WILDLIFE IN KERALA
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
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Eravikulam National Park:
While at Munnar, a not-to-be missed excursion is the the Eravikulam National Park, at the crest of the Anamala range. It can be reached only by trekking from Rajamalai, 17 km from Munnar. In its 97 sq km area can be found the Nilgiri tahr, and endangered species.
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Kodanad Elephant Training Center:
Kodanad, set on the southern banks of the Periyar river amid the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor, is one of the largest elephant training centres of Kerala. Earlier elephants captured from the Malayatoor forests (the forests in the east and north of Kodanad) were trained here. Since the introduction of a ban to elephant capture Kodanad has been reduced to a training centre. The famous Malayatoor Church is near Kodanad.
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Bhoothathan Kettu:
Situated 63kms from Ernakulam, 'Bhoothathan Kettu' is a good picnic spot. There is a dam here and in the reservoir one can go for boating too. The legend says that the dam was built by a "Bhootham" using the rocks, which is the ample proof for the name. Trekking through the forest to the old Bhoothathan Kettu is very interesting. The forest offers a wide variety of flora and fauna and is a botanist delight.
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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:
Thattekad which is 20kms from Koithamangalam is the home for the bird sanctuary where we can find some of the rare species of birds. Exotic birds flock in the sanctuary and make this place a heaven for any ornithologist.
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Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:
Situated 110 km from Palakkad. Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is Found here.
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Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. Found in this tranquil sanctuary is elephants, sloth bears, sambar and mouse deer as well as fauna and reptiles. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level.
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Nelliyampathy:
Situated 90 km south of Nenmara. This fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad. This hill country is the delight of trekkers. The DTPC Palakkad offers accommodation in the tourist resort with all facilities (6 double rooms and 2 dormitories).
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Pappinisserry:
16 kms from Kannur town, the snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russell Viper, Krait and Pit Viper. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons. A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually.
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Parassinikkadavu (Snake Park tourism):
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park signifies the great role played by Snakes in keeping the ecology of nature. The park is dedicated to preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are getting extinct gradually. It has many snake pits and glass cases especially made only for king Cobras. In all there are about 150 snakes including spectacled Cobras, Monosialed Cobras, Russell, Vipers, Pit Viper and three magnificent king cobras. There is also a large collection of poisonous snakes and large Pythons.
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Silent Valley National Park:
Situated 40 km northwest of Mannarkad. The 89.52 sq. km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley forest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered on foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha which Flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha (Nila).
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Tusharagiri:
Situated 50 km from Kozhikode. As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship here. Famous for its trekking tracks, Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening. Tusharagiri also abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations.
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nigeria Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the bio logical heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the trials and others who live in and around the forest region.