Kerala is not just about scenic tea gardens and surreal backwaters in Thekkady; it’s much more than that! This South Indian state is a treasure trove of wonders, offering a diverse range of experiences that include wellness, adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenic beauty. Not every tourist plans for a relaxing, scenic getaway to the tea gardens; many desire an action-packed and adventurous vacation. And that’s where wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala come into the picture.
Apart from its abundant natural beauty and cultural richness, Kerala is home to some of the incredible wildlife sanctuaries, offering excellent opportunities to spot endangered and unique species of birds, animals, reptiles, and more.
We have curated this comprehensive article solely for nature and wildlife aficionados who wish to explore the wild side of Kerala. So, without waiting any further, let us explore the incredible Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, featuring the magnificent species that bring the raw beauty of nature to life. Let’s get started!
Discover the List of Top 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
Kerala is home to some of the richest biodiversity reserves, including its wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and bird sanctuaries. Below is the list of the top 12 Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, where incredible wildlife encounters can be experienced.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most unique and popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. This place is a real treasure trove of wonders for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, offering wild encounters amidst an arid landscape. You may get infinite opportunities to spot the grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, and dry deciduous forests.
Location: Idukki District, near Marayoor
Things to do:
- Trekking and camping by the river
- Wildlife spotting, including the grizzled giant squirrel
- Visiting the Chinnar River for birdwatching and photography
- Nature trails and eco-education tours
Nearby attractions:
- Marayoor sandalwood forests
- Thoovanam Waterfalls
- Manjampatti Valley
Silent Valley National Park
This place is located deep within the Western Ghats, offering incredible views of the natural wonders. The Silent Valley National Park is ideal for Kerala wildlife tourism, offering a pristine wilderness experience. You may even get a chance to spot the rare species, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque, vibrant butterflies, and exotic orchids that paint the forest floor.
Location: Palakkad District
Things to do:
- Guided trekking in pristine rainforest areas
- Spotting the rare lion-tailed macaque
Birdwatching and photography of endemic species - Nature interpretation and educational tours
Nearby attractions:
- Kunthi River and waterfalls
- Karimpuzha and Kadalundi valleys
- Palakkad Gap viewpoints
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Eravikulam National Park
For those desiring a perfect Kerala wildlife tourism, you must add this place to your bucket list! Eravikulam National Park is a place renowned for its vast expanse of Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every twelve years. This place was declared a National Park to safeguard the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the mountain goat. Visitors will have distant yet amazing encounters with Leopards, Jungle Cats, Birds, Small reptiles, and amphibians. Guided tours are available for the visitors.
Location: Near Munnar, Idukki District
Things to do:
- Trekking to see Nilgiri Tahr and panoramic hill views
- Photography of fantastic grasslands and Neelakurinji blooms
- Nature walks through high-altitude terrain
- Spotting endemic flora and fauna
Nearby attractions:
- Anamudi Peak
- Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
- Tea plantations and Munnar town
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar National Park in Kerala is one of the best wildlife spots. Located in the Western Ghats, this wildlife sanctuary spans 925 sq. km and is home to majestic elephants, Bengal tigers, and the scenic Periyar Lake. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and later recognized as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. It gained popularity due to the immersive experience it offered visitors.
The wildlife sanctuary’s strategic location, adjacent to the Mullaperiyar Dam, attracts herds of elephants and a rich variety of birds and animals to its shores, creating a visually delightful sight for visitors. The backdrop of the mist-covered hills enhances the overall experience, making Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary a must-visit destination.
Expert Tip: Opt for an early morning boat safari for the best chance to spot wildlife near the lake.
Location: Thekkady, Idukki District
Things to do:
- Boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife
- Jungle trekking and nature walks through dense forests
- Bamboo rafting and spice plantation tours
- Wildlife photography and birdwatching
Nearby attractions:
- Periyar Lake and dam
- Kadathanadan Kalari Center (martial arts shows)
- Elephant rides and tribal village tours
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
This is one of the most incredible and must-visit Kerala Bird Sanctuaries, where you will get a chance to spot over 300 bird species, including the Malabar grey hornbill and Sri Lanka frogmouth. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary was designed by the legendary ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, and it remains one of the richest habitats for birds. The experience will be all about spotting a unique species of bird at every turn. It’s best to keep your cameras and power banks ready to capture the aesthetic shots!
Location: Kothamangalam, Ernakulam District
Things to do:
- Birdwatching
- Nature trails and thrilling forest trekking
- Photography and guided wildlife tours
- Learning about conservation programs
Nearby attractions:
- Periyar River and Thattekad boat rides
- Bhoothathankettu Dam
- Muvattupuzha town
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Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
This is a must-visit Kerala Tiger Reserve, where you can easily spot Tigers, leopards, gaurs, and rare species of birds and reptiles. It spans over 643 sq. km of astonishing wilderness, and its notable location between the Anamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy Hills of Kerala makes the visual experience refreshing!
Parambikulam features an abundance of wildlife, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the forest’s dense teak and rosewood plantations also feature the famous Kannimara Teak, which is long believed to be one of the oldest and tallest living teak trees in the world.
Location: Palakkad District
Things to do:
- Guided jeep and trekking safaris to spot tigers, leopards, and gaurs
- Bamboo rafting along the Parambikulam River
- Eco-lodge stays for overnight wildlife experiences
- Photography and nature exploration
Nearby attractions:
- Parambikulam Dam
- Aliyar Reservoir
- Anamalai Hills trekking
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary boasts evergreen forests, waterfalls, and a diverse array of fauna, offering a visual delight for visitors. The sanctuary’s crown jewel is the Peppara Reservoir, which safeguards the surrounding forest while preserving wildlife and migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities while taking in the stunning views of the wildlife, including colorful birds, elephants, and sambar deer.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram District
Things to do:
- Trekking through evergreen forests
- Boating in Peppara Reservoir
- Birdwatching and spotting wildlife along forest trails
- Photography and eco-tourism activities
Nearby attractions:
- Neyyar Dam and wildlife sanctuary
- Ponmudi hill station
- Agasthyakoodam trekking
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the must-visit Kerala Bird Sanctuaries, which is a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors will have the opportunity to spot giant elephants, reptiles, sambar deer, butterflies, and the scenic panorama of the Idukki Arch Dam. Peaceful rivers and hidden streams add charm to the overall experience.
Location: Idukki District
Things to do:
- Trekking and jungle exploration
- Boating on the Idukki Arch Dam reservoir
- Wildlife spotting, including elephants and sambar deer
- Nature photography
Nearby attractions:
- Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam
- Thommankuthu Waterfalls
- Painavu and hill station viewpoints
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, offering an excellent experience for wildlife lovers. This wildlife sanctuary features a crocodile rehabilitation center and is home to elephants, sambar deer, and a diverse array of endemic birds. The sanctuary also features a lion safari park, where visitors can get up close and personal with the majestic creatures in a safe environment. This wildlife sanctuary is a mix of water bodies, dense forests, and scenic hills, which makes every visit picturesque and calming.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram District
Things to do:
- Boating on Neyyar Dam
- Trekking and forest walks
- Visiting the lion safari park and crocodile rehabilitation center
- Birdwatching and photography
Nearby attractions:
- Neyyar Dam Garden
- Kanyakumari (short drive)
- Agasthyakoodam base camp
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal destination for Kerala wildlife tourism, renowned for its dense forests, rolling hills, and serene Shendurney Lake. This sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and a diverse array of wildlife, including endemic bird species. Visitors can enjoy a couple of adventure activities, while also providing perfect spots for photography and moments of reflection.
Location: Kollam District
Things to do:
- Jungle trekking and guided forest tours
- Boating and canoeing in Shendurney Lake
- Birdwatching and photography
- Eco-tourism programs and nature walks
Nearby attractions:
- Thenmala Eco-Tourism Park
- Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Achankovil River
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Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Kurinjimala Sanctuary is a hidden gem that celebrates one of Kerala’s rarest natural wonders, the Neelakurinji flower. This wildlife sanctuary boasts fantastic montane grasslands, rolling hills, and shola forests. Visiting this sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore the state’s untouched wilderness and enjoy a range of activities. This place is also a haven for photographers, trekkers, and nature lovers, offering incredible opportunities at every turn.
Location: Idukki District
Things to do:
- Trekking to see Neelakurinji flowers (bloom every 12 years)
- Nature photography and wildlife spotting
- Birdwatching and flora study
- Educational eco-tours
Nearby attractions:
- Munnar Tea Plantations
- Anamudi Peak
- Chinnakanal and Mattupetty Dam
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
This is one of the best Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, located within the lush Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1973 and is connected to the Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks in Karnataka, as well as the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Tourists can catch striking glimpses of the giant elephants, bison, deer, and the dense forest cover.
Additionally, surreal views of the thick, moist deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and teak plantations make this sanctuary a must-visit, especially for nature enthusiasts. To make the journey even more enriching, consider combining your visit with a stay in a Wayanad treehouse for a closer encounter with nature.
Location: Wayanad District
Things to do:
- Spotting elephants, deer, and other wildlife through jeep safaris
- Birdwatching
- Photography opportunities
- Exploring Edakkal Caves with ancient rock carvings
- Participate in nature treks, which take you through dense forest regions
Nearby attractions:
- Pookode Lake
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Chembra Peak trekking
Choose which Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala you wish to add to your list and let our travel mavens create a perfect adventure-packed Kerala Tour Package for you! We guarantee you a trip packed with fun, memorable moments, and world-class service provision from start to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are essential tips for visiting Periyar National Park, including wearing comfortable shoes, carrying binoculars for clearer views, and maintaining silence to increase the chances of spotting more wildlife. You also need to book early to avoid last-minute disappointments.
The Kerala Tiger Reserve is an ultimate experience, especially at Periyar and Parambikulam, due to its dense evergreen forests and well-protected habitats. Additionally, visitors have an incredible opportunity to spot Bengal Tigers alongside elephants, gaurs, and a diverse array of rich birdlife.
The Bird Sanctuaries, especially those in Thattekad and Kumarakom, are home to over 300+ bird species. Visitors can easily spot the Malabar grey hornbills, kingfishers, herons, and migratory species such as Siberian storks. Plan your visit during the winter as it unlocks the chance to spot several migratory bird species.
Kerala is best known for its natural and wildlife beauty. The best places to witness its stunning wildlife include Periyar, Wayanad, Silent Valley, Parambikulam, and Eravikulam National Park.
Kerala is home to 18 wildlife sanctuaries, six national parks, and two tiger reserves. This state is India’s richest wildlife and natural biodiversity reserve.
