Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala – A Complete Guide to God’s Own Wild Frontier!
Kerala frequently conjures up images of verdant backwaters wave tea plantations & houseboats gliding through serene lagoons. The wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala however, are another aspect of the state that is alive with the exciting cries of elephants, the sly rustle of leopards & the whisper of wind through thick rainforests.
Some of India’s most abundant biodiversity can be found in this southern state which is tucked away between the Arabian Sea & the Western Ghats. Kerala is a natural paradise for explorers & wildlife enthusiasts with hidden treasures like Chinnar and Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary as well as the well-known Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady.
Planning your wild adventure requires knowledge of Kerala’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, whether you are a researcher, traveler, or photographer.
How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks are there in Kerala?
Kerala, despite being a relatively small state has a remarkable network of protected areas –
| Category | Number in Kerala | Famous Example |
| National Parks | 6 | Eravikulam, Periyar, Silent Valley |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | 18 | Wayanad, Chinnar, Idukki, Shendurney |
| Biosphere Reserves | 2 | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve |
This makes Kerala a hotspot for wildlife conservation in India.
List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala (With Districts)!
Here’s a full list of wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala with districts and highlights –
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Location/District | Area (sq. km) | Key Attractions |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Wayanad | 344 | Elephants, Gaurs, Tigers |
| Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Idukki | 90 | Endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel |
| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Thekkady, Idukki | 305 | Periyar Lake, Tigers, Boat Safari |
| Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary | Idukki | 105 | Scenic Reservoir, Deer, Leopards |
| Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Kollam | 172 | Unique rainforest ecosystem |
| Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary | Kannur | 55 | Malabar Hornbill, Leopards |
| Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary | Thrissur | 87 | Elephants, Butterflies |
| Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary | Thiruvananthapuram | 53 | Indian Bison, Nilgiri Langur |
| Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Thiruvananthapuram | 128 | Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre |
| Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kozhikode | 74 | Rare Flora, Birds |
| Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary | Idukki | 32 | Neelakurinji blooming cycle |
| Chulannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary | Palakkad | 3.5 | Peacocks |
| Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary (Latest) | Idukki | 32 | Neelakurinji blooming cycle |
| Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary (Latest) | Palakkad | 227 | Nilgiri biosphere extension |
| Other smaller sanctuaries | Spread across Kerala | Varies | Ecological Corridors |
Famous National Parks in Kerala!
Kerala may have only 6 national parks but each one is a biodiversity jewel.
| National Park | District | Area (sq. km) | Highlights |
| Eravikulam National Park | Idukki/Munnar | 97 | Endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Neelakurinji flowers |
| Periyar National Park (Periyar Tiger Reserve) | Thekkady, Idukki | 305 | Tigers, Elephants, Lake Cruise |
| Silent Valley National Park | Palakkad | 237 | Pristine Rainforest, Lion-tailed Macaque |
| Mathikettan Shola National Park | Idukki | 12.8 | Rare Medicinal Plants |
| Pampadum Shola National Park | Idukki | 1.3 | Smallest National Park in Kerala |
| Anamudi Shola National Park | Idukki | 7.5 | Dense Shola Forests |
- Largest National Park in Kerala – Silent Valley (237 sq. km).
- Smallest National Park in Kerala – Pampadum Shola (1.3 sq. km).
- First National Park in Kerala – Eravikulam National Park
Wildlife Safari in Kerala – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!
Kerala permits visitors to enjoy wildlife responsibly in extra to protecting it –
- Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve) is famous for its Periyar Lake boat safaris.
- Jeep safaris through thick forests are available at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Trekking and ecotourism accommodations in Chinnar Sanctuary.
- Forest trekking with a guide in Silent Valley National Park.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is the most popular destination for those seeking Kerala’s best wildlife safari while Chinnar & Wayanad provide untamed wilderness.
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kerala!
Elephants frequently wander into farmlands in Wayanad & Palakkad despite Kerala’s abundance of wildlife.
- Livestock can occasionally be attacked by wild boars and leopards.
- To lessen these disputes, authorities employ ecotourism and awareness-raising initiatives.
One of the main problems in Kerala’s protected areas is still striking a balance between conservation and local livelihood.
Why Kerala is Special for Wildlife Tourism?
- Rich biodiversity under the Western Ghats (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Abundance of both tropical rainforests and shola grasslands.
- Rare and endemic species like Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Civet & Nilgiri Tahr.
- Strong conservation laws protecting forests.
- Blend of wildlife + culture + eco-tourism.
Best Time to Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala!
- The pleasant weather during the winter months of October through February makes it ideal for safaris.
- Monsoon season (June to September) have Green vegetation but travel is hampered by heavy rains.
- The best time of year to see animals near water sources is during the summer (March to May).
USA to Kerala Flights for Wildlife Sanctuary Adventures!
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala Map (Travelers’ Guide)
Travelers often ask for a “wildlife sanctuary in Kerala map” or “national park in Kerala map”. A tourist map highlighting major sanctuaries like Wayanad, Periyar & Silent Valley with routes from Kochi, Trivandrum & Kozhikode helps plan trips efficiently (you can include a visual map when publishing the blog).
They often ask for a wildlife sanctuary in kerala map or national park in kerala map, a tourist map highlights major sanctuary like wayanad,
Conclusion – A Wild Symphony in God’s Own Country!
Kerala is a wild frontier full of life not just peaceful beaches & backwaters. Every sanctuary here is a chapter in the epic tale of the Western Ghats from the open meadows of Eravikulam to the misty canopies of the Silent Valley.
Kerala’s jungle invites you to experience nature at its best even if you are a tourist seeking the best wildlife safari in the state a researcher researching endangered species or a photographer documenting unadulterated beauty.
Therefore, the next time you are planning a trip to God’s Own Country be sure to visit Kerala’s national parks & wildlife sanctuaries which are the real heart of the state’s natural heritage in addition to the backwaters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala?
A:
There are 18 sanctuaries in kerala.
Q: How many national parks in Kerala?
A:
there are 6 national parks.
Q: Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala?
A:
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (344 sq. km) is the largest wildlife sanctuary.
Q: Which is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala?
A:
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary (~87 sq. km) is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in kerala.
Q: Which is the first wildlife sanctuary in Kerala?
A:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the first wildlife sanctuary in kerala.
Q: Which is the latest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala?
A:
Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is the latest wildlife sanctuary in kerala.
Q: What is the best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala?
A:
The best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala is from October to June, especially during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is cool & wildlife sightings are frequent.
Q: Which is the oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala?
A:
The oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1958 in Thrissur district.
Q: Which animals are unique to Kerala?
A:
Kerala is home to unique & endemic animals such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Grizzled Giant Squirrel & the Asian Elephant.
Q: Which wildlife safari is the best in Kerala?
A:
The best wildlife safari in Kerala is at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady), known for boat & jeep safaris where travelers can spot elephants, tigers & other wildlife near Periyar Lake