Lush and tropical, Kerala is home to an amazing array of wildlife that can be witnessed across many sanctuaries and parks. This article discusses a few popular ones that allure keen holidaymakers from across the globe to buy tickets on flights landing in South India.
Every corner in India displays some diversity, but Kerala, stretching from the pristine Arabian Sea coastline to the mist-clad hills and lush tea-plantation of the Western Ghats, takes the cake. Nestled at the southern end of the subcontinent, this beautiful Indian state justifies its nickname as ‘God’s Own Country’. Besides captivating beaches, tranquil backwaters, relaxing Ayurvedic therapies and sumptuous cuisines, Kerala is home to many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, renowned for their conservation history, rich flora & fauna and ease of access. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or new to watching the endemic wild animals in their natural habitats; these fascinating territories are sure to satiate your fantasy. Here are some places to experience splendid wildlife legacy of this beautiful state in India!
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the beguiling features of Periyar is its vivid landscaped beauty. From the thick bushveld to sloppy grassland and lush green forests, the multi-faceted eco-system of this revered reservoir is a beauty to behold and unsurprisingly catches the fancy of hordes of naturists buying tickets aboard flights for South India. Spreading over an area of 925 sq km, the sanctuary is a great place to see many endemic and endangered species of animals, birds and reptile. Besides, travellers can indulge in trekking, boating in the beautiful Periyar Lake and several other exciting excursions.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Nestled in a valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala, this gorgeous tiger reserve is a nature-lover’s paradise. Among the commonly seen species here are nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, tiger, nilgiri tahr, Asian elephant and Indian wild dog. The sanctuary has a variety of plants and trees, including the oldest teak tree ‘Kannimari’. Trekking in the park is subject to weather conditions. Those interested in tribal culture can visit to any of 4 tribe communities found in the area and make most of their money spent on travel tickets and other holiday essentials. Foreign travellers are required to obtain permission from the forest officials to tour the reserve.
Idukki
Marvel at the gorgeousness of rivers Cheruthoni and Periyar, explore the boundless canopy of evergreen forests and enjoy some of the greatest wildlife experiences in South India, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary provides a great base for a multitude of adventurous options and sets many on a mad scramble for cheap flights’ tickets for the destination. Tourists can see various animals such as sambhars, elephants, bison, wild dogs, jungle cats and tigers roaming around its lush green territories. Birdwatchers boarding flights for the destination are also in for a treat, with the sanctuary proving a shelter to many bird-species including grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, woodpeckers and flycatchers. Apart from seeing its rich flora & fauna, visitors can enjoy trekking and boat rides in the beautiful Periyar River.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, with an aim to preserve the biological heritage of the region, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is another great place to witness incredibility of what nature has bestowed to this South Indian state. It is an extension of the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and shelters a wide variety of animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants and bears. Safaris here can be enjoyed in open jeeps or on the back of the elephants. Apart from the rich wilderness, people who spend on entry tickets for the park can relish exotic beauty of lush valleys, many rivers and waterfalls. The best time to buy flights and plan a safari tour in this part of India is between June and November.