Best National Parks in Kerala: Popularly known as God’s own country Kerala is one of the most wonderful and vibrant states in South India. This state is notably famous for its green lush mountains, beautiful backwater, enchanting waterfalls, serene lake, stunning beaches, captivating atmosphere, and many other attractions.
From traditional culture to ancient history this state is definitely something for everyone. Nestled in the lap of nature Kerala is a very popular tourist destination not only in India, but it is also a popular tourist destination all over the World.
One of the most exciting States of India, Kerala is known for its natural beauty and modern lifestyle. Not only that, this place offers colorful festivals and a variety of traditional foods. Also, Kerala is an ideal place for animal lovers. This place is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which attract thousands of tourists or animal lovers.
If you are an animal lover and looking for a place to see them they’re Inhabitant then Kerala is a great place where you will definitely find out those animals. In this article, you are going to know about the 12 Best National Parks in Kerala that you have to visit if you are an animal lover.
1. Periyar National Park
One of the most famous National Parks in Kerala is Periyar National Park. Also, it is the largest tiger reserve in India. This park is located in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta Districts in Kerala and is home to many endangered animals. The Periyar National Park is also known as Elephant Reserve and Tiger Reserve along with its wildlife and plantation importance. But mainly this park is vastly famous for its Tiger reserve, which makes it an important tiger reserve in India.
There are about 35 species of Mammals and many of which are endangered. Some other mammals found in the park are wild cats, Indian giant squirrels, wild boars, sambar, striped-necked mongoose, Nilgiri tahr, sloth bear, gaur, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, Nilgiri marten, and many more. There are also about 26 species of birds, which is an ideal place for bird lovers.
If we talk about Flora in Periyar National park, Then this park has a vibrant variety of flora. The major tree varieties in the forest include rosewood, teak, eucalyptus, bamboo, tamarind, Gulmohar, banyan, peepal, sandalwood, mango, Jamun, and jacaranda. If you are a nature lover and want to see a variety of animals with a scenic atmosphere, then definitely Periyar National Park is for you, where you can spend quality time with beautiful nature.
2. Eravikulam National Park
Situated in the Western Ghat in the Idduki District of Kerala, Eravikulam National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in India and is located at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the north. The park is spread over 97 Squier kilometers areas and is home to affluent flora and fauna. Eravikulam National Park is also known as the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which is famous for Nilgiri Tahr.
The breathtaking views, calm atmosphere, and wonderful nature make it a popular tourist destination in India. Mostly this park is famous for animals and nature enthusiasts people because This park is rich in fauna diversity. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten, Leopard, Lion, Atlas Moth, and much rare wildlife. Apart from that there are 132 species of birds found in this park, which is a great place for bird lovers.
There are a lot of interesting places to visit around this park, including Anamudi Peak, Lakkom Waterfalls, Atukkad Waterfalls, and Echo Point. Apart from that Munnar is a great option also it should be listed in your travel itinerary while you visit Eravikulam National Park.
If you are planning to visit Eravikulam National Park, then you have to know the Best Time to Visit Eravikulam National Park. Well, September to October and April to May are the Ideal time to visit Eravikulam National Park. In these months the park is flourishing with beauty and is an excellent time to see Nilgiri Tahr.
3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over 90 squire kilometers, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most eminent Wildlife sanctuaries in the country. This Sanctuary is known for its breathtaking views and distinct endangered animal, which is attracting tourists from different parts of India. Situated in the Idduki district of Kerala the park is listed as the UNESCO world heritage site.
Situated between the western ghats, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a lot of attractions to Animal enthusiasts and Nature lovers. This place is filled with vast forests, lush green mountains, and a wonderful atmosphere, which is attracting a number of people every year.
The Sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals, including spotted deer, Indian elephant, panthers, sambar deer, common langur, tiger, crocodile, bonnet macaque, hanuman monkey, Nilgiri tahr, and many more. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is truly a heaven for all endangered animals and also is the ideal place to watch them in their habitat.
Chinnar National Park can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is between December to April. The weather is quite pleasant during these months and walking around the forests and watching the wildlife together is a different experience.
4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Situated in the Kottayam district of Kerala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the most beautiful and famous Bird Sanctuary in India. It is also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary and is home to many native as well as migratory birds. The Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for every bird lover and offers a great opportunity to see distinct species of birds, including cuckoos, waterfowl, owls, herons, Siberian cranes, flycatchers, and kingfishers.
Spread almost 10 acres, this Sanctuary is known for its enchantment atmosphere and offers visitors a number of attractions, which is unforgettable to all visitors. Situated almost 17 kilometers from Kottayam the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is attracting massive visitors from different parts of the country every year. Watching birds in this park is a great experience for everybody.
Apart from the birds, this park is an ideal place for those people who want to enjoy nature of beauty and spend time in a wonderful atmosphere. Far from crowded, it is such an Alluring place in Kerala, which is mesmerizing to tourists from different parts of the world. If you are planning to visit Kerala and want to have a great experience then be sure Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary should be on your itinerary list.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary can be visited at any time of the year. But the best time is June to August. Although November to March is the Best Time to Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. During these months migratory birds flock in large numbers to reside in the park for a while.
5. Silent Valley National Park
Silent valley National park is one of the most famous national parks in India. It is located in the Idduki district of Kerala and almost 200 kilometers away from the Idduki district. Spreading Approx 90 kilometers, the Silent Valley National Park is a paradise for every animal lover. Charming weather, lush green Forest, and enchanting views of mountains make it a wonderful tourist destination in India, which is considered the greatest national park in Kerala.
This park is situated in kundali hills of the Western ghat in Kerala State of India. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, it is always tempting to visitors from different parts of India. This place is home to many wildlife and floras, which make it a heaven for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The animals found in Silent Valley National Park included elephants, lions, tigers, panthers, panther cats, and jungle cats.
6. Anamudi Shola National Park
Located in the Idukki district, it is a well known tourist destination which is popularly known as an enthralling spot to have various activities and spreads over 7.5 km square. It is said that the national park has been operated by Munnar wildlife division, Forest department and Kerala wildlife etc. In addition, you will definitely get to see the forest areas which are very rich with flora and fauna.
Despite being, there are various kinds of species found here, including 175 species of herbs, 38 species of climbers, 60 species of trees and several species of shrubs. If you are a great wildlife lover and like to discover several creatures then you should visit the place which allows you to see civet cats, leopards, Indian Bison, wolves, Panthers, elephants, tigers, sloth bear, flying squirrels and wild dogs etc.
7. Pampadum Shola National Park
In the state of Kerala, there is a most beautiful destination located that’s called Pampadum Shola National Park which is noted as the smallest National Park and spans over an area of 11.75 km square. In addition, it has a great biodiversity that’s enclosed by the spectacular flora and fauna.
If you are looking for an ideal attraction to visit in the terrain then it must be a great option for you, listed as one of the best national parks in Kerala and is mainly renowned for lively Shola forests and endemic species.
It has been a praiseworthy tourist spot in the district of Idukki and is blessed owing to too many scenic views. Despite being, you all tourists are offered to have many outdoor activities along the national park where trekking is one of the most popular activities. To escape the hustle and bustle, it is an ideal place and has featured so many facilities for the nature seekers.
8. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Another fabulous natural attraction in the province is called Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary which is the greatest opportunity for the animal lovers and is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. It is confirmed that there are a massive variety of wild animals nestled and is home to biodiversity.
The Sanctuary has covered an area of 344 km² which is especially known for tigers, Elephants and several species etc. In the district of Wayanad, it is the best known tourist attraction where you can feel the beauty of nature and most nature lovers also like to visit the place in the state. In addition, sometimes it is often referred as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the months of June through October are considered as the best time to visit the wildlife sanctuary.
9. Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most attractive and favorite places in the state of Kerala is known as Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary which is a perfect destination to experience an impeccable beauty of nature and is renowned for its various features. In addition, the destination is very rich for both floral and fauna diversity.
Most people come to the destination to have various kinds of recreational activities and it is also possible to have adventure activities. It is said that the Sanctuary is home to so many animals, including tiger, leopard, slender loris, the Asian elephant and tortoise etc. If you are a great animal lover then you should not miss out the destination from your journey list and welcomes a large number of nature seekers here. Mainly, the attraction has gained much more reputation due to its Neyyar Dam, diverse fauna and lion safari park etc.
10. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
In the heart of the city of Kochi, it is the best known destination that spans over an area of 2.74 hectares and is the beautiful spot to enjoy different species of birds. It is said that the attraction is located in the district of Ernakulam which is bounded with too many species of trees and plants. If you are showing the interest to visit the destination then the months of January through March will be the best option for you.
Since it is one of the fabulous sights in the state, it draws lots of visitors to enjoy its significance and has a cool temperature to explore all the places of the Sanctuary. The destination is mainly famed for rich avifauna and mangrove vegetation. In addition, it has always been a perfect place for both nature and adventure lovers.
11. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Considered to be one of the best national parks in Kerala which is noted as an ideal natural attraction here and covers an area of 25km². It is said that in the entire state of Kerala, it was the first bird sanctuary and is located along the banks of the Periyar River. Nowadays, it is the most elegant Sanctuary in the terrain where you will definitely get to be introduced to a variety of bird species and offers you to enjoy the surrounding scenic view of nature.
In addition, you have an opportunity to enjoy the tropical evergreen forests and is the greatest place for birdwatchers. Mainly, the destination is very famous with its interesting serene environment and is a must visit for the bird enthusiasts.
12. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
To explore a captivating destination in the terrain, you can consider the Sanctuary in your travel list which is very rich for many exotic wildlife species and is also noted as the northernmost wildlife reserve in the entire Kerala. It is said that the Sanctuary has an incredible location in the district of Kannur and is mainly renowned for diverse flora and fauna.
Not a bad place in the terrain with the different species of creatures and draws most nature seekers towards the destination. Along the site, you can experience the beauty greenery and inside the Sanctuary, you will definitely get to see several species animals like spotted deer, Nilgiri Langur, elephants, the Malabar Giant Squirrel and Hanuman Langur etc.
Conclusion: Best National Parks in Kerala
The entire article is based on the best national parks in Kerala where you will definitely get to introduce with the exotic wildlife and different species of animals. These are the most beautiful places for the bird enthusiasts, nature seekers as well as for the adventure lovers. Besides the Indians, most international tourists like to explore these attractions and enjoy their day with full of enjoyment.
In the article, we have given our best to collect all the information about the national parks and some guidelines are also provided throughout the content. If you all readers have much more interested to have a journey towards the enthralling places then the article must be helpful for you.
FAQs: Best National Parks in Kerala
Q. Where is Kerala located ?
Ans. Kerala is the perfect for the travelers to explore several sights and is an ideal state on tropical Malabar coast of the country, India.
Q. Is it possible to explore all the national parks in the state, Kerala ?
Ans. If you want to explore all the national parks in the state then it is possible but you must have to pre plan for your trip and by exploring the destination, you can enjoy the beauty of nature.
Q. Which is remarked as the biggest national park in Kerala ?
Ans. It is said that Eravikulam National Park is one of the best national parks in Kerala which is also remarked as the biggest national park in Kerala.
Q. Which was considered to be the first bird sanctuary in the state ?
Ans. Among the several well known sanctuaries, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is popularly called the first bird sanctuary in the state.
Q. Is Kerala a worthwhile place to spend weekend vacation?
Ans. If you are a great nature lover then Kerala will be the perfect option for you and is a worthwhile place to spend the weekend vacations.