12 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Did you know? There are more than 500 breathing wildlife sanctuaries in India!!

Wildlife in India has its own world, away from human presence – in isolation. You may have visited the most popular places in India but the experience of visiting the wildlife is like no other.

With an array of marvelous landscapes and a bounty of natural spectacles, God’s own country, Kerala is unquestionably an amazing destination to experience the real taste of wildlife.

Kerala is home to about fourteen wildlife sanctuaries, six national parks, and two tiger reserves. These wildlife sanctuaries are an adobe to rare species of flora and fauna. As Vincent Van Gogh once said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere”.

Top Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala To Visit In 2021!

So, wake up your wild side and plan a wildlife tour in Kerala. And if you are a nature enthusiast, you are surely going to have the wildest experience in Kerala. Here are the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala for you to answer your call of the wild!

Periyar National Park

Located high in the south Western Ghats in Pandalam and Cardamom Hills, Periyar National Park is one of the famous national parks of South India. And is spread over an area of about 777 sq km. On the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary tour, witness Bengal tigers along with different species of reptiles, birds, and butterflies. Be a part of wildlife adventure activities like rafting and jungle safari, which attract thousands of wildlife lovers across the world.

[ Explore: Periyar Tour Packages ]

Must read:
Periyar National Park: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Top 10 Luxury Jungle Resorts Near Periyar National Park

Location: Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts

Timings: 6 AM-7 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges: 

• Adult – Indian – INR 45, Foreigner – INR 500
• Child – Indian – INR 15, Foreigner – INR 180
• Still Camera – INR 38
• Video Camera – INR 300

Safari Cost –

• Boat Safari (above 11 years) – INR 150
• Boat Sadari (below 11 years) – INR 50

Periyar Tiger Trail Treks  Cost –

• One night – INR 5500
• Two nights – INR 7500

Best time to visit Periyar National Park: December – February

How to Reach Periyar National Park:

• Air – Cochin is the nearest airport from Periyar. (158 km approx.)
• Rail – Kottayam is the nearest railhead from Periyar. (101 km approx.)
• Road – Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well connected by both state and private buses. You can get a bus from Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

[ Also read: Short Escape to Periyar ]

Silent Valley National Park

Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Kerala, this national park was established in 1984 and was formerly called Sairandhrivanam. It is home to the largest population of endangered lion-tailed macaques. The tranquil forest of Silent Valley National Park is rich in flora and fauna, which also boasts several wild animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and Malabar Giant Squirrels. About 110 species of orchids enchant every visitor.

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

Timings: 8 AM-1 PM, Daily except for Friday

Charges: 

• Per Person – INR 50
• Jeep (5 pax) – INR 1600
• Guide – INR 150
• Still Camera – INR 25
• Video Camera – INR 200

Best time to visit Silent Valley Park: September – April

How to Reach Silent Valley Park:

• Air – Peelamedu Airport is the nearest airport to Silent Valley National Park. (73 km approx.) Regular lights of all major air-carriers operate to and fro from this airport.
• Rail – Olavakkode Railway Station in Palakkad is the connecting railway station to reach the national Park (52 km approx.).
• Road – There is great connectivity of roads from major parts of the country to Kerala. Visitors from nearby cities like Coimbatore can also reach the park by road via Mannarkkad.

[ Must Read: Wildlife in India ]

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park in Kerala has South India’s highest peak, Anamudi. This park is home to a larger number of the Nilgiri Tahr. On your wildlife tour to Kerala, witness the special Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. Wildlife lovers can also witness rare terrestrial and epiphytic orchids and beautiful wild balsams along with the Nilgiri Langur, leopards, and the Indian Bison. Also, enjoy hiking and trekking here.

[Also read: Birds in Eravikulam National Park]

Location: The Wildlife Warden Munnar

Timings: 7 AM-4 PM, Open all days of the week (closed from February to March every year due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr)

Reservation Timings (information center, Munnar) – 9 AM-3 PM

Charges:

• Adult – Indian – INR 125, Foreigner – INR 420
• Child – Indian – INR 95
• Still Camera – INR 45
• Video Camera – INR 335
• Reservation Fee – INR 50

Best time to visit Eravikulam National Park: September – November, April – June

How to Reach Eravikulam National Park:

• Air – Cochin is the nearest airport from Eravikulam National Park (135 km approx.). Many airlines operate to Cochin from major parts of India.
• Rail – The nearest railway station is Aluva (115 km approx.). Many trains run from significant cities to Cochin at regular intervals.
• Road – Munnar can be easily reached by road. There is a motorable road up to Rajamalai, the headquarters of the park.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries of South India, came into existence in 1982. It is home to elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, and wild boar. You can observe the different species of venomous snakes including cobras, vipers, kraits, and other non-poisonous snakes. Species of bird-like the Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, woodpeckers, and bulbuls can also be seen here.

Location: Vellappara, Painavu, Idukki

Timings: 9 AM-6 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges: Indians – INR 10, Foreigners – INR 150

Best time to visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: December – April

How to Reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – Cochin International Airport is the closest (190 km approx.). Regular flights can be booked to reach the sanctuary from major parts of India.
• Rail – The nearest railway station is Kottayam (114 km approx.).
• Road – This sanctuary is well connected by road with prominent cities in Kerala and other parts of India. Cochin is approx. 120 km away and Trivandrum is approx. 220 km away.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Promoting ecotourism, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. It boasts several natural trekking trails in Kerala that attract several adventure enthusiasts from around the globe. Surrounded by tropical and semi-evergreen forests, the sanctuary provides shelter to animals like elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, Nilgiri Langur, Hanuman Langur, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Rare species of butterflies can also be spotted at this wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.

Location: Kannur

Timings: 8 AM-4 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges:

• Per Person – INR 15
• Vehicle – INR 75
• Guide – INR 300
• Camera – INR 25

Best time to visit Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: September – May

How to Reach Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – Kozhikode International Airport is the nearest airport (136 km approx.). Frequent flights will take you to Kannur from major parts of India.
• Rail – The nearest railway station is the Thalassery railway station (50 km approx.).
• Road – This sanctuary is well connected by road with famous cities in Kerala and other parts of India. Thalasseri is approx. 15 km away and Kannur is approx. 45 km away.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to the Great Grizzled Squirrel of India, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. The Great Grizzled Squirrel is less than 200 in numbers and is among the most endangered species on planet Earth. All the trekking aficionados must visit this wildlife sanctuary in Kerala to pump up their adrenaline. The wildlife sanctuary offers you views of gaur and elephants strolling around in the vicinity. Spotted deer, Sambar, Hanuman Langur, and stunning peacocks can also be seen here.

Location: Munnar – Udumalpet Road, Munnar

Timings: 6 AM-6 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges:

• Adult – Indian – INR 10, Foreigner – INR 100
• Child – Indian – INR 5
• Still Camera – INR 25
• Video Camera – INR 150
• Heavy vehicle – INR 150 per day
• Light Vehicle – INR 50 per day

Best time to visit Chinaar Wildlife Sanctuary: December – April

How to Reach Chinaar Wildlife Sanctuary: 

• Air – Coimbatore Airport (115 km approx.) and Cochin Airport (208 km approx.) are the two nearest airports to reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Rail – Pollachi (60 km approx.) and Aluva (200 km approx.) railway stations are the closest railway stations.
• Road – The sanctuary is well-connected to major parts of Kerala, and can be easily reached from famous Kerala tourist destinations including Munnar, Cochin, and Ernakulam.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Dam can be visited for many reasons. Being a charming wildlife sanctuary, it is an ideal picnic spot that attracts families, friends, and solo travelers alike. The sanctuary has a deer park, a lion safari park, a crocodile rehabilitation and Research Centre, and a watchtower. Along with the dam in the sanctuary, you can spot various fauna species like the tiger, Asian Elephant, leopard and Slender Loris, and reptiles like the Travancore Tortoise and King Cobra. You can enjoy boating here with a beautiful view of the area.

Location: Kallikkad

Timings: 9 AM-4 PM, Open all days of the week except Monday

Charges:

• Adult – Indian – INR 250, Foreigner – INR 300
• Child (5-12 years) – INR 125
• Child (below 5) – INR 5

Best time to visit Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Winter months

How to Reach Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – Trivandrum International Airport (34 km approx.) is the nearest airport to reach Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Rail – Thiruvananthapuram (30 km approx.) is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary. This station is well connected within Kerala and other parts of the country.
• Road – The sanctuary is well-connected to major parts of Kerala, and can be easily reached from other significant states of India.

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, then head to Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. This beautiful sanctuary is located in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani Dams. It is a picnic spot where you can enjoy a boat ride. Enjoy scenic views of the valley from this wildlife sanctuary of Kerala at its highest point at 923 m and spot over 25 species of mammals like sambar, deer, spotted deer, Indian bison, Asian elephant, and lion. More than 100 bird species can also be seen along with snakes and lizards.

Location: Chimmini Dam Road, Pariyaram

Timings: 8 AM-6 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges: Adult – INR 10, Child – INR 5

Best time to visit Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary: March – October

How to Reach Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – Cochin International Airport (84 km approx.) is the nearest airport to reach Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Rail – Thrissur railway station (42 km approx.) is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary. This station is well connected to the major parts of the country.
• Road – The sanctuary is well-connected to major parts of Kerala, and can be easily reached from other significant states of India.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary offers the best trekking options in the capital city. The starting point of the trek is Kannithara near Vithura and after 5 km you reach Vazhvanthol. It is a breathtaking experience everyone must do in Peppara wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary provides shelter to animals like barking deer, elephants, wild boar, and gaur. Apart from this, you can also see endemic species like the White-bellied Treepie, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Small Sunbird. Peppara wildlife sanctuary was derived from the name of its dam Peppara Dam.
Location: Peppara Dam Rd, Mannoorkara

Timings: 10 AM-6 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges:

• Adult – Indian – INR 50, Foreigners – INR 150
• Child (12 and below) – INR 35
• Still Camera – INR 20
• Video Camera – INR 150
• Light Vehicle – INR 50
• Heavy Vehicle – INR 150

Best time to visit Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: December – March

How to Reach Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – Trivandrum Airport (39 km approx.) is the nearest airport to reach the sanctuary.
• Rail – The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Trivandrum Central (38 km approx.). It is connected to the major parts of the country.
• Road – Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is linked to major parts of Kerala, and can be easily reached from other important states of India.

Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is a part of Eravikulam National Park. And if you love animals, you must visit Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The wildlife sanctuaries protect the animals on verge of extinction and offer you to witness them in their natural habitat. Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary is regarded as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala due to its ambiance that captivates every visitor. Do not forget to see woodpeckers, Indian Cucooks, Common Mynas, Indian Hill Mynas, Gray Jungle Fowl, Little Egrets, Little Cormorants, and Brahminy Kites.

[Also read: Tourist Attraction in Rajmala Wildlife Sanctuary ]

Location: The Wildlife Warden Munnar PO

Timings: 7 AM-4 PM, Open all days of the week (closed from February to March every year due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr)

• Reservation Timings (information center, Munnar) – 9 AM-3 PM

Charges:

• Adult – Indian – INR 125, Foreigner – INR 420
• Child – Indian – INR 95
• Still Camera – INR 45
• Video Camera – INR 335
• Reservation Fee – INR 50

Best time to visit Rajmala Wildlife Sanctuary: October – March

How to Reach Rajmala Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – Cochin is the nearest airport from Eravikulam National Park (135 km approx.). Many airlines operate to Cochin from major parts of India.
• Rail – The nearest railway station is Aluva (115 km approx.). Many trains run from significant cities to Cochin at regular intervals.
• Road – Munnar can be easily reached by road. There is a motorable road up to Rajamalai, the headquarters of the park.

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Southern Kerala, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984 and is the only wildlife sanctuary in Kollam known for its biodiversity. Activities like trekking, camping, and boating can be enjoyed here. Go on and explore the wilderness of forests via soft and hard trekking. Some of the hard trekking trails include Sky Walk, Wet ‘N; Wild trail, and Reservoir Walk. You can see the rare tree species called Chenkurunji (Glutatravancorica) in this sanctuary. Also, enjoy a safari ride and see deer, monkey, and bison.

Location: Shendurney Wildlife division, Thenmala near Kollam

Timings: Any time of the day with prior booking.

Charges: Entry is free, but a permit is required.

Best time to visit Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary: November – February

How to Reach Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

• Air – Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (52 km approx.). Many airlines operate to Trivandrum from major parts of India.
• Rail – The nearest railway station is the Sengottai railway station (14 km approx.).
• Road – Kollam can be easily reached by road. It is connected with major parts of India.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

On your wildlife tour to Kerala, do not forget to explore Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife in Kerala and houses tigers, elephants, panthers, jungle cats, bison, wild dogs, deer, and other mammals. There are also a lot of birds that keep you fascinated. Apart from this, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary has lush and evergreen deciduous teak forests that provide shelter to numerous rare and endangered wildlife species. So, head to this sanctuary and explore every nook and corner for a great and wild experience.

Also read: Things to do in Wayanad

[Explore Wayanad Tour Packages ]

Location: Bathery- Puthuppally Road, Sultan Bathery

Timings: 7 AM-10 AM, 3 PM-4.30 PM, Open all days of the week

Charges:

• Adult – Indian – INR 20, Foreigner  – INR 110
• Child (12 years and below) and Students  – INR 10
• Still Camera – INR 25
• Video Camera – INR 150
• Light vehicle – INR 50
• Heavy vehicle – INR 150
• Guide – INR 100
• Jeep Safari – INR 300

Best time to visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: August – February

How to Reach Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Air – The Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode (123 km approx.) is the nearest airport to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. After reaching, catch buses run by Kerala Tourism Department to the sanctuary.
• Rail – Kozhikode serves as the nearest railway station (111 km approx.). Local buses and private vehicles are available at frequent intervals.
• Road – Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible from many major cities in Kerala and in the neighboring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Visitors can either avail of the regular buses or hire private vehicles to reach the sanctuary.

So, pick up your camera and get going to explore the wilderness of Kerala. These wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala will keep you captivated with its endangered species like Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Bengal Tiger, and Indian elephant. Visit these sanctuaries to witness nature in its raw form!

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Manmeet Kaur

A writer by profession and a storyteller by heart, Manmeet has a passion for exploring ancient forts and temples and has a soft corner for snowy places. Besides, she loves to travel, treat her taste buds to different cuisines, and binge-watch movies and series every now and then. She is an avid reader, which keeps her engaged and her fascination for new languages and cultures has encouraged her to pick up French as well!