Idukki Wildlife Sanctuaries
Periyar Tiger Reserve 
One
of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekaddy is noted
for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. This sanctuary was declared
a Tiger Reserve in 1978, Entry to the Periyar Wildlfie Sanctuary: 0600-1800 hrs
Main attractions:
Flora: Over 1800 flowering plants including
171 grass species. 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer Podocarpus
Wallichianus grows here.
Fauna:
Mammals: 35 species including
wild elephants, gaurs, langur, sambar deer and wild boars that can be sighted
from the boats, the Nilgiri tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion
tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, bonnet macque, Malabar giant
squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
Birds:
265 species including migrants. The hombill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor,
darter, cormorant, grackle, cluster etc.
Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait,
a number of non poisonous snakes, bicoloured frogs and crocodiles.
Pisces:
The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masher,
the famous endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake,
can be frequently spotted form the boat.
Plantations: Tea, cardamom,
cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin, garlic, star anise etc.
Trekking
trails: Mangaladevi hills, Mullakudy, Thannikudy, Vellimala etc.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (
40 km from Thodupuzha): Main attraction:
animals: Elephants, gaur, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars
etc. Birds: Jungle fowls, mynas, laughing thrushes, black bulbuls, peafowls, woodpeckers,
kingfishers etc. Snakes: Cobras, vipers, Kraits and a number of non poisonous
snakes.
Eravikulam National Park (
15 kms north of Munnar):
Main attractions: Anamudi (2694 m), the highest peak south of the Humalayas,
is on the southern side of the park. This is one of the wettest areas of the world.
Fauna: Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats,
sloth bears, Nilgiri Langurs and wild boar. The atlas moth, the largest of its
kind in the world, is seen in the park. Half the world population of the endangered
Nilgiri Tahr live here (1317 of them according to the '91 census).
Visiting
time: 0700-1800 hrs. visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Nearby
trekking trails: Palkulamedu, Parakulam, Kulamavu, Anaward, Painavu, Anamudi.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Main attractions: Elephants,
gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, gizzled gaint squirrels, Hanuman langurs,
peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore evening browns.
Best time to
visit: Almot throughout the year except during Oct - Nov. Visiting: 0700-1800
hrs. visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Trekking trails:
Palapetty - Champakad, Okarimutty - Inchapetty, Karimutty - Alampetty.
Kerala
Wildlife Sanctuaries Thiruvananthpuram
District Kollam District
Kottayam District
Idukki District Ernakulam
District Thrissur District
Palakkad District
Wayanad District More..