Kerala is one where varied colors of nature in its abundance can be seen. Nestled in the lush forests of the Western ghats in Kerala are 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks. The following are the Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Kerala.

Peppara Wildlife sanctuary | Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary | Shenduruni Wildlife sanctuary |

Periyar Wildlife sanctuary | Idduki Wildlife sanctuary | Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary |

Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary | Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary |

Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary | Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary | Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Silent Valley National Park | Eravikulam National Park.

Some of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala are listed below along with short note on them

Chinnar Wild life sanctuary

Located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalped road Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, about 60 kms from Munnar. The Park is around 90 sq. kms in area and its rugged undulating terrain has held a special fascination for the adventure travelers. It is the second habitat for the Giant Grizzled Squirrel, an endangered species in India. Unlike other forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October - November. The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high shoals and wet grasslands.

Elephants, Gaur, Panther, Spotted deer, Sambar, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman monkey, Rabbit etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. Chinnar being near the town of Munnar, good accommodation is easy to come by. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here. 

This is one of the wettest regions of the world with a Rainfall of 4500 mm. Frost is common in the winter months - December to February. Eravikulam National Park is a plateau at an average height of 6500 feet, about 30 kms from Munnar, high up in the mountains of Western Ghats. This park was originally established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, which found its way into the endangered list of animals in the Wildlife schedule. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq. kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

Other animals in this Park are the tiger, panther and wild dogs which are usually sighted in both the open grasslands and the shoal forests. 

Periyar tiger reserve

It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger scheme. In 1982 the core area of the reserve (350 sq. km.) was notified as National Park. The entire Park covers hills and verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km. This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the Western Ghats & is one among the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar Lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago.

The open grasslands are home to a magnificent variety of animals this is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. There are two watchtowers in the Periyar forest. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. . A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve.

A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. Situated at an altitude of 450-748 mt above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forestland between the Cheruthoni River and the Periyar River.

The Idukki reservoir was formed by three dams namely Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu, which extend to 33 sq. km. A picturesque lake, a majestic arch dam across two hills and roaming herds of elephants and gaur are sights that lure you to this enchanting canopy of tropical semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. The fauna also includes Langur, Leopard and Wild Boar.

The Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Indian state of Kerala is a must for tourists looking forward to experience a bit of wilderness; this wildlife park in Kerala is famous for its tigers and leopards along with the other wildlife that one can find during holidays in Waynad. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises two districts of. There is a good road network that connects the sanctuary with the other important places in Kerala.

the sanctuary is an integral part of the nilgiri biosphere reserve, which has been established with the chief objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, was notified in the year 1973 as a wildlife sanctuary. The management of the park laid emphasis on creating scientific conservation methods that are complementary to the traditional lifestyle of the tribes residing in the region.

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise flycatchers.

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10-acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.