Attractions

Neyyar Sanctuary

The sanctuary spreads across the southeastern part of Western Ghats and is at a distance of around 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The main attractions here are a Deer farm, Crocodile Rearing Centre and the Lion Safari Park. The sanctuary is rich in flora and shelters a large number of animals like Elephants, Jungle cat, Sloth Bear, Wild boar, Gaur, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur and many more.

Periyar Tiger Reserve

The Periyar Tiger Reserve spreads over 925 sq. km of tropical evergreen, semi- evergreen and moist deciduous forests. It lies in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta (4 km from Thekkady). The sanctuary surrounds picturesque Periyar Lake. There are 62 different kinds of mammals here, including many threatened ones. There are an estimated 53 tigers (2010) in the reserve. Tourists also come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar Lake. Other inhabitants include Gaur, Sambar (horse deer), Barking deer, Mouse deer, Dholes (Indian wild dogs), Mongoose, Foxes, Leopards, Nilgiri Tahr, the rare Lion-tailed Macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, the Common Langur, and the Bonnet Macaque.

Eravikulam National Park

It is 97 sq. km in extent, situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the High Ranges of Idukki district (15 km from Munnar). Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr the endangered mountain goat of South India. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the Lion-tailed Macaque, Leopards and Tigers. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi the highest peak of South India.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is about 58 km from Kochi city. The sanctuary is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Black winged Kite, Night heron, falcon, Grey jungle fowl, White-breasted water hen, Hornbill, Ceylon frogmouth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged parakeet live here.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

This virgin valley is situated at about 110 km from Palakkad town. The sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary is the home of 4 different tribes of indigenous people and rare wild animals.

Silent Valley National Park

The park, also called Sairandhri's Forest is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala (30 km from Mannarkad). It is one of the few bio hot spots in the world and it is home to a rich biodiversity. The forest watchtower at Sairandhri is a great attraction for visitors. One can proceed to the '23 Waterfall' by taking a deviation. It is a spectacular waterfall, however it is a bit difficult to reach the place. Visitors can relax a bit and proceed to explore the nearby River Kunthi. It is a crystal clear river and a bath in its water is refreshing and rejuvenating. The park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forests in India.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Rich in bio diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. Also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (17 km from Salthan Bathery), this wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. Elephant, Spotted deer, Bison, Tiger, Cheetah, Bear etc. can be spotted here. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest department.

Thenmala

It is India's first planned Ecotourism destination. It is located at about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and is predominantly a forest area. The place has various activities, which favours Ecofriendly General Tourism. At the Restaurant here, the tourists can have a taste of Kerala cuisines. The zone also has a Shop court and Amphitheatre which showcase Kerala crafts, natural wealth and Kerala's Art & Culture. An open air Musical Dancing Fountain is another major attraction here. Thenmala is a famous shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies. There are a host of other attractions for the adventure-seeking tourists, like Boating on the lake, Rope Bridge, trekking, mountaineering and biking. The nearby waterfall called Palaruvi is a prime attraction. Asia's first Butterfly Safari Park is also housed at Thenmala Ecotourism Destination.