Kerala is a state known for its natural beauty and allurement, and it is also home to 5 national parks and 13 wildlife sanctuaries. These protected areas offer visitors the opportunity to experience the wilderness and witness the diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Some of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala include:

These wildlife sanctuaries offer visitors a chance to experience the wilderness and witness the diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway.

1.Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, is in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The sanctuary covers an area of 675 sq km and is home to a variety of rare and exotic wildlife species, including elephants, sambar, langurs, storks, Malabar giant squirrels, flying squirrels, lion-tailed macaques, and more. Visitors can enjoy wildlife spotting, trekking, and boat cruises on the Periyar Lake to explore the hidden corners of the sanctuary.

2.Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. The sanctuary covers an area of 77 sq km and features a rich forest cover, which makes it an ideal home for a variety of rare wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy wildlife spotting, including wild cats and sambhar, as well as trekking through the narrow paths and steep hills of the forest. The sanctuary is located 40 km from Thodupuzha and offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

3.Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. It is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including 39 species of mammals, 16 amphibian species, 268 bird species, and 61 species of reptiles. The sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to experience the thick forests and spot rare and exotic wildlife species. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and naturalists, and it is considered as one of the most beautiful and densely populated wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

4.Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Wayanad Plateau of Kerala, India. It is an extension of the Bandipur National Park and covers an area of 344 sq km. The sanctuary is known for its rich deciduous forests, as well as its diverse wildlife, which includes a variety of species found in the region. The sanctuary is also home to age-old tribal groups such as Paniyas and Kurumas, who have lived in the area for generations. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lakkidi Valley, which is known for receiving the highest rainfall in Kerala, and take part in wildlife adventures by availing tour packages

5.Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Unlike other sanctuaries and national parks in the region, it is characterized by its thorny scrub forests, which are not as lush or green as other areas. Despite this, the sanctuary is known for providing some of the best animal sightings through its various watchtowers. Additionally, it is a considerably dry area, receiving rain for only 48 days per year. Visitors can indulge in leisurely nature walks and enjoy the unique ecosystem found in this sanctuary.

6.Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located near the city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It covers an area of 53 sq km and is known for its lush forests and proximity to the Peppara Dam. Visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris, with a chance to spot tigers, panthers, and the Indian mongoose, which is a common species in the area. Along with other activities like trekking, bird watching and camping, it is an excellent place to experience the wild in close proximity to the city.

7.Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a small wildlife sanctuary located in Kerala, India. It covers an area of 9.06 square kilometers and is known for its Tiger and Lion safaris, as well as a variety of other wildlife species. The sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

8.Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northern region of Kerala, India. It is known for its diverse wildlife population, including leopards and wild cats, as well as its scenic beauty, which includes hill ranges, lush vegetation, and gorges. The sanctuary offers wildlife tours for nature enthusiasts to experience the wildlife and natural landscapes.

9.Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Salim Bird Sanctuary, is a popular destination for bird watching in Kerala, India. It is home to a diverse population of avifauna, including species from the Eastern Himalayas. The sanctuary is well known for its wide variety of bird species, and attracts visitors from all over the world, including nature lovers, botanists, and zoologists. With over 500 different avifauna species, it is also a great destination for photographers looking to capture unique bird snaps.

10.Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located in the center of Kochi, India, known for its diverse bird population. The sanctuary is mostly covered by mangrove forests, which attracts many local and migratory birds. It is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, where one can take a walk through the sanctuary and witness the playful birds chirping around. The sanctuary is also a great spot for photography, with a variety of exotic and colorful bird species to be found.