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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady, is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves ' The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary' which spreads across 777 sq kms of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. In 1978 this sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by Mullaperiyar Dam across the River Periyar, adds to the charm of this place. This is the only Sanctuary in India where you can have unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary :
The bird sanctuary in Devikulam Taluk lies on the northern bank of the River Periyar. The area of the sanctuary is 25sq. Kms formed between the branches of the River Periyar. The presence of more than 200 varieties of birds in this area attracted the world renowned Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali whose efforts are believed to be used in this formation of this Sanctuary. Important birds found are included large falcon, jungle fowl, white-breasted water hen, hornbill etc. The vegetation in this area consists of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany etc. Further, more than 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles have accepted this area as their natural habitat.
Kannur
Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary :
Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. Found in this tranquil sanctuary is elephants, sloth bears, sambar and mouse deer as well as fauna and reptiles. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level.
Pappinisserry :
16 kms from Kannur town, the snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russell Viper, Krait and Pit Viper. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons.
A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually.
Parassinikkadavu (Snake Park) :
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park signifies the great role played by Snakes in keeping the ecology of nature. The park is dedicated to preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are getting extinct gradually. It has many snake pits and glass cases especially made only for king Cobras. In all there are about 150 snakes including spectacled Cobras, Monosialed Cobras, Russell, Vipers, Pit Viper and three magnificent king cobras. There is also a large collection of poisonous snakes and large Pythons.
Kottayam
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary :
12 kms west of Kottayam town is this small village Kumarakom, which has a beautiful bird sanctuary on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is an ideal place for backwater cruises. The 14-acre sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like Siberian stork, Egret darter, Heron and Teal. There are also different varieties of local birds like waterfowl, wild duck, cuckoo, owl, water duck etc. The sanctuary is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and the best months to bird watch are between June and August. Close to the sanctuary, in the beautifully wooded ground near the backwaters, is coconut lagoon heritage resort, which is one of India's most discrete holiday destinations. Guests stay in genuine 'Tharawad' (traditional wooden) cottages and love this unique culture.
Malappuram
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary :
19 kms from Kozhikode and 7kms from Beypore Port, the Sanctuary are spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks, where the River Kadalundipuzha flows into the Arabian Sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds flock here in large numbers and around 60 varieties of migratory birds come here every year. A hillock, which is 200m above sea level, provides a splendid view of the river-mouth and the sea.
Palakkad (Palghat)
Mayukadumpara (Land of Peacocks) :
This grove takes its name from the large number of peacocks found here.
Silent Valley national Park ;
40Kms north east of Mannarkad, spread over 90 sq. kms is Silent valley, a virgin forest, which is believed to be the role surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges or Western Ghats. The name Silent Valley is derived because it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. It contains India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests, and a large number of wild animals. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 kms from the park. The river Kunthipuzha, which follows through the valley, before, merging into the river Bharathapuzha.
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary :
110 Kms from Palakkad, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the neighboring Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, is one of the best in Kerala. Sprawled across 285 sq kms, it has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It has large population of Gaur (Bison), Nilgiri languor, jungle cat, lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, Sambar and spotted deer, along with some tigers and leopards. The Cannimari Teak Tree, said to be Asia's largest, stands about 5 kms from Thuna-kadavu, the headquarters of Parambikulam. Boating and cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offers accommodation for tourists. There are tree houses in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu. Trekking in the sanctuary is also possible, with prior permission of the forest officials.
Kollam (Quilon)
Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary :
70 kms from Kollam on the Kollam -Shencotta Road is the Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the River Shenduny.
Thrissur (Trichur)
The Zoo :
2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary :
50 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Peppara is accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram- Ponmudi road. The sanctuary, with its rich mammalian fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wild life enthusiasts and ornithologists. It was established in1938 and 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. Elephants, Sambar, Leopard, Lion- tailed macque and Cormorant are commonly seen here.
Wayanad
Muthanga wildlife sanctuary :
Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is located 16 km east of Sultan Battery.
Pakshipathalam :
Pakshipathalam in Bramha Giri hills is situated 7kms north east of Thirunelly. This picturesque bird watching centre is located at a formidable height of 1740 m above sea level. One has to trek 17 kms through wild forest to reach 'Pakshipathalam'. The deep rock caves at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the habitat of a number of rare species of birds.
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