Is beauty true, or just an illusion? Are everything about art, beauty, philosophy gibberish? Or, are we ourselves making life complex to join the urban fray. If such complexities are turning you crazy, then the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala are some of the best places to rediscover yourself instincts. The serenity, veridity and incredible simplicity of nature in the verdure will recall your desires to be free from conflicts and stress.
This travelogue takes you to an ethereal journey through the subtle beauties of nature that still dwells amidst the green forests in Kerala.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Spreading across an area of 675 sq km, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled amongst the picturesque surrounding of the Western Ghats. Considered a major tourist attraction for all, the sanctuary is a pleasant destination for nature lovers. The dense verdure, rare wildlife and vast stretches of beautiful meadows with the pellucid Periyar Lake within make the sanctuary a must-visit for a blissful vacation. With 1800 plants and 143 types of orchids, the sanctuary is one of the best places for botanists and photographers alike. Also known for its diverse wildlife, the sanctuary is awesome to capture 35 different species of mammals – bird-watching being an add-on. Don’t miss a walk along tea-estates, or an exciting boat cruise, or an elephant ride – all are major attractions here.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:
The sprawling wilderness of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is best to spot some of the rarest species of wild animals. Spread across 285 sq km, this wild life sanctuary is abounds in trees like neem, teak, rosewood, sandalwood etc. Also worth a stop are the three dams - the Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam dams - that have become quite resourceful for the region. For wildlife lovers, Parambikulam is home to the famous Indian Bisons (the Gaurs). Even a number of tigers, wild dogs, sambhars etc can be frequently discerned in some corner or the other. Ask your guide to take you to the two major watchtowers to get a bird’s-eye view of the entire sanctuary. Even bird lovers can fulfill their passion to get photographs of migratory birds. Boating and cruising are also wonderful to try out.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:
Idukki Sanctuary is awesome for anyone passionate for wildlife photography. Pristine forests and acreages of rocky terrains are amazing for anyone looking for a vacation getaway. Covering an area of 77 sq km, the sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places to cherish nature. With the Cheruthoni and Periyar Rivers edging the forest, Idukki is just 40 Km away from Thodupuzha. Other than just natural charms, the great reservoir of the Idukki arch dam – one of the major tourist attractions in the place – is also an admirable sight. Excellent for adventure sports and trekking, Idukki is idyllic for youngsters also to enjoy a memorable stay. While boat cruises are meant primary for tourists to enjoy a panoramic view of the region, wildlife population is galore in Elephants, Bisons, Sambhar, Deer etc.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
A short walk along the pathways of the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary can’t be missed, if you are in Idukki district. Though not as vast as Idukki sanctuary, the thorny scrub forest of Chinnar is unusually enchanting. Considered the driest forests among all wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar is the natural habitat of the endangered giant grizzly squirrel of India. As for beauty, treasure the cascades of the Thoovanam waterfalls or explore the Marayoor sandal forest. Don’t forget a drive along the Karimunthi - Chinnar road to spot elephants, sambhar, spotted deer, hanuman monkey and even peacocks.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
To watch the wild canines in their prime, the Wayanad Sanctuary in the Wayanad plateau is a great pick for travelers. Known for its bio-diversity, the sanctuary – basically an extension of the Bandipur National park - is also a part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. Other than just wildlife and bird-viewing, the deciduous forest flora here is a prime tourist delight in Kerala.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:
Cut off from the bustle of the cities, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a welcome refuge for travelers. A 50 km drive from Trivandrum drops you at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary sprawling in tropical forests throughout the rocky terrain. To start with, take a walk along the Peppara dam over the Karamana River, a common sightseeing for tourists. Drive up the hills now to treasure the unforgettable moment while you find yourself among the solitude of hills. Everything starting from the eucalyptus plantation, the thick overgrown forest to the diverse wildlife and the fresh water, are charmingly simple and serene for a romantic halt.
The woods here are vast. The Peppara verdure is primarily divided into three regions – the tropical evergreen forest in the southern hills, the semi- evergreen forest in the west coast hills, and the moist mixed broad-leafed forest in the southern lower hill slopes. Therefore, in your quest to explore all don’t miss a chance to watch-out for wild animals in their prime. Not only Nilgiri Langur, but even animals like Tigers, wild dogs, panthers, gaurs, and mouse deers are frequently seen. Keep your excitements well harnesses if you abruptly encounter a lion-tailed macaque, or a wild boar.
Above all, you can even enjoy an exciting evening with the tribal natives – cultures still untouched by the mundane city life.
Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Once considered the most diverse bird sanctuaries in the world, Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary – also named Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – till today has as many as 500 species of birds flying in from various parts of the world. While this is just one of the reasons for you to be here, this sanctuary is also equally well-known for its vast array of caduceus forests which can at times get difficult to explore. Situated along the bank of the Periyar River in the Ernakulam district, the juicy tropical forest serves as a haven for fascinating birds like Black Winged Kite, Bee-eater, Jungle Fowl, Falcon Grey, Crimson-throated Barbet, Night Heron, Ceylon Frogmoth, and everything you can possibly think of.
As ever, the beauty of nature still seems to remain elusive in Kerala. Unveil all mysteries – plan a trip, enjoy an exciting stay.
This travelogue takes you to an ethereal journey through the subtle beauties of nature that still dwells amidst the green forests in Kerala.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Spreading across an area of 675 sq km, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled amongst the picturesque surrounding of the Western Ghats. Considered a major tourist attraction for all, the sanctuary is a pleasant destination for nature lovers. The dense verdure, rare wildlife and vast stretches of beautiful meadows with the pellucid Periyar Lake within make the sanctuary a must-visit for a blissful vacation. With 1800 plants and 143 types of orchids, the sanctuary is one of the best places for botanists and photographers alike. Also known for its diverse wildlife, the sanctuary is awesome to capture 35 different species of mammals – bird-watching being an add-on. Don’t miss a walk along tea-estates, or an exciting boat cruise, or an elephant ride – all are major attractions here.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:
The sprawling wilderness of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is best to spot some of the rarest species of wild animals. Spread across 285 sq km, this wild life sanctuary is abounds in trees like neem, teak, rosewood, sandalwood etc. Also worth a stop are the three dams - the Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam dams - that have become quite resourceful for the region. For wildlife lovers, Parambikulam is home to the famous Indian Bisons (the Gaurs). Even a number of tigers, wild dogs, sambhars etc can be frequently discerned in some corner or the other. Ask your guide to take you to the two major watchtowers to get a bird’s-eye view of the entire sanctuary. Even bird lovers can fulfill their passion to get photographs of migratory birds. Boating and cruising are also wonderful to try out.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:
Idukki Sanctuary is awesome for anyone passionate for wildlife photography. Pristine forests and acreages of rocky terrains are amazing for anyone looking for a vacation getaway. Covering an area of 77 sq km, the sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places to cherish nature. With the Cheruthoni and Periyar Rivers edging the forest, Idukki is just 40 Km away from Thodupuzha. Other than just natural charms, the great reservoir of the Idukki arch dam – one of the major tourist attractions in the place – is also an admirable sight. Excellent for adventure sports and trekking, Idukki is idyllic for youngsters also to enjoy a memorable stay. While boat cruises are meant primary for tourists to enjoy a panoramic view of the region, wildlife population is galore in Elephants, Bisons, Sambhar, Deer etc.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
A short walk along the pathways of the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary can’t be missed, if you are in Idukki district. Though not as vast as Idukki sanctuary, the thorny scrub forest of Chinnar is unusually enchanting. Considered the driest forests among all wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar is the natural habitat of the endangered giant grizzly squirrel of India. As for beauty, treasure the cascades of the Thoovanam waterfalls or explore the Marayoor sandal forest. Don’t forget a drive along the Karimunthi - Chinnar road to spot elephants, sambhar, spotted deer, hanuman monkey and even peacocks.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
To watch the wild canines in their prime, the Wayanad Sanctuary in the Wayanad plateau is a great pick for travelers. Known for its bio-diversity, the sanctuary – basically an extension of the Bandipur National park - is also a part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. Other than just wildlife and bird-viewing, the deciduous forest flora here is a prime tourist delight in Kerala.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:
Cut off from the bustle of the cities, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a welcome refuge for travelers. A 50 km drive from Trivandrum drops you at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary sprawling in tropical forests throughout the rocky terrain. To start with, take a walk along the Peppara dam over the Karamana River, a common sightseeing for tourists. Drive up the hills now to treasure the unforgettable moment while you find yourself among the solitude of hills. Everything starting from the eucalyptus plantation, the thick overgrown forest to the diverse wildlife and the fresh water, are charmingly simple and serene for a romantic halt.
The woods here are vast. The Peppara verdure is primarily divided into three regions – the tropical evergreen forest in the southern hills, the semi- evergreen forest in the west coast hills, and the moist mixed broad-leafed forest in the southern lower hill slopes. Therefore, in your quest to explore all don’t miss a chance to watch-out for wild animals in their prime. Not only Nilgiri Langur, but even animals like Tigers, wild dogs, panthers, gaurs, and mouse deers are frequently seen. Keep your excitements well harnesses if you abruptly encounter a lion-tailed macaque, or a wild boar.
Above all, you can even enjoy an exciting evening with the tribal natives – cultures still untouched by the mundane city life.
Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Once considered the most diverse bird sanctuaries in the world, Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary – also named Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – till today has as many as 500 species of birds flying in from various parts of the world. While this is just one of the reasons for you to be here, this sanctuary is also equally well-known for its vast array of caduceus forests which can at times get difficult to explore. Situated along the bank of the Periyar River in the Ernakulam district, the juicy tropical forest serves as a haven for fascinating birds like Black Winged Kite, Bee-eater, Jungle Fowl, Falcon Grey, Crimson-throated Barbet, Night Heron, Ceylon Frogmoth, and everything you can possibly think of.
As ever, the beauty of nature still seems to remain elusive in Kerala. Unveil all mysteries – plan a trip, enjoy an exciting stay.
This is very informative Sudip. When we plan a trip to Kerala, I will surely get in touch with you. I have a feedback for you...Could you please change the background or maybe the font colour? Its difficult to read.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks madam....well, further feedback may be coming soon....as i have asked my sister - Sreemati Sen - to review my blogs..... You can contact me anytime... i have even been to Ooty and Bandipur National Park as well...will write about them soon...my contacts: sbiswas83@gmail.com & 09962212826.
DeleteI have visited Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and it is breathtaking. Varied species of animals and birds are the major attraction of tourists from far and near. It was a wonderful experience. I have been to Kerala and MyHolidayTrip has arranged a tour package for us.
ReplyDeleteYour post is amazing!! Thanks for sharing it and I have got to know about the other wildlife sanctuaries even :)