Top Kerala Wildlife Destinations

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Top Wildlife Destinations in Kerala

A Look into the Vibrant and Bountiful Flora and Fauna of God’s Own Country

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Neal Young

Kerala, the state that never ceases to surprise, is filled to the brim with an exotic mix of flora and fauna that makes it a must-visit place if you are a nature lover. If you are visiting Kerala, be sure to set aside a day or two to explore the many wildlife sanctuaries and parks dotted all across the state. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous and fascinating wildlife reserves in Kerala.

Idduki National Park

Photograph by www.flickr.com user viwake

One of the finest wildlife sanctuaries to visit on your Kerala tour, Idduki National Park is filled with exotic wonders and splendid animal and bird species. Spread across an extensive area in the Munnar Forest Division, Idduki is home to the rife Nilgiri Tahr, undulating grasslands and a wonderful natural world. This national park houses the Neelakurunji flower that blossoms on a wide scale and has a lifespan that can last for as long  as 12 years. Come upon animals like Barking Deer, Mongoose, Gaur, Bears, Bonnet Macaque, Jungle Cats and various snake species. Abounding in bird species too, Idduki will let you chance upon rare birds like Laughing Thrush, Grey Heron, Malabar Parakeet, Kingfishers and many more.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Keven Law

Well-known as an elephant and tiger reserve, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place to chance upon some of the most regal tigers and gargantuan elephants. Lovingly called Thekkady, this wildlife sanctuary is also home to the rare Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langur, and the Bonnet Macaque. Apart from these exotic animals, Thekkady is world-famous for its wide variety of delightful birds like the great Malabar Pied Hornbill and Racket-tailed Drongos. With a remarkable population of reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects, Thekkady is a wildlife you wouldn’t want to miss.

Silent Valley National Park

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Kailash Nadh

Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills in Kerala, the Silent Valley National Park is as tranquil and charming as the name suggests. Named after the absence of the racket making cicadas, Silent Valley houses some of the best animal, plant and bird species in all of India. With a rich biodiversity, all species, common and rare, co-exist peacefully in this national park. Visiting this park may afford you a glimpse of the White-bellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Nilgiri Blue Robin, Flycatchers, Long-legged Buzzard and other unique and wonderful bird species. Supposed to be the earth’s last unspoilt ecosystems, the Silent Valley National Park will render you speechless. Check out some great Kerala tour packages and jet off to this paradise.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Photograph by www.flickr.com user blueeyes_inoki

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in the Kottayam district of Kerala sits on the banks of the sparkling Vembanad Lake, and is a nature lover’s paradise. Known for the large number of migratory birds that make their way here from the Himalayas and a few even from as far as Siberia, this bird sanctuary is truly a place you cannot skip visiting. Come dawn, and you will be able to watch birds like Cuckoos, Herons, Moorhens, Darters, Brahminy kites, Siberian Cranes and many others, in flight over the lake or just being.

Wayanad Wildlife Reserve

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Shachi Sitaram

This animal sanctuary in Kerala is a beatific home to various species of animals like Indian bison, elephants, deer and ferocious tigers. The second largest sanctuary in Kerala, Wayanad is home to some of the most beautiful and rare wildlife species. Visit this sanctuary for their fun elephant rides and to witness myriad bird species taking flight, and the crisp and clean Kerala ambience.  For wildlife enthusiasts, Kerala packages are sure incomplete if Wayanad is missing on the itinerary.