Nestled in the luxuriant forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries. And skirting these exotic destinations are some of the most delightful trekking trails in the country. All awash in the spice- scented air of endless acres of plantations ranging from cardamom, vanilla and pepper to tea and coffee.
Neyyar 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. Permitting Authority Ph: 0471-2360762, 2272182
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:
(50 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, has rich flora and fauna and is dotted with hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations. Permitting Authority Ph: 0472-2892344, 0471-2322217, 2360762
Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary:
(66 km from Kollam) Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, the region is unique for its bio-diversity, remains of Stone Age culture and an important ecotourism resource, Thenmala. Permitting Authority Ph: 0475-2344600, 0471-2329770
ldukki Wildlife sanctuary:
ldukki Wildlife sanctuary:
(55 km from modupunha in udukku A charming canopy of dense tropical evergreen forests, tropical forests and moist deciduous forests fringe the scenic lake that surrounds this protected area on three sides, permitting Authority Ph: 04862-232271
Periyar Tiger Reserve:
Snuggled in the western Ghats, one of the world's richest bio-diversity spots, is the cinating natural of the pratected with Reserve. There are two watch towers inside the forest teeming exotic wildlife. Perm Authority 04869 222027
Eravikulam National Park:
(15 km from Munnar in Idukki) The main 5 attractions of n are the and the flowers Strobilanthes kunthianus) that bloom just once 2 years. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi (2695 m is located in the southern region of the park, Permitting Authority Ph: 2531587
Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary:
(60 km from Munnar Idukki) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Rajamala udumalpet Road (sH 17 winds right through it, enabling travellers to view wildlife including elephants, sambar gaur etc. Permitting Authority Ph: 04865-2531587
Thuttekkad Bird Sanctuary:
(20 km from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam) Also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, nestled in evergreen renowned ornithologist of India forests, discove and is named after him. Permitting Authority Ph: 0485-2588302
Peechi Wildlife sanctuary
(20 km east of Thrissur) This is one of Kerala's oldest wildlife reserves. Formed around the win reservoirs of peechl and Vazhani, the sanctuary is a rich repository of bio-diversity with several endangered herbs, shrubs, rare medicinal plants d innumerable variety of orchids. Permitting Authority Ph: 0487-2699017
Chimmini wildlife Sanctuary:
(37 km from Thrissur) With its dense Forests, a variety of birds and butterflies and innumerable trekking trails, this is sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. The Forest Department organises trekking and bamboo rafting programmes in and around sanctuary. But the highlight of all excursions is the 'Moonlight which involves rafting on full moon nights. Sona Permitting Authority Ph: 04802-701340
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
(110 km from Palakkad) sprawled across 285 km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities available at the Parambikulam Reservoir Permitting Authority Ph: 0491 2556393
Silent Valley National Park
(40 km northwest of Mannarkad in Palakkad.The 89.52 sq. km national park believed to be the sole surviving bit of The 89,52 evergreen forests the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley Forest is that it is devoid even of chirping of cicadas. Permitting Authority Ph: 04924-222056
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
(17 km east of Sulthan Bathery) Established in 1973, the Wayanad W e Sanctuary encompasses an area of 344.33 sq. km and is made up of two discontinuous pockets Muthang in the south and Tholpetty in the north. Muthanga is located 18 wes Sul than Bathery while Tholpetty lies 15 km from Mananthavady Permitting Authority Ph: 04936-220454
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
(35 km Thalassery in Kannur) At this 55 sq. km sanctuary, nature walks, soft trekking, bamboo rafting, coracle stay at tree houses in Pariputhodu and Bhoothamkallu etc. are possible. Permitting Authority Ph: 0490-2413160
