Periyar Rivers. This enchanting sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The lavish avifauna attracts bird lovers from all across the world to Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a picture-perfect backdrop with steep mountains and undulating hills.
Best time to visit: September to October
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM
Popular Residents: Tiger, Sambar Deer, Bison, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cat, Giant Squirrels, Wild Boar, Black Bulbul, Woodpecker, Golden Oriole, Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Peafowl, Jungle Babbler, Small Green Barbet, Large Wood Shrike, and Purple Sunbird, Cobra, Viper, and Kraits.
Things to do: Wildlife Photography, Boating, and Trekking.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is an example of nature’s bounty. Its abundant biodiversity and overwhelming natural beauty make it an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Being home to a large population of pachyderms, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared a Project Elephant Site. It is believed to be the site where King Pazhassi Raja fought valiantly against the British.
Best time to visit: October to May
Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Elephants, Tigers, Jungle Cats, Panthers, Monkeys, and Cuckoo Birds.
Things to do: Trekking, Elephant Rides, Jeep Safari, and Bird Watching.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. It is placed near the catchment area of the Peppara Dam and is named after the dam. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a wonderful combo of tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and swamp forests. The presence of rare and endemic plants, animals, and bird species attracts a lot of botanists, wildlife enthusiasts as well as birdwatchers to this sanctuary.
Best time to visit: October to May
Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Tigers, Panthers, Wild Dogs, Mouse Deer, Asian Elephant, Sambar, Leopard, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Gaur, Slender Loris, Leopard Cat, Kerala Laughing Thrush, Three-Toed Kingfisher, White-Bellied Treepie, Painted Bush Quail, Small Sunbird, Malabar Grey Hornbill.
Things to do: Trekking, Boating, Birdwatching, and Photography.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
This beautiful natural heaven is noted for its beauty and rich biodiversity. Bounded by the reservoir of the Thenmala Dam, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kollam district of Kerala. The picturesque sanctuary leads you to a lot of dreamy vantage points where you can relish the charm of nature. The Thenmala Eco-tourism Project which is said to be the first eco-tourism project in India has been planned and developed in and around Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: November to February
Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM
Popular Residents: Elephant, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Bear, Hump Nose Viper, Great Eared Nightjar, Leopards, Bonnet Macaque, and Deers.
Things to do: Camping, Trekking, Nature Walks, Jungle Safari, Boating, and Wildlife Photography.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
This beautiful Sanctuary in the Idukki district of Kerala is under consideration to be included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Blanketed by lush, evergreen, and thorny scrubs, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is richly populated with a wide array of indigenous flora and fauna. It is renowned for housing endangered giant grizzled squirrels. The stunning Sandalwood forest near the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended for a visit.
Best time to visit: December to April
Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM
Popular Residents: Indian Elephant, Spotted Deer, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Panther, Gaur, Hanuman Monkey, and Sambar.
Things to do: Trekking, Hunter Jeep Ride, Elephant Ride, Boat Ride, and Nature Walks.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the close vicinity of the majestic Neyyar Dam in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. The famous Agasthyamalai Peak lies in this sanctuary. The alluring sanctuary is so wealthy with the presence of a wide variety of flora and fauna including the rarest wildlife species and natural herbs. There is an Ashram situated near Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is famous for Yoga and Ayurveda treatment.
Best time to visit: November to March
Timing: 9 AM to 4 PM
Popular Residents: Elephant, Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Gaur, Crocodiles, Leopard Cat, Toddy Cat, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Pangolin, Bonnet Macaque, Small Indian Civet, Flying Squirrel, Hare, Mongoose, Porcupine.
Things to do: Trekking, Jungle Safari, Boating, and Photography.
Silent Valley National Park
The eerie silence, emphasized by the absence of Cicadas gave Silent Valley National Park its name. And this is, perhaps, one of the most tranquil and undisturbed national parks in Kerala. Greatly admired by nature lovers and wildlife fanatics, this amazing national park situated in Palakkad is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being the last representative virgin tract of tropical evergreen forests in India, you can witness the greenest of evergreen forests ever at Silent Valley National Park.
Best time to visit: December to April
Timing: 8 AM to 1 PM
Popular Residents: Elephant, Tiger, Lion-Tailed Macaques, Malabar Giant, Squirrels, Moths, Gaur, Panther, Sambar.
Things to do: Trekking, Hiking, Nature Walks, Photography.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad is an ideal eco-tourism spot epitomized by wilderness, serenity, and pleasant climate. It is situated near the famous Thirunelli Temple. Natural forests dominated by teak trees abound at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. It forms a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and offers the perfect place for nature education, owing to its rich biodiversity.
Best time to visit: November to March
Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Tigers, Leopards, Guars, Monkeys, Deers, Bears, Panthers, Jungle Cats, Jungle Fowls, White-Rumped Vultures, and Red-Headed Vultures.
Things to do: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Bird Watching, Night Camping, Photography.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
This is one of the smallest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and is situated in the Kannur district, quite near the enchanting tourist destination, Coorg. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a mix of tropical and semi-evergreen forests and is renowned for its eucalyptus and teak plantations. Within the sanctuary is the Central State Farm, a great initiative of the Government of India, which serves as the key production centre of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.
Best time to visit: November to May
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Tigers, Bison, Hanuman Langur, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Nilgiri Langur, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Things to do: Wildlife Spotting, Trekking, Birdwatching, Nature Walks, Nature Camps, and Photography.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and is situated in the Wayanad district. It forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and houses an exotic variety of flora and fauna. The trees of this amazing sanctuary are said to possess huge medicinal value because of which many pharmaceutical companies visit here for research.
Best time to visit: December to May
Timing: 6 AM to 5:30 PM
Popular Residents: Elephants, Panther, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Spotted Deer, Bear, Bison, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat, Monkeys, Black Bulbul, Peafowl, and Laughing Thrush.
Things to do: Jeep Safari, Jungle Walks, and Trekking.
Anamudi Shola National Park
Anamudi Shola National Park located in the Idukki district is a hub of the rarest types of plants and animal species, making it an ideal place for botanical and zoological studies. This Kerala National Park has been nominated by UNESCO for World Heritage Site status. Surrounded by lush green tea plantations and rugged mountains, Anamudi Shola National Park comprises a vast shola forest ecosystem which forms the largest in the country.
Best time to visit: October to March
Timing: 7:30 AM to 5 PM
Popular Residents: Elephants, Tiger, Panther, Indian Bison, Civet Cats, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Gaur, Flying Squirrels, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman Langur, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Leopards, Wolves, Wild Dogs.
Things to do: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, and Butterfly Spotting.
Mathikettan Shola National Park
Bestowed with rich biodiversity, Mathikettan Shola National Park is a treasure trove of several endemic species of flora and fauna. Mathikettan Shola National Park is also blessed with numerous medicinal herbs.
Situated in the Idukki district this picturesque national park is sandwiched between Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park. The national park possesses a unique forest ecosystem consisting of tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests with grasslands in the northern and eastern boundaries. The soil here is rich in silica.
Best time to visit: April to September
Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM
Popular Residents: Elephants, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Panthers, Spotted Deer, Flying Squirrels, Giant Grizzled Squirrels, Jungle Cat, Wild Dogs, Gaur, Sambar,
Things to do: Jungle Safari, Forest Trekking, Bird Watching, and Wildlife Photography.
Escape with us to the amazing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala. We promise you won’t regret it.
Have you ever been to any of these Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala? We would love to hear about your experience.
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