Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in 16 K M away from Sultan Bathery .The Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary also referred as  Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area network of the Nagarhole National Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the neighbouring State of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with fauna and flora.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. Also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, this wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Established in 1973, the sanctuary is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphre Reserve. It’s bounded by protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.

The wildlife sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant and one can spot herd of elephants roaming in the area.

Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department,Kerala. Discovering and observing the wildlife while being atop an elephant is an enthralling and unforgettable experience.

Directions

By Air: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, nearly 120 km from Sulthan Bathery.

By Rail: Kozhikode, about 97 km by road from Sulthan Bathery.

Aralam wildlife sanctuary

Aralam wildlife sanctuary located at 35 K M From Thalassery and 60 K M from Kannur. The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq km of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level.  It was established in 1984.

In the evergreen areas the following species are found: vellapine (Vateria indica), Mesua ferrea, Mechilus macrantha, Calophyllum elatum, Cullenia rosayroona, Magnifera indica, Toona cillata, Myristica Species, Euphorbia Longana, Strobilanthes. The common trees in the semievergreen areas are Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Hopea parviflora, Largestroemia lanceolata, Xyliaxylocarpa, Mallotus, Philippinensis.

A variety of animals and birds usually found in the Western Ghats are seen here. Different kinds of deer, boar, elephant, and bison are quite common. Leopard, jungle cat and various types of squirrels are sighted.

Enquiries

The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Thiruvananthapuram - 695 014, Kerala

The Wildlife Warden, Aralam Wildlife,

Division, Kannur.

The Assistant Wildlife Warden, Iritty, Kannur Dist. Pin Code: 670 673

Directions

By Air - Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 71 km from Thalasserry town.

By Rail- Thalasserry, about 35 km.

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary lies with in the geographical extremes of latitudes 10026’ N and 100 40’ N longitudes 760 15’ E and 760 28’ N in the Taluk of Thrissur and Thalappilly  and in the administrative jurisdiction of Peechi Wild life Division of Northern Wild life Circle, Palakkad. The sanctuary comprises of parts of Paravattanimala, machadmala and Bahranipacha mala .The total area of the sanctuary is 125 Sq.km.

Ponmudi is the highest peak (923m) in this region which runs to the altitude ranging from 45 metres to 900 metres. The sanctuary has around 25 types of mammals. Carnivorous animals like the tiger, leopard and fox are also found lurking in the thick growth. The wildlife sanctuary is also rich in bird life as more than 60 types of birds and 10 types of snakes are also found here. Besides the flora and fauna at the sanctuary, one can also enjoy boat rides at the Lake in the sanctuary.

Accommodation facilities can be availed at the rest house, and the information centre. Boating facilities are available here

Enquiry

1. Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife)

Thiruvananthapuram - 695 014

Phone: 0487 322217

Directions

By Air: Nearest airport is Kochi, 98 kms.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Thrissur, 23 kms.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Located at Devikulam Taluk in Idduki District .The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously.it is one of the import bird sanctuaries among India.

It is a home to a microcosm of India's bird population with about 500 winged species

Indian Roller, Cukoo, Common Snipe, Crow Pheasant, Jungle Nightjar, Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Baya Sparrow, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Robin, Jungle Babbler And Darter.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a rare haven in Kerala. Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here. The rivers are rich in fish life and are shallow for most of the year.

Rare Birds

Crimson-throated barbet, bee-eater, sunbird, shrike, fairy blue-bird, grey-headed fishing eagle, blackwinged kite, night heron, grey heron, Malabar shama, common grey hornbill and Malabar hornbill.

Directions

By Rail – Cochin International Airport

By Road- Nearest Railway station Aluva

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary  located 60 K M away from Munnar (Idduki District)  in the border of Tamil Nadu. it is one of the 12 wildlife sanctuary among the protected areas of kerala.  The altitudinal variation of the region that ranges from 500 to 2400 mts blesses it with a diverse variety of flora and fauna.

34 species of Mammals live here, including many Panthers and Spotted deer, Indian Elephants, Gaur, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Common langur, Bonnet Macaque, Hanuman monkey, threatened Nilgiri Tahr, vulnerable Rusty-spotted Cats and about 240 of the only vulnerable Grizzled Giant Squirrels in Kerala. 245 species of birds including Yellow-throated Bulbuls. 52 species of reptiles including 29 species of snakes, Indian Star Tortoise and the largest population of vulnerable Mugger Crocodiles in Kerala live in the Sanctuary. Most common of the 42 species of fishes observed in the Chinnar and Pambar rivers are Garra mullya Giant Danioand the endangered hill stream game fish Deccan Mahseer. 22 amphibian species live in the Sanctuary. There are 156 species of butterflies

 There are 965 species of flowering plants in the sanctuary Ecoregions of the sanctuary comprise mostly grassland and wet grasslands vegetation and some South Western Ghats montane rain forests and high shola at the higher western elevations. South Western Ghats moist deciduous forestss at mid elevations give way to dry deciduous forests and thorny scrub forests in the lower dryer eastern edges of the valley. The major Xerophyticspecies in the throny scrub forests areAcacia arabica, Acacia leucofolia, Acacia concinna, Prosporis juliflora, and Opuntia stricta.

The Marayoor Sandalwood forest is located here.

Major attractions

The Chinnar River and Pambar rivers are the major perennial water resources in the sanctuary. The Chinnar originates near Kumarikal Malai, follows the interstate boundary along the northwest edge of the sanctuary for 18 km and becomes the Amaravati River in Tamil Nadu.The Pambar River originates in the Anaimudi Hills and is joined by seasonal rivulets and a few perennial streams originating from sholas in the upper reaches

Gizzled Giant Squirrel: The riverine forests along with Chinnar and Pambar support a large number of highly endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrels. The sanctuary plays host to the second largest population of Grizzled Giant Squirrels in the world.

Thoovanam Waterfalls: Deep within the sanctuary, the spectacular Thoovanam waterfall is located. The river Pambar flows eastwards through the sanctuary and plummets down from a great height on the river Chinnar. Wildlife Department permit tourists to visit the falls as part of wildlife tourism.

Watch Tower: Standing on the lofty watchtower, one can have a panoramic view of the entire park and the wildlife beauties, adjoining jungles in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and also the magnificent mountains far away.

Directions 

By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 110 km from Munnar.

By Rail: Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.

Idukki wildlife sanctuary

 The Idukki wildlife sanctuary is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the important tourist attractions in Kerala. The Idukki sanctuary is located in the forest land between the Cheruthoni river and the Periyar river. There is a beautiful lake around the Idukki sanctuary, surrounded by a captivating cover of tropical evergreen and deciduous forests.

Idukki is one of the most nature-rich areas of Kerala.  This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district spreading over 105 Sq. Km. at 450 - 748m above sea level. The Idukki reservoir formed by three dams-Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu-extends to 33 sq km.

ANIMALS
Elephants, Poorcu Pine, Sambar Deer, Wild dogs,Jungle cats, Malabar Gaint Squirrel, Wild boar etc. 
SNAKES 
Cobra, Viper, Krait and a large number of non- poisonous snakes 
BIRDS
Jungle fowl, Myna, Laughing thrush, Black bulbul, Peafowl, Wood pecker, King fisher etc.

Directions

By Air- Madurai in neighbouring Tamilnadu, about 140 km away; Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away

By Rail- Kottayam about 114 km; Changanassery about 114 km away. .

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km² national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India, between 10º05'N - 10º20'N latitude and 77º0'E - 77º10'E longitude.

The park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary.The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with sholas. Anamudi (2695 m, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas is inside this park. Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge together to form tributaries of the Periyar river and Chalakudiyar River on the west and the east flowing Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. 

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population ofNilgiri Tahr, estimated at about 750 in number. The other ungulates are Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole,leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little known animals such as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and Funambulus sublineatus) Dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, [Brachypteryx major|White Bellied Shortwing]],Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush.

Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the Red Disk Bushbrownand Palni Fourwing are among the 101 species in the park.

19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park.

Directions

Getting there: Eravikulam is 15 km from Munnar.

By Rail- Kottayam, about 142 km from Munnar; Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar. 

By Air- Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 142 km; Cochin International Airport, about 150 km.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar is a protected area, and a nature reserve in the South Indian State of Kerala, set high in the mountains of the Western Ghats at the border to Tamil Nadu. It lies in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta. The protected area covers an area of 925 km², out of which a 350 km² part of the core zone was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, sometimes dubbed the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is often called by the name thekkady also. Thekkady is located four km from Kumily, approximately 100 km east of Kottayam, 110 km west of Madurai and 120 km southeast from Kochi.

Approximately 75% of the entire protected area are covered of unaffected evergreen or semi-evergreen rain forest. There typically tall tropical tree species such as Vateria indica, Cullenia exarillata, Hopea parviflora, Canarium strictum, Artocarpus hirsutus and Bischofia javanica are seen. They reach heights of 40 to 50 Metres.

Scarcely 13% consists of damp leaves forest, 7% of Eucalyptus plantation and 1.5% of grassland. The remainder (around 3.5%) of the protected area is covered by the Periyar artificial lake as well as the Periyar River and Pamba rivers.

Altogether the reservation counts nearly 2000 kinds of flowering plants (Angiosperms), three kinds of seed plants (gymnosperms) and 170 different species of ferns. Among the Angiosperms, there are 169 families of sweet grasses and 155 kinds of Fabaceae. Orchids, with 145 representative types, are the most frequent flower.

About 350 of the occurring plant types can be used for medical purposes.

Altogether 62 different kinds of mammal have been recorded in Periyar, including many threatened ones. There are an estimated 53 tigers(2010) in the reserve. Tourists also come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake. The elephant number around 900 to 1000 individuals. Other mammals found here include gaur, sambar (horse deer),barking deer, mouse deer, Dholes (Indian wild dogs), mongoose, foxes and leopards. Also inhabiting the park, though rarely seen, are the elusive Nilgiri tahr.

Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, the common langur, and the Bonnet Macaque.

 So far 320 different kinds have been counted in Periyar. The bird life includes darters, cormorants,kingfishers, the great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed Drongos.

There are 45 different kinds of reptile in the protected area out of which there are 30 snake, two turtle, and 13 lizard species. Among those are Monitor lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun on the rocks along the lake shore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.

Twenty seven different kinds have been recorded, of which ten are endemic to the Western Ghats, such as some species of frogs and cecilians.

In the waters of the protected area 38 different fish types live, of which four are endemic to the Western Ghats.Salmon,trout is also here. 

There is a remarkable variety of butterflies and there are about 160 different kinds in total. Some are dangerous enough to make a human seriously ill   

Directions

BY Air -Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar.

By Rail - Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar.

By Road - Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitutes the catchments of the Peppara Dam on the Karamana River near Thiruvananthapuram, India.

The Peppara Dam was commissioned in 1983 to augment the drinking water supply toThiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared a sanctuary in 1983. The area was formerly a part of the Paruthippally range of the Thiruvananthapuram Territorial Division. Forests consist of part of the Palode reserve (24 square kilometres (9.3 sq mi)) and part of Kottoor reserve (29 square kilometres (11 sq mi)). The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 square kilometres (2.25 sq mi). Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the dam site and provide more entertainment and leisure facilities here.

Forest types include West coast tropical evergreen, Southern hilltop tropical evergreen, West cast semi-evergreen,Southern moist mixed deciduous forest, Myristica swamp forest, sub-montane hill valley swamp forest etc.

Common tree species are Terminalia paniculta, T. bellerica, Pterocarpus marsupium, Palaquium ellipticum, Mesua ferrea, Hopea parviflora, Bombax ceiba, Syzyguium cummini, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Albizzia procera, Alstonia scholaris, etc.

The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. 43 species of mammals, 233 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary. The common mammals found are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Sambar (deer), Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr etc.

Directions

By Air - The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (32 Kms) from where frequent and regular buses are available for Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also board a flight to your desired destination after returning from the wildlife sanctuary. 

By Rail - The nearest railhead from the sanctuary is Thiruvananthapuram, which is well connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and even Kashmir. The buses are available for the sanctuary from Trivandrum. From Trivandrum you can also board a train to depart to your desired destination. 

By Road- Peppara wildlife sanctuary is easily and conveniently accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram - Ponmudi road.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

The Shenduruny forest - declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 gets its name from an endemic species of tree called Chenkuruny (Gluta travancoria). In the central region of this moist, mixed deciduous forest, spread over hilly terrain of over 100 sq km, is the 26 sq km artificial lake formed by the Parappar dam built across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the Kollam-Shencotta road . Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary shelters a wide array of animals that include tigers, bears, leopards, elephants, lion tailed macques etc. One can also see various species of birds that migrate to this place for nesting and breeding.

Directions

By Air- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport 72 km away.

By Train - Thenmala connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kashmir.

By road- 66 km from Kollam town on the Kollam-Shencotta Road, in Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Dam

The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern state of Kerala in India is spread over the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 km (49.4 sq mi). It is located between 77° 8’ to 77° 17’ East Longitude and 8° 29’ to 8° 37’ North Latitude, central location 8°33′N 77°12.5′E. Although it was declared as a sanctuary in 1958, not much was done about wildlife conservation, until 1985, when a separate wildlife wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum. 

It is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of western ghats. It was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. The 128sqkm Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of Agasthya mala

This sanctuary has a substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes the sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve. There are 39 species of mammals, including Tiger,Leopard, Sloth bear, Elephant, Sambar, Barking deer, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri Langur anNilgiri tahr. 176 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary.

A Crocodile farm, set up in 1977 at Neyyar, is home to 44 mugger crocodiles. The Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre was inaugurated at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in May 2007.

Neyyar dam is a dam in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, South India, located on the foot of the Western Ghats about 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It was established in 1958 and is a popular picnic spot. Lying against the southern low hills of the Western Ghats, Neyyar Dam has a beautiful lake.

 

Directions

By Air - he nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (32 km away)

By Rail - nearest railway station is also at Thiruvananthapuram.

 

Soochipara Waterfalls

The three-tiered waterfalls in Soochipara, Wayanad District cascade down from a height of 100 to 300 feet Soochipara waterfalls is located at Meppadi in  Wayanad District . this spectacular waterfall attracts visitors from near and far. Locally referred to as Soochipara (meaning "Needle-like Rock).One can reach the waterfalls only after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad.Here one can enjoy waterrafting, swimming and bathing in the pool below. A highlight is the tree-top huts from which one can have a spectacular view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Timing - 8 am To 5 pm

Chethalayam Waterfalls

Chethalayam Waterfalls is located 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road. It is a crystal clear waterfall. It's surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching.Trekking to Chethalayam falls is an extraordinary experience. Even trekking novices can try Chethalayam falls which is at four kilometers from Chethalayam.

Directions

By Air : The nearest airport is Calicut. From Calicut Airport, KTDC buses and taxis are available to move to Wayanad. Private taxis and buses are also an option to the tourists.
 

By Rail : The district is well connected by a railway network.
 

By Road : Wayanad's Headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Calicut. SOme major city distances from Wayanad are: Calicut- 98 km, Kasargod- 216 Km, Trivandrum- 502 Km and Cochin- 286 Km.