Amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Kerala is a gift of nature for the people. The wildlife in Kerala is a distinguishing feature of this place.
Its native habitat consists of evergreen rainforests. The rainforest is subject to a humid Tropical humid climate. The rainforest of this place consists of a variety of species of flora and fauna. The most amazing and popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala are- JUST CLICK AWAY….http://www.keralatourismpackages.co.in/wildlife.html

1. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary- The sanctuary consists of Peppara Dam on the Karamana River near Thiruvananthapuram, India. It is located on Thiruvanantapuram-Ponmudi Road, about 50 km northeast of Thiruvanantapuram.

The area is hilly and the forest includes West coast tropical evergreen, Southern hilltop tropical evergreen forest, West Coast Tropical semi evergreen forest. The common tree species found in this place are Terminalia paniculta, T. belerica etc.

The mammals found in this place are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Sambar barking deer, Nilgiri langur etc.

The sanctuary is open throughout the year and its major attraction are- Bonafalls, Vazahuvanthole waterfalls, Kalarkad waterfalls, visit to settlement areas etc.

2. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary- This sanctuary is located in the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries- Mullayar and Kallar.

The climate of this place during summer is around 35 degrees Celsius and in the winter around 16 degrees Celsius.

The sanctuary’s diversity in flora makes it an ideal gene pool preserve. There are 39 species of mammals, including Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Elephant, Sambar barking Deer, Nilgiri Thar. The place also has 176 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes.

A Crocodile farm which was set up in 1977 is home for around 20 mugger crocodiles.

Neyyar Elephant Rehabilitation Center complex cares for several elephants.

The administrative complex of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is about 1 km west of Neyyar Dam. The complex has an information center, staff quarters, rest house and a youth hostel. It provides facilities for the tourists to visit the lion park and also boat on the Neyyar Lake.

It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984.The name of this wildlife is derived from an endemic species of tree called Chenkurunji. There is a 26 sq km artificial lake formed by the Parappara dam built across the Shenduruney and the Kulathupuzha rivers. 5. 6.

3.Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary-

This wildlife is not just a place for recharging your batteries. According to some recent archaeological discoveries, a rock shelter has been found here which contains a few pre-historic rock engravings believed to be from Mesolithic period.

4.Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- It is located in Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumily in Idukki district, Central Kerala.

The wildlife is a pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature’s splendor and certainly human innovation.

In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple, this sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

There are few other wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala which can be added to the list namely- Idduki Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary etc.