WILDLIFE OF KERALA
Eranakulam
 This
sanctuary is famous for its Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered animal.
Actually this was set up specially for the preservation of this
Nilgiri Tahr. Now the number of Tahrs has increased and they
constitute the largest known population of Tahrs existing in the
world. In addition to Tahr, this park shelters is a good reserve
for elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri languor,
tigers and leopards.
Accommodation and board
facilities are available at Munnar, the nearest town, which is
connected to Kottayam (148 km.) and Ernakulam (130 km.) by road.
There is a motor able road upto Rajamally. Further, travel is on
foot, but the trekking is really enjoyable
Silent Valley
 The
Silent Valley contains India’s last substantial stretch of tropical
evergreen rain forests and it is perhaps the only vestige of a near
virgin forest in the whole of the Western Ghats. Elephants, tigers,
wild dog, flying squirrel and lion-tailed macaque are found here.
Vehicular traffic is
allowed upto Mukkali from Mannarghat. From Mukkali one has to cover
at least 24 km on foot to reach the source of river Kuntipuzha,
which flows through the valley.
Nearest railhead is
Palghat, 75 km away. Admission to this part is restricted. Prior
permission is required to visit the part. For further detail
contact: The Divisional Forest Officer, Palghat
Parambikulam National Park
This
bird sanctuary is by the side of branches of River Periyar. The
rivers are rich in fishlife
and are abundant of water for most of the year. The avifauna
includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most
notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey
jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and
blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed
roller etc. are also seen. Parambikulam is endowed with luxuriant
vegetation. The most noted animals located here are gaur (bison).
Sambar, spotted deer, jungle cat, lion-tailed macaque, common otter,
sloth bear etc. are also seen. There are also a few tigers and
leopards. Facilities for boarding and lodging are available at the
sanctuary. There are forest rest houses at Thunacadavu, Thellikkal
and Elathode. Motor transport and boat cruise can be arranged on
request The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu lies
adjacent.
Peppara National Park
Peppara
is accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram Ponmudi road.
This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big
attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of 53
Sq. km. on the Western Ghats. This is dotted with large hills and
numerous hillocks with forests and Eucalyptus plantations. Elephant,
Sambar, Leopard and Lion tailed macaque are commonly seen
Nagarhole National Park
 Accessibility
of this sanctuary is 40 km from Mananthavady. There are no
bus services to Nagarhole from Mananthavady, only jeeps and trucks
are available. There is a PWD Rest House, Forest Rest House and
Forest Inspection Bungalow at Mananthavady. The reservation
authorities are the District Collector, Waynad and the DFO,
Mananthavady. There are also mid range hotels and an Indian Coffee
House here. From Cannanore, Tellicherry and Calicut there are
frequent buses to Mananthavady
Periyar National Park
 Covering
an area of 777 sq. km. of lush green tropical forests, it is the
natural habitat of elephant, bison, spotted deer, sambar, bear etc.
The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through
tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles.
The sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the
animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife
areas encircle. In addition to the wild life, there are water and
land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird
watchers setting in for one or two weeks of serious observations.
Colorful variety of birds
like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey jungle fowl and the Jungle Myna
are seen.
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