It will be a little exaggeration if we say that lush greenery in God’s Own Country is in full throttle because roughly 40% of the Western Ghats lies in Kerala. On the brighter side, the national parks in Kerala are among the most photographed tourist-friendly for all ages. Plus, you will get the chance to see the wild goats in a lush setting at the Eravikulam National Park in the Idukki district. Secondly, Silent Valley National Park is the extension of Kerala’s last rainforest, which is a unique experience to cherish in God’s Own Country. Before we delve deep into the quick overview of the national parks to visit in Kerala, read out some significant info before you go!
When is the best time to visit National Parks in Kerala?
Unknown to many, God’s Own Country is praised with two monsoon seasons. One is called the southwest monsoon, which commences from June onwards till October. While the northeast monsoon in Kerala arrives in September to December. The latter one is less fierce, and you can enjoy all the activities in Kerala along with safari in Kerala national parks. In a nutshell, Kerala is a place for all seasons. But if you want to save your bucks, plan your Kerala tour package with wildlife hopping during summer from March to May when the crowd is less. Whereas the peak tourism season in Kerala starts from November to February, and the tourism is in full throttle.
5 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala
For all your wildlife fanatics, and photography lovers, we have curated the list of the 5 best wildlife sanctuaries in kerala that can be visited all year round, so take a look!
1. Anamudi Shola National Park in Idukki District
Entry ticket: INR 125 (Approx.) for Indians, INR 420 (approx.) for foreigners
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport, Kochi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi, Aluva
Anamudi Shola National Park is spread in 7.5 Km2 and supervised by Munnar Wildlife Division and Kerala Wildlife and Forest Department. This national park in Kerala is home to the rarest of rare species in the Western Ghats. For instance, a well-guided safari will make you see the Hanuman Langur, Nigiri Thar. While the mainstream animals like Tiger, Indian Bison, Panther could be spotted here all the year-round. With the Pambar River flowing through the park, you will have good options to click selfies and bathe in scenic waterfalls like Thoovanam Waterfalls. You will find Anamudi Shola National Park close to Munnar and a scenic drive from Kochi.
Top Tip: Video camera charges and normal camera charges will be imposed if you take your gadgets inside with you! Also, outside beverages and food are allowed inside.
2. Periyar National Park in Idukki District
Entry ticket: INR 45 (Approx.) for Indians, INR 500 (approx.) for foreigners
Visiting hours: 6 am – 5 pm (Approx.)
Nearest airport: Madurai International Airport, 152 kilometers/4 hours (Approx.)
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station, 100 kilometers/3 hours (approx.)
Bring out the child inside you at the all the year-round open – Periyar National Park upon seeing the herds elephants wandering in their natural habitat. Alongside rare Lion Tailed Macaque, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer resides. Inside the Periyar National Park flows the Periyar Lake, which is a perfect spot for boating with kids or parents and watching wildlife in a distinct style. Even sometimes, the forest rangers allow tourists to explore the wilderness of Periyar National Park after sunset. Since the Periyar National Park is a densely forested zone in the Western Ghats, trekking opportunities are endless. Bonus? The resorts near the Periyar National Park are luxurious and feature a pool. Did we mention camping in Periyar National Park is a highly exclusive experience for couples?
Top Tip: Boating starts from INR 250 (approx.) onwards per person, and activity is subject to change because of the monsoon.
3. Eravikulam National Park in Idukki District
Entry ticket: INR 200 (Approx.) for Indians, INR 500 (approx.) for foreigners
Visiting hours: 6 am – 5 pm (Approx.)
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Madurai International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
This is a famous national park in Kerala close to Munnar town at 7000 ft elevation. You will find a crowd here in Eravikulam National Park because it is home to rare Nilgiri Tahr, and they are found in abundance here. also, the Neelakurinji Flower takes up to 12 years to blossom is found inside the Eravikulam National Park. You will have no trouble exploring the Eravikulam National Park as the safari option exists. No private vehicles are allowed inside this Kerala national park, but bus services take you inside. You need to trek around 1-3 km from the base station to reach the top. Eateries are found at the entry point washroom, so what are you waiting for?
Top Tip: Get ready to shell down an additional amount for taking a video camera and normal camera with you.
4. Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad District
Entry ticket: INR 50 (Approx.) for Indians, INR 300 (approx.) for foreigners
Visiting hours: 6:45 am – 2:45 pm (Approx.)
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad Railway Station
Home to the Hanuman Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Peshwa’s Bat, Silent Valley National Park is a unique one in the list because it is in Kerala. It is still shielded by the Nigiri plateau of Tamil Nadu. It has its own buffer zone of 148 km² and 89.52 km² core area. Carry your DSLR to enjoy the lushness of the jungle. Inside the Silent Valley National Park, camping options can be enjoyed under the forest guard’s supervision. Kunthi River flows through the park. Last but not least, a few areas of the Silent Valley National Park is in conjunction with tea, coffee, cardamom plantations. This is one of the rich rain forests in India that demands an exploration if you are true wanderlust by heart.
Top Tip: Forest jeep safari cost INR 650 (Approx.) per person inside the Silent Valley National Park.
5. Pampadum Shola National Park in Idukki
Entry ticket: INR 70 (Approx.) for Indians, INR 250 (approx.) for foreigners
Visiting hours: 6:00 am – 3 pm (Approx.)
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Madurai International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
Dubbed as the unexplored wildlife destination in Kerala close to Munnar, Pampadum Shola National Park shares its border with the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Nature and wildlife lovers will not mind even if there is no signal inside the Pampadum Shola National Park for 2-3 hours. During your stay in Munnar, bookmark this national park to trek through the forest to see elephants, Nilgiri Martin, and Indian Bison. Keep in mind that there is no staycation facility inside the Nilgiri Martin along with Indian Bison after sunset. But fret not because Munnar is within 40 kilometers.
Top Tip: If you wish to take down the trek inside the Pampadum Shola National Park, expect to pay additional trek charges INR 300 under the supervision of the forest guards.
Wrapping Up
Inside the wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala, you will see the well-preserved flora and fauna because lushness is abundant in God’s Own Country. If you in quest to explore the best national parks in Kerala during summer, apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays. Moreover, it is your responsibility to be a responsible traveler in Kerala because it is one of the eco-friendly tourism destinations in India and Asia!
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FAQs About Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
Do national parks in Kerala get affected by the monsoon?
No, national parks in Kerala don’t affect the monsoon because Kerala is not a high-altitude destination like the Himalayas or its foothills.
Can I stay inside the Kerala national parks?
Yes, you can stay inside the national parks in Kerala only if there are camping beds options arranged by forested guards. However, you will find luxurious, budget-friendly accommodations close to the boundary of Kerala national parks.
Are jeep safari available inside the national park destinations in Kerala?
Yes, jeep safaris are one of the best modes of the commute into the wilderness of the Kerala national park destinations. Book your safari in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle.
