KERALA WILDLIFE

Agasthya Vanam Biological Park
Established in 1997 the Agasthya Vanam biological park, near Thiruvananthapuram is named after the magnificent Agasthyakoodam Peak looming at a distance. The park covers a total area of 23 sq kms out of which 17.5 sq kms are marked for natural regeneration, for the growth of vegetation and development of a thick jungle. The remaining area is to be used for manipulative programs of conservation. This project was constituted by the government of India after a scientific review committee recommended the setting up of a biological reserve in the highly degraded forest area know as the Kottoor Reserve. This park has been set up for the regeneration, conservation, and propagation of a variety of wild animals, birds and plants. Though the area selected has negligible tree growth and wildlife, it has water sources in abundance and the soil is suitable for large scale afforestation.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1983, and covering a total area of 55 sq. kms, the Aralam wildlife sanctuary is located on the Western Slopes of the Western Ghats This is the Northern most wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. The Head quarters of the sanctuary is located at Iritty, a small town located about 55 kms from Kannur City. The sanctuary adjoins the Central state farm at Aralam.

The elevation of this area varies between 50m and 1145m. The highest peak in this region is Katti Betta, which is 1145m high. The normal range of temperature is between 21 degree centigrade and 40 degree centigrade in the foothills and between 8 degree centigrade and 5 degree centigrade at the higher reaches. The sanctuary receives and annual rainfall of 3000mm. The predominant forest type in this area is Tropical Ever-Green and the Tropical Semi Ever-Green.

One can reach the sanctuary by road from Thalassery ( 45 kms) and Kannur (45 kms). The nearest railway station is Thalassery and the nearest airport is Kozhikode, 113 kms from Irutti. The infrastructure for tourism development is limited at present but steps are being taken by the Forest department to improve the situation.

Visit Permits can be obtained from
The Chief Conservator of Forests ( Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram - 695014
Phone : 91-471-62217

The Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife Division
Sultanbathery, Kerala - 673 592

The Assistant Wildlife Warden, Irrity
Kannur District - 670 673

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Proximity to Eravikulam National Park and Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu makes Chinnar rich in wildlife. This sanctuary is easily accessible from Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala.

Chimmony Wildlife SanctuaryChimmony Wildlife sanctuary is in Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur District. Established in 1984, the sanctuary with an area of about 100 sq. kms is on the Western slopes of the Nelliyampathi hills. The forests here are Tropical Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen and the Moist deciduous forests. These forests which were once extensive and extremely thick, have been over the years been denuded by continuous over exploitation.

The sanctuary makes for a wide variety of flora still. All major species of fauna of peninsular India are well represented in the sanctuary. However, due to years of human interference, the fauna is sparse. Some minor wildlife and some elephants and Gaur are also seen occasionally. The sanctuary also offers trekking paths for the adventure traveller.

Visit Permits can be obtained from
The Divisional Forest Officer,
Chalakkudi Division, Thrissur – 680347.

Accommodation
Accommodation can be arranged at the Inspection Bungalow, near the Chimmony Dam. Lodging facilities are also available at Ampalloor.

Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. Located in the Devikulam taluk, Eravikulam National Park was created as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. Home to a significant population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat found in South India, Eravikulam was declared a National Park in 1978. Spread over an area of 97 sq Km, Eravikulam National Park is located 15 km north of the hill station of Munnar. You can see the attractions of Eravikulam National Park on a Kerala Backwater tour.

The landscape of Eravikulam National Park consists of undulating hills and grassy knolls. The natural forests in this area are known as Shola and Eravikulam National Park has several characteristic patches of Shola, where the native flora and fauna can be observed. The green hills and rolling slopes are a beautiful sight and have been compared to the Alpine meadows of Switzerland. Many species of rare plants including the Neelkurinji, which gives the Nilgiri Hills its blue color, can be seen in the forests of Eravikulam, in Kerala on your Kerala Backwater Tour.

Among the hills in Eravikulam National Park is Anaimudi the tallest peak in South India, which rises to a height of 2694 m. Its name means the tuft of an elephant and refers to the hairy top of an elephant's head. The climate in Eravikulam national park is pleasant year round. It rains very heavily during the monsoon and inters can be frosty but days are mild and excellent for touring the sanctuary and observing animals in their natural state.

Some of the animals you can see on tours of Eravikulam National Park with Kerala Backwater are, over a thousand Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, civet cats, wild boar, sloth bear, Nilgiri Langur, squirrels, mongoose and snakes and reptiles. Many species of butterflies and moths are also seen. The Atlas Moth, one of the world's largest moths is also found in Eravikulam National Park.

Located 15 Km from Munnar, the nearest airport to Eravikulam National Park is Kochi (Cochin) which is 135 Km away. Enjoy touring the Eravikulam National Park with Kerala Backwater.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is situated just above the arch dam. An area of 70 sq. km. of forest land in between the Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers form an excellent habitat for wildlife. Elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar etc are found in this area. The lake on the three sides of the sanctuary offers a panoramic view to the tourists.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
It is 40 km from Mananthavady. There are no bus services to Nagarhole from Mananthavady, only jeeps and trucks are available. There is a PWD Rest House, Forest Rest House and Forest Inspection Bungalow at Mananthavady. The reservation authorities are the District Collector, Waynad and the DFO, Mananthavady. There are also mid range hotels and an Indian Coffee House here. From Cannanore, Tellicherry and Calicut there are frequent buses to Mananthavady.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. Agasthyakoodam of 1890 metres elevation is in this sanctuary. Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, Nilgiri Langur etc. are seen. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions near the dam site.

Accommodation
Rest House, Neyyar
Youth Hostel, Neyyar
Rest House, Meenmutty

Visit Permits can be obtained from
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695017
Phone : 91-471-62217

The Wildlife Warden
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division
Vattiyoorkavu P.O, Thiruvananthapuram – 695013

The Assistant Wildlife Warden
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Dam P.O
Thiruvananthapuram District - 695576.

Periyar Wildlife Park
Thekkady Wildlife sanctuary (also called Periyar Tiger Reserve) is a fine example of good management of forests. The sanctuary, which was a game reserve, merged with the Forest Department in 1966. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger scheme. In 1982 the core area of the reserve (350 sq. km.) was notified as National Park. The entire Park covers hills and verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km . It will be no exaggeration to say that this Park is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience wilderness and abundant wildlife first hand. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar river a century ago.

The open grasslands are home to a magnificent variety of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger. An estimated 40 tigers inhabit the Reserve. Other animals are bears , Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangolins. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Periyar Tiger Reserve is also rich in bird life. Birds such as Malabar Hornbill, Grey heron, Jungle fowl and Jungle Mynah are some among the 266 species of birds which are residents of this forest range.

Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. The population of tigers is also increasing appreciably. There are approximately 40 tigers in the area as per the latest reports. The tigers, along with the Nilgiri tahrs (a kind of a wild goat), are elusive creatures. To make your holidays in Periyar National Park more fruitful, an early morning visit, with luck on your side, could yield results.

Among the unusual species found at Periyar in Kerala are the flying lizard and the flying snake. With wings of orange or yellow, the flying lizard is seen as it glides from one tree to the other. The flying snake is also brilliantly coloured in yellow and black with a pattern of red rosettes. If you are planning your vacations in Kerala and looking forward to have a closer look at the wild side of life, then visit the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The best time to travel to Periyar National Park is between October to June

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam has one of the largest population of gaur (bison). Sambar, spotted deer, jungle cat, lion-tailed macaque, common otter, sloth bear etc. are the other inhabitants. There are also a few tigers and leopards. Facilities for boarding and lodging are available at the sanctuary. There are forest rest houses at Thunacadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode. Motor transport and boat cruise can be arranged on request. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu lies adjacent.

Getting There
The sanctuary is accessible by road from the Tamil Nadu side of the border. Buses ply between Pollachi and Parambikulam. Pollachi is 60 kms away and has a railway station. The nearest airport is Coimbatore which is around 100 kms away. From the Kerala side, the sanctuary is accessible through dirt roads and may need sturdy 4-wheel drives to take you there. All traffic is stopped from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Accommodation
There is a forest rest house at Thunacadavu. The Parambikulam Project also provides accommodation. There are also several cheap hotels at Pollachi and Coimbatore.

Visit Permits can be obtained from
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram - 695014
Phone - 91-471-62217\
Field Director Project Tiger, Kottayam, Kerala.

Divisional Forest Officer
Parambikulam, Thunacadavu P.O - 6788661
via Pollachi, Palakkad District
Kerala.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara is accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram - Ponmudi road. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of 53 Sq. km. on the Western Ghats. This is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and Eucalyptus plantations. Elephant, Sambar, Leopard and Lion tailed macaque are commonly seen.

Getting There
Nearest Airport - Thiruvananthapuram (50 kms)
Nearest Rail Head - Thiruvananthapuram (50 kms)

Accommodation
Project House. Kerala Water Authority Dormitory
Visit Permits can be obtained from:

The Chief Conservator of Forests ( Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695014
Phone : 91-471-62217

The Wildlife Warden
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division, Vattiyoorkavu P.O
Phone : 91-471-63762

The Assistant Wildlife Warden
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Dam P.O
(via) Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala - 695551

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
It lies in the catchment areas of Peechi and Vazhani dams in Trichur District. Peechi, the headquarters of the sanctuary is 15 km by road from Trissur.

Visit Permits can be obtained from
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695014
Phone : 91-471-62217

The Divisional Forests Officer
Thrissur, Kerala - 680005
Phone : 91-487-23268

The Forest Range Office
Peechi Post Office, Kannara -17

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1984, the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary situated on either side of the Shendurney river is the only one in the Kollam district. The sanctuary covers a total area of 250 sq kms and is acclaimed the world over for its bio-diversity. The Parappar dam has been built across the Shendurney River and serves the purpose of irrigation in Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. The lake covers a total area of 13.72 sq kms. The mean temperature during summer is 35 degree centigrade and during winters it around 16 degrees centigrade, with the annual rainfall is approximately 3200 mm. The terrain here is rugged with gentle to steep slopes ranging between 90m to 1550m. The tourist season is during the cooler months from October to March.

Getting There
Nearest airport - Thiruvananthapuram (140 kms)
Nearest Rail Head - Kollam (70 kms)
By Road –Kollam (70 kms)

Visit Permits can be obtained from
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram - 695014, Kerala
Phone - 91-471-62217

The Wildlife Warden
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division
Vattoyoorkavu P.O, Thiruvananthapuram - 695013
Phone - 91-471-63762

The Assistant Wildlife Warden
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala P.O
Kollam – 691308.

Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley contains India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests and it is perhaps the only vestige of a near virgin forest in the whole of the Western Ghats. Elephants, tigers, wild dog, flying squirrel and lion-tailed macaque are found here.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km. Formed between the branches of River Periyar. The rivers are rich in fishlife and are shallow for most of the year. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, woodpecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. are also seen.

Wayanad Wildlife Park
The sanutary is an extension of the Bandipur National Park in Kerala at its southern border. The region, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, was notified in the year 1973 as a wildlife sanctuary. The management of the park laid emphasis on creating scientific conservation methods that are complementary to the traditional lifestyle of the tribals residing in the region.

The Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises two districts of Kerala in India. The park extends from the latitude 11°15' in the North to the longitude 76°30' in the East. There is a good road network that connects the sanctuary with the other important places in Kerala and the rest of India.

The climate of the region is very much influenced by the southwest monsoon that touches it in the months from June to September. There is good rainfall during the northeast monsoon too in the months of October and November. July receives the highest rainfall while February is the driest month here. April and May are the hottest months here while coldest months are January and February.