Nesteled in the lush forest of the western ghats in Kerala are 14 wildlife sancturies. And striking these exotic destinations are some of the most delightful trecking trails in the country. Some of them adventerously exciting, others enchanting in equal measure. All washed in the spice-scented air of endless acres of plantations - tea, coffee, cardamom, vanilla, pepper..........

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) : One of the worlds most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekkady is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. This sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in 1978 attracts travellers from all over the world.
The 26 sq km. artifical lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the periyar river offers boating facilities.This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat.
A boat cruise on the lake is the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve. Location: 192 kms south-east of Cochin, in Idukki district.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated on the Tamilnadu boarder, 60 km. from Munnar, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km. Main attractions - elephants, savers, panthers, spotted deer, samvars, grissled giant squirrels, hanuman ningurs, peacocks etc..
Location: 210 kms east of Cochin, in Idukki district.

Eravikulam National Park : The 97sq km. park is situated in the Devikulam and is home to the Nilagiri Thar. Aanamudy (2694 m.), the highest peak south of the Himalayas, is on the southern side of the park.

This is one of the wettest areas of the world.Apart from the tahr,other animals include elephants, Niligirilangurs, lion tailed macaques, giant squirrels and wild dogs.Tigers and Leopards can also be spotted occassionally.
Location: 143 kms east of Cochin, in Idukky district.

Silent Valley National Park : Established in 1984 in Palghat district offer anatural campaign to protect the peninsula's last substancial pocket of primary rain forests, this 90 sq km park holds a valuable reserve of rare plants and herbs. The peculiarity of the Silent Valleyforest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. The mammalian population is typically rich and varied including elephants, tigres, wild dogs, sloth bears and lion tailed macaques.
Location: 40 kms north-west of Mannarkad,in Palakkad district.

Thattekadu Bird Santuary : This santuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned orinthologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him.

This santuary is notable for indegenous birds like the malabar grey-hornbill, the woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue winged parakeet etc.. Rare birds like the laylon, frogmoth and the rosebilled roller are also seen here. Location: 78 kms north-east of Cochin, in Idukki district.

Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary : Covering an area of 285 sq kms of lush tropical and moist-deciduous forest,the sancturyis noted for the largest population of gaur in Kerala.Others include four species of primates,elephant, sambar, muntjac, chital, Nilgiri tahr, wild boar,with tiger and leopard as the chief predators.The sanctury is built around the three reservoirs,each with a sieable population of crocodoils.Other reptiles worth mentioning are king kobras and Indian pythons. The avion population is also extreamly rich and varies. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir.
Location: 110 kms north-east of Cochin, in Palakkad district.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary : Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilagiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna.