The
jungles of Kerala are very popular for a varieties of species of flora
and fauna. Plan a wildlife tours to some of the best preserved wildlife
sanctuaries in the country and sight some of the most ferocious animals
in their natural habitat. The most popular wildlife national parks in
Kerala are -
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Claimed to be the domain of the tigers, Periyar Tiger Reserve is
located around 55 kms from Coimbatore and is easily accessible from all
over the state. The wildlife park is famous for tigers and elephants
while tourists can also sight Lion-Tailed
Macaques, Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Laughing Trush and Ceylon Frog
Moth. Boating, Jeep safari and elephant safari are a few exciting
adventure options that one should not miss. The best time to visit this
wildlife hub is from the months of September to March. Park is open for
public visit from 6 am to 6 pm. Boat safaris can be taken inside the
park and its timings are 7,
9, 11 am & 2 and 4 pm. Entrance fee is Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 300
for foreign nationals. Other charges includes Cameras Rs. 25 (still)
& Rs. 200 (video), Vehicle entry - Rs. 50, Boat ride - KTDC Rs. 110
(upper deck), Rs. 55 (lower deck), Rs. 350/trip for a small 2 seater
boat.
2. Idduki National Park - At a distance of 40 kms from Thodupuzha,
sprawls the Idduki National Park famous for its rare species of
migratory birds and various options of safari offered inside the park.
Visit during the months of September and October when the adjoining
Idduki Arch Dam is flooded with water and creates a ethereal ambiance.
park is open from 7 am to 5 pm and entrance fee is Rs 15 for Indian and
Rs 200 for foreigners. There is a forest bus that charges Rs 20 per head
to take around the wildlife park.
3. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Idyllically located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, tourists come here
to enjoy bird watching some exclusive and rare species of avian family.
Some of the most exotic birds one can sight here are Siberian Cranes,
Egrets, Flycatchers,
Teals and Herons Water Ducks. Motorboats rides and houseboat cruises
can also be enjoyed here. The bird sanctuary is just 16 kms form
Kottayam and can be visited during the months of November to February.
The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is open for public from 6 in the morning
till 6:30 in the evening and charge Rs 5 (Indian) and Rs 45 (foreigners)
as entrance fee.
4. Silent Valley National Park
- It is one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in India flooded by
colorful birds and beautiful butterflies. It is located around 40 Kms from Mannarkkad and can be visited from September
to March.Tourists can enjoy elephant as well as jeep safari to see
animals like Lion-Tailed Macaques, Tigers, Great Indian Hornbill,
Nilgiri Laughing Trush, Ceylon Frog Moth. Tourists are allowed inside
the park only from 8 am to 2 pm as it takes approximately one and a half
hours to reach the valley. To go inside the park vehicles can be hired
from MUkkali. Their charges are Rs 650 for the vehicle. Entrance charges
are Rs 50 per head and guide takes around Rs 150. While vehicle entry
is Rs 250, they charge another Rs 50 for still camera.
5. Wayanad Wildlife Reserve -
Some of the animals that tourists can enjoy sighting here are Elephant ,
Bison, Spotted Deer, Tiger, Leopard, Bear and Wild Boar. Best visited
during June to October, it is located just 110 kms from Calicut and
easily accessible from all over the state. The park timings are from 6
am to 9 am and then from 3 pm to 6 pm. Entrance fee is Rs 10 for Indiana
nationals and Rs 100 for foreigners. Camera charges are Rs 150 while
guides charge Rs 200. One can also hire a jeep to go inside that park
that cost Rs 250.
Kerala,
the land of God, is a beautiful patch of green that is covered with
jungles and woods, thus providing excellent habitat for a variance of
fauna. Besides the above mentioned wildlife hubs, there are many other
parks that deserve special mention. Some of the lesser known but equally
abundant wildlife parks in Kerala includes Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary,
Nayyer Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam
National Park and Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary.
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