Originally
established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex),the
Eravikulam
National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District.
Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives here. (Around
1317, according to the 1991 census). It
was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological,
faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was
declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of
rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is
breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best
mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. Tigers, panthers, wild dogs,
civet cats, jungle cats, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs and wild boar are
found here.
15 Km from north of Munnar. Anamudi(2694 m), the highest peak south of the Himalayas, is the southern side of the Park. This is one of the wettest areas of the world.
One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekkady is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. This sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978.
The periyar Tiger
Reserve, named after the Periyar river, is one of our prestigious
possessions on the High Ranges of the Western Ghats. Falling in the Idukki
district of Kerala, the tract surrounds the periyar Lake, which was created
in 1895 building a dam across the river (to divert the water to Tamil Nadu
for irrigation), which runs through some of the most spectacular forests of
the Western Ghats in Kerala. The forests around the lake were declared as
Reserved Forests in 1899. The enlightened Maharaja of Travancore, realising
the significance of conservation, appointed Mr. S.C.H. Robinson as
the First Game Warden. Based on his recommendations the forests around the
lake were turned into a sanctuary in 1934, Nellikkampetty
sanctuary.
Main attractions
Elephants, gaurs, sambar deer and wild boars that can be sighted from the boats, Nilgiri tahr, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
Lying in Devikulam
Taluk of Idukki district, chinnar was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in
1984. It is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. It is
the second habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel in India. With
an area of 90.422 sq kms, Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest.
The undulated terrain
with rocky patches increase the scenic splendour of the sanctuary. As the
altitute varies from 500 to 2400 metres within a few kilometre radius, there
is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation. The highest peaks are
Kottakombumalai (2144 metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu
malai(1845 metre). Unlike in most forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about
48 rainy days in a year during October - November (North - East Monsoons).
The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high
sholas and wet grasslands.
Main attractions
Elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, grizzled, giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore evening browns.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Main attractions
Bonnet macaques, lion tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, loris, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, civet cats, mongoose, foxen, bears, elephants, gaurs, Nilgiri tahrs, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boars, pangolines etc.
40 km from Mannarkattu. Main attractions: lion tailed macaques, elephants, tigers, wild boars, flying squirrels and king cobras.
The
lion-tailed macaque has been declared as an endangered species. By
1971 it was known to occur only in the silent valley of Western Ghats
in India. In 1984 it was thought to occur in scattered locations in
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The major reason for its decline appears
to have been habitat loss due to the spread of agriculture and teak, coffee,
tea and other plantations. Formerly it was extensively captured for the pet
trade, zoos and research, as well as for use in Oriental medicine. The
lion-tailed macaque weighs 7 - 15 kg (15 - 33 lb). It is found in tropical
evergreen forest. Groups of lion-tailed macaques range from 4 - 34
individuals. They usually contain about 10 - 20 individuals, including 1 - 3
adult males.
Muthanga Wildlife Santuary (Wayanadu)
Main Attractions
Elephants, Tigers, Panthers, Jungle Cats, Civet Cats, Monkeys, Wild Dogs, Bisons, Deers, Bears, Peacocks, Babblers, Cuckoos etc.
(50 km from Thiruvananthapuram): This sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, is accessible from Vithurai, which is on the way to Ponmudi. With its rich flora and fauna, Peppara, dotted with hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations, is emerging as a great attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
(20 km from Kothamangalam on the Kochi - Munnar route): This sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him. The sanctuary is notable for indigenous birds like the Malabar grey-hornbill, the woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet etc. Rare birds like the Ceylon frog-moth and the Rose-billed roller are also seen here. Diverse migrant species home in here during season. Wildlife can also be sighted often.
(35 kms from Thalassery): Elephants, sloth bears, sambars, mouse deer etc. can be found in the 55 sp. km sanctuary.