Come to Kerala for the sprawling backwater, the magical tea estates, and the serene beaches and of course the exciting great outdoors. It’s an exciting adventure to elephant back riding through Thekkady, or watching the magic of Mother Nature unfold at the Ghats, the focal point of wildlife activity in Kerala. The thrilling adventures you can partake in brings you closer to nature, in ways you’ve never experienced ever. Come and prepare to be stunned

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve

Being a land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most abundant areas when it comes to the ethereal beauty of the flora and fauna of the area. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary which is located here sprawls an area of 105.364 sq km in the Udumpanchola and Thodupuzha taluks of the district. Located at an altitude of 450-748 m above sea level, The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary occupies a forest area between the Cheruthoni and Periyar Rivers

There is a lovely lake around the sanctuary which is covered by a spectacular canopy of tropical evergreen and deciduous trees and the best part? It offers you boat rides. One can get a glimpse of bisons, sambar deer, wild dogs, elephants, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars and what not along with some really chilling creepy crawlies like snakes that include cobras, vipers, kraits and some non-poisonous snakes as well. Birds such as the gray jungle fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, several species of woodpeckers bulbuls, flycatchers and others can be seen as well. The wildlife here is similar to that of the famed Thekkady Sanctuary and this one lies adjacent to the world famous Idukki Arch Dam. Plan a trip to thekkady wildlife with our Thekkady Tour Packages to Kerala Wildlife by Thekkady tour operators

Periyar Tiger Reserve

If you visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, then you can’t miss out on the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the best parts of visiting a wildlife zone in the state. Thekkady conjures images of wild elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests in the area is one of the finest wildlife reserves in the country. The sheer number of the wealth in these forests is staggering. With a whopping 1965 flowering plants that include 171 grass species and 143 orchid species is what constitutes this great treasure house of flora. The number of fauna is even more intimidating and they include 35 species of mammals which includes the Tiger, the Asian elephant, sambar deer, the Indian bison, Indian wild dog, lleopard, smooth-coated otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The list is endless and is a sheer testimony to the intimidating majesty y of the great treasure trove of Mother Nature’s best works.

Being a spice plantation, tea, cardamom, pepper, and coffee grow abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve. There are a few watch towers inside the Reserve which are excellent for viewing the abundant wildlife. You can make reservations at the Forest Information Centre here. The Periyar sanctuary is a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation. The high ranges of the Ghats are cloaked in dense evergreen, deciduous forests and grasslands. Along with elephant rides, cruises on the lake along with treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple located in the heart of the forest, this sanctuary also offers a unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants in their natural habitat, and that too in close and perfectly safe quarters

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Palakkkad

If you’re visiting the Silent Valley then there’s no way you can ignore Parambikulam Tiger reserve, located nearly 110 km from Palakkad district. The place is an oasis of tranquil greenery which is nestled in a valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Neliyamapthy ranges of Kerala. The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve sprawls over an area of nearly 285 sq. km in the Western Ghats. The majestic reserve offers you an exotic experience of the rare fauna and flora of the state. Quite a few hill tribes like the Kadars, the Malayars and the Muthuvans also live in these reserves. The fauna here includes the Niligir Langur, the Lion tailed macaque, the tiger, Nilgiri tahr, Asian elephant, spotted deer, the Indian wild dog, too many species of snakes and spiders and a vast number of bird species.

The Parambikulam Reserve also has a variety of trees like the teak, neem, rosewood and sandalwood. The oldest teak tree ‘Kannimari’ also stands here. Boat cruises can also be arranged in the Reservoir for those keen on some boating experiences. Trekking here is possible with the permission of the fforest officials. There is a tree house located in the Reserve Forest region in Thoonakkadavu, the headquarters of Parambikulamthat has to be booked in advance. Comforting lodging is provided by the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode so that your complete wildlife experience is quite memorable.