Nestled in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in kerala are twelve wild life santuaries and two national parks. Each one home to rare animals,birds, reptiles, insects and plants.

No travel dictionary of kerala is complete without a visist to the wildlife santuaries. Some of them are famous tourist destinations by their own right while some are close to other well known tourist spots and hence easily accessible

One of the worlds most facinating natural wild life sanctuaries the periyar reserve is noted for its Geomorphology, diverse wild life and beautiful landscape. the drive to thekkady itself is enchanting,asthe roadswind through tranquil country side, rich plantations and thick jungles.

The sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the project tiger scheme, attracted travellers from all over the world. This is the only santuary in India. Where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest. The Periyar lake harbours within itself a unique aquatic ecosystem. The numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the intricate inherent interrelationship among the life forms.

A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best wayto watch the wildlife in the reserve.

ACESS : The entry point to the reserve is Thekkady, which is accessible by roads from the airports of Madurai (145kms), Kohi (190 kms) and Thiruvananthapuram (272 kms)

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANTUARY

Tucked away in the valley between the Anamala ranges of Tamil Nadu and Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic western ghats, is the Parambikulam wild life santuary.

ACESS : Nearest airport- coimbatore (100 kms)

AREA : Total 285 square kms, 600 to 144 kms above sea level.

Ideally suited to the growth of Teak, large scale teak plantation through artificial regenration has been encouraged in the sanctuary, and managed in such a way as to restore the forest to its original state.

Bonnet Macaque, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Loris, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Civet, Mongoose, Fox, Bear, Elephant, Crocodile, King Cobra,Spectacled Cobra, Viper, Python etc