The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
A
land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 77 sq km in the Thodupuzha
and Udumpanchola taluks of the district. Situated at an altitude of 450-748
m above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni
river and the Periyar river. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered
by an enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and offers
boat rides.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation,
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake
- an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats
are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands.
Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs,
lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
The district of Wayanad lies on an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau
in the Western Ghats. Historians are of the opinion that organised human life
existed in these parts of Kerala at least ten centuries before Christ. In this
virgin land, which has not seen much human habitation later, is the Begur Wildlife
Sanctuary. The forests here are amongst the most beautiful locales of Kerala.
The region has a wealth of diverse species of plants and animals and is of great
interest to nature lovers.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle
cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur
(Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaqu
e,
and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species
of lizards are also found here. Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent
ones are the common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill,
Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed,
eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected
area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai
of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral
part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific
objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary
is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific
conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals
and others who live in and around the forest region.
