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Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

The Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala. Blessed with rich flora and fauna, the sanctuary offers excellent opportunities to experience Kerala wildlife in their natural habitat. Situated adjacent to the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is now under consideration of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to be declared as a World Heritage Site. 

Apart from 39 species of mammals, 16 species of amphibians, 268 varieties of birds, 61 species of reptiles and 124 types of butterflies, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to four indigenous tribes that have made their colonies in the sanctuary.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, the Parambikulam Sanctuary is the best place to sight animals such as Lion Tailed Macaques, King Cobras, storks, rollers etc. Trekking is allowed within the forest but you will need prior permissions. There are watchtowers constructed within the sanctuary to help visitors in sighting wildlife.

Best time to visit - November to April.

Nearest railhead - Palakkad

Nearest airport - Coimbatore

Nearest town - Palakkad

Location: Parambikulam Road, Anappady, Thunakadavu, Palakkad 678661

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated between two rivers Cheruthoni and Periyar. This is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and is situated at a distance of 40 km from Thodupuzha and spread over 77 sq kilometres. Covered in a dense canopy of evergreen forests, the sanctuary is home to a wide range of wildlife.

The wildlife of Idukki includes animals such as Sambhars, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, Tigers etc. Trekking is possible within the forest with prior permission from the forest department. You can also enjoy boat rides in the rivers which provide a panoramic view of the surroundings. 

Best time to visit - December to April.

Nearest railhead - Kottayam

Nearest airport - Madurai Airport

Nearest town - Thodupuzha

Location: Vellappara, Painavu, Idukki, Kerala 685603

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over 90 sq km in the Idukki district and is distinct from other sanctuaries due to its thorny scrub forest. This sanctuary receives rain for only 48 days in the year and hence this peculiar vegetation. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on either side of the Marayoor-Udumalpet Road and is famous for sandalwood forests and waterfalls.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is under consideration for being declared as a World Heritage Site. There are watch towers inside the sanctuary from where you can observe animals. You can also enjoy nature walks, trekking or camping inside the sanctuary.

Best time to visit - December to April.

Nearest railhead - Aluva

Nearest airport - Nedumbassery

Nearest town - Ernakulam

Location: Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an extension of the Bandipur National Park and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere. Comprising of thick deciduous forests, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals including tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, civets, bears etc. You can enjoy elephant rides within the forest. Spread over 344 sq km, this sanctuary is part of the Wayanad Plateau. 

The area experiences a salubrious climate. There is a beautiful valley called Lakkidi situated within the sanctuary and experiences the highest average rainfall in Kerala. The sanctuary is also home to tribal groups consisting of the Paniyas, the Kurumas, the Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis and Kattunaikkans.

Best time to visit - June to October.

Nearest railhead - Kozhikode

Near airport - Kozhikode

Nearest town - Sulthan Bathery

Location: Bathery- Puthupally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592

Much smaller in comparison to other Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across 9.06 sq km. It is situated near the Agasthyakoodam hill which gets its name from the Sage Agastya. Home to a large variety of wild animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, sambhars etc, and the sanctuary offers opportunities for lion and tiger safaris. 

The sanctuary also has an Elephant Rehabilitation Centre and a Deer Rehabilitation Centre. There is a crocodile farm within the sanctuary, which was established in 1977. This farm is home to about 20 mugger crocodiles.

Best time to visit - October to March.

Nearest railhead - Neyyattinkara

Nearest airport - Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest town - Neyyattinkara

Location: Kallikkad, Kerala 695572

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq km and is located at about 50 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The forests of the sanctuary occur in the catchment area of the Peppara dam which stands across the Karamana River, is something to see in the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

The sanctuary is known for its thick forests, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rugged terrain. It is home to a wide variety of species such as tigers, panthers, wild dogs, mouse deer etc and to about 13 native tribal groups that are still untouched by civilisation.

Best time to visit - October to March.

Nearest railhead - Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest airport - Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest town - Thiruvananthapuram

Location: Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northernmost part of Kerala.  In comparison to other wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, this sanctuary has a number of hill ranges that have an elevation between 50 m to 1145 m. The highest peak is of Katti Betta and its slopes are covered in lush semi-evergreen forests. 

Being a part of the Western Ghats, the Aralam Wildlife sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna and has a huge variety of plants and animals. You can spot leopards, jungle cats and different kinds of squirrels in these wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

Best time to visit - June to October.

Nearest railhead - Thalassery

Nearest airport - Karipur

Nearest town - Kannur

Location: Kannur, Kerala 670674

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is one of the eco-sensitive wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Almost 18 acres its land is embedded with thick mangroves which are also the roosting sites of migratory as well as home birds.  The sanctuary is christened as ‘the green lung of Kochi’ due to its central location.

Sprawls right behind the Kerala High Court building in Kochi, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is also blessed with scenic backwaters landscapes. A survey study conducted in 2006 reported the presence of 194 birds of 32 varied species.

Best time to visit: Winter season, especially the month of January, February and March witness the arrival of migratory and exotic birds.

Nearest railhead: Ernakulam South Railway Station.

Nearest airport: Nedumbassery International Airport, Kochi.

Nearest town: Ernakulam

Location:High Ct Rd, Ayyappankavu, Kochi, Kerala 682031

Caressed by the branches of Periyar river which is Kerala’s longest river stream, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary is a low-land forest which is flocked by more than 500 bird species.

Some of the highly populated birds in this region are Hawk Eagle, Orange-headed Thrush, Blue Kingfisher, Jerdon's Nightjar, Indian cuckoo, Oriental Darter, Created Woodpecker, Whiskered Terns, Black Headed Oriole, Bronzed Drongo, Grey-fronted green pigeon, Yellow-browed bulbuls etc. Mammals such as Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephants, and Jungle cats dwell in this small strip of forest which sprawls on the Northern bank of Periyar river.

On the emphatical recommendation by Dr Slaim (a famous ornithologist), Kerala Government established this sanctuary in the year 1983.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year. It is always advisable to avoid monsoon season since it pours heavily in Kerala.

Nearest railhead: Aluva 

Nearest airport: Cochin 

Nearest town: Kochi/Cochin

Location: Kothamangalam-Pooyamkutty Road, Nyayapally PO, Thattekad, Kerala 686681

For animal lovers, there is yet another place which you should definitely visit once in your lifetime. Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Western Ghat is one of the hot spots among the people in Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary covers an area of around 85.067 sq km inclusive of the Chimmeney Lake. The sanctuary is an abode to elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels, sloth bears etc.

Get astonished as you witness the flora and fauna of this sanctuary which is also blessed with scenic beauty. Soak in the serenity as you visit this sanctuary and click some of the best pictures of wildlife. There are around 39 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians, and 31 species of fishes. 

Best time to visit: November to April.

Nearest railhead: Thrissur

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.

Nearest town: Thrissur

Location: Chimmini Dam Road, Dist. Thrissur, Pariyaram, Kerala 680304

Mauthanga Wildlife Sanctuary which is also known as the Waynard Sanctuary is a rainforest which is most visited by the people. This sanctuary was established as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1973. It is one of the second largest sanctuaries in Kerela.

The deciduous forest is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna. You will find wild animals like tigers, panthers, civet cats, jungle cat, wild dogs, elephants etc. You can also find peacock, babbler, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls etc. Don’t miss a chance to visit this amazing wildlife sanctuary on your next visit to Kerala.

Best time to visit: June to October.

Nearest railhead: Wayanad

Nearest airport: Calicut

Nearest town: Sultan Bathery

Location: Sultan Bathery 673592

If you are a bird enthusiast then you should definitely visit this bird sanctuary in Kumarakom. This bird sanctuary is best known for the migratory birds. The sanctuary spreads over an area of 14 acres. It is maintained by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.  You will get to see a variety of local birds like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, and brahminy kite. As it is known for the migratory birds, you will find migratory birds like Siberian crane, parrot, teal, lark, and flycatcher.

The Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, located in the northern side of Wayanad, beckons you to explore its vast dense regions and engage in wildlife. You can find a wide variety of flora and fauna. Thopetty Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1973. This wildlife sanctuary is bestowed upon with rich wildlife and green vegetation.

One can find a variety of rare birds and endangered species in this sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant. The interesting thing about the sanctuary is that you can clearly hear a herd of elephants crossing the road as you stroll through the forest.

Best time to visit: November to May.

Nearest railhead: Calicut

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at Calicut.

Nearest town: Sulthan Bathery 

Location: Tholpetty, Kerala 670646

Spread across the area of 97 sq. km amidst the picturesque Devan Hills, Eravikulam National Park is an amazing place to witness the biodiversity of the shola-grassland ecosystem. While visiting the Eravikulam National Park, you can have the sight of endangered South Indian goat, the Nilgiri Tahr. Apart from this, the other fauna includes Nilgiri langur, tiger, Indian bison, leopard, and many more.

Although the national park is divided into three areas, viz. the core area, the buffer area and tourism area, visitors are only allowed in the tourism area, known as Rajamalai.

Best time to visit: September to November and from April to June.

Nearest railhead: Aluva

Nearest airport: Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Nearest town: Aluva

Location: The Wildlife Warden Munnar PO, Idukki, Kerala, 685612

Situated amidst the mesmerizing mountainous plateaus of Western Ghats, the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is just 20 km from Manathavady in Wayanad. The Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to myriads of exotic birds and animals species and highlights rich Kerala wildlife. Some of the major animal species that you find here include tigers, spotted deer, bear, elephants, bison, jungle cat, bison, civet cat, monkeys, wild boar, panther, wild dog, and many more.

Apart from the animal species, there are many birds species too in the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary, some of which include kingfisher, black bulbul, laughing thrush, jungle fowl, peafowl, woodpecker, myna and many more.

Best time to visit: December to May.

Nearest railhead: Thalassery

Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport.

Nearest town: Kalpetta

Location: Mananthavady, Kalpetta

Spread over an array of islands amidst the mesmerizing hillocks, where the holy Kadalundi River meets the Arabian sea, the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.

It is the abode to more than 100 species of native birds and approximately 60 migratory bird species. Some of the most famous bird species that you can sight here include terns, seagulls, sandpipers, turnstones and many more.

Best time to visit: November to April.

Nearest railhead: Kadalundi

Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport.

Nearest town: Kadalundi 

Location: Near Kadalundi Railway Station, Kadalundi, Kerala 673302

With an area of 237.52 sq km, the Silent Valley National Park is situated at the Northeastern corner of Palakkad district. The Silent Valley National Park is the core of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is the home to more than 1000 species of flowering plants, 34 species of mammals, 128 species of beetles, 200 species of butterflies, 400 species of moths and many more.

Students from the life sciences filed biologists and professional scientists can do their research in the Silent Valley National Park due to its rich variety of flora and fauna.

Best time to visit: December to April.

Nearest railhead: Palakkad

Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport.

Nearest town: Palakkad

Location: Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley Division, Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala 678582

The Anamudi Shola National Park is an elegant national park, situated amidst the lush green forest of Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala and highlights rich Kerala wildlife. Declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the Anamudi Shola National Park is spread across the area of 7.5 sq km.

The national park has three shola reserve forests, viz. Mannavan Shola Reserve, Idivara Shola Reserve and Pullardi Shola Reserve. Some of the major wildlife species that you can have the sight of here include langur, flying squirrels, leopards, civet cats, giant grizzled squirrel, tiger, elephant and many more.

Best time to visit: October and March.

Nearest railhead: Pollachi Railway Station

Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport.

Nearest town: Idukki

Location: Kanthalloor-Perumala Road, Kannan Devan Hills, Kanthalloor, Idukki.

The Mathikettan Shola National Park is spread across the area of 12.82 sq km and is located at a distance of approximately 130 km from Madurai in the Idukki district of Kerala. Know as the heaven for wildlife photographers, the Mathikettan Shola National Park is home to myriads of wildlife species some of which include wild elephants, tigers, panthers, giant grizzled squirrel, spotted deer, Nilgiri tahrs, flying squirrels and many more.

During your visit, you can also have the chance to sight various species of snake-like vipers, rat snakes, cobras, pythons, etc. It is advisable that you wear proper clothing and footwear to protect yourself.

Best time to visit: November and March.

Nearest railhead: Theni Railway Station.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.

Nearest town: Idukki

Location: Poopara Village, Idukki.

The Pambadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Kerala and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, which include 22 species of trees, 16 species of climbers, 74 species of herbs, 9 species of mammals, 14 species of birds, 93 species of moths and 100 species of butterflies.

During your visit, along with the sight of an elephant, wild boar, common langur, gaur, sambhar, you can also witness some of the rarest animals like Nilgiri Marten, Indian wild dogs and Niligir Marten.

Best time to visit: April to September.

Nearest railhead: Aluva

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.

Nearest town: Aluva

Location: Pampadam National Park Road, Vattavada, Kerala 685615

The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and is located in the Thrissur district. It is spread across the area of 125 sq km and is home to some of the most exotic Kerala wildlife.

The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is the home to approximately 25 species of mammals, which include tiger, jungle cat, leopard, Indian bison, and Asian elephant. You can also witness some of the most beautiful bird species in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary during your visit.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Nearest railhead: Thrissur Railway Station.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.

Nearest town: Thrissur

Location: Thrissur, Peechi, Kerala 680304

The Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another beautiful wildlife sanctuary in Kerala that is the home to some of the most beautiful animals in the country. It is located in the southern part of Kerala and is covered with tropical semi-evergreen forest.

The primary wild animals that you can witness here include lion-tailed macaques, deer, sambar, leopards, bison, elephants, langurs, tigers and many more. The Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary has thick forest cover, which also possesses some of the most exotic plant's species and is spread across 100 sq km of area.

Best time to visit: March to July.

Nearest railhead: Kollam Railway Station.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Nearest town: Thenmala

Location: Shendurney Wildlife division, Thenmala, 691308

Situated amidst the lush green mountains of Western Ghats is the Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary, the home to some of the most beautiful animals in the country, some of which include Tiger, giant squirrel, sambar, gaur, Nilgiri wood pigeons, Nilgiri tahr and many more.

It is also one of the most loved hotspots for various adventurous activities like rappelling, trekking and is extremely amongst thrill seekers.

Best time to visit: September to May.

Nearest railhead: Aluva Railway Station.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.

Nearest town: Idukki

Location: Devikulam Taluk, Idukki.

The Kalimpuzha National Park is the abode to more than 1600 breeds of flora and approximately 34 breeds of fauna. Some of the major animal species that you can find in the Kalimpuzha National Park during your visit include Nilgiri pipit, white bellied blue flycatcher, grey-headed bulbul, Nilgiri wood pigeon, ample tailed grass wabler, and many more.

Moreover, if you are lucky, you can also have the chance to witness some of the snake species like a cobra, viper, rat snake, etc.

Best time to visit: October to June.

Nearest railhead: Palakkad Railway Station.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport.

Nearest town: Nilambur

Location: Nilambur, Malappuram, Kerala.