Nature Watch

With nearly 25% of the state's total area set aside as forest, it would not be a problem to select a sylvan getaway of your choice. So why not spend a few days away from the city's growing hubbub, sampling the beauty and the subtle thrills of these jungles. Given below are thumbnail sketches of eleven of our most popular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries beckoning you with their natural exuberance.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary - Declared a sanctuary in 1984, the 90.42 sq km Chinnar is located in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district. The sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region of the western ghats. The terrain is largely undulating and as the altitude varies from 500 to 2400 mts within a few kilometer radius, there is a drastic variation in climate and vegetation. The forest types comprise of the unique thorn scrub forests, the extremely rich dry deciduous, and the high sholas and wetlands. Major animals include elephants, gaur, leopards, chital, sambar, and hanuman langurs. The sanctuary is also a haven for two highly endangered species - the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise. Another attraction is the massive Thoovanam falls on the river Chinnar. Situated approximately 185 kms east of Cochin, the sanctuary can be visited anytime of the year, except during the wet spells of the northeast monsoons in October and November.

Eravikulam National Park - Declared a national park in 1978 and situated 143 kms east of Cochin in Idukki district, this park forms part of the Rajamalai Tea Estate. The park is famous for the largest concentration of Nilgiri tahr, the only species of wild goat found in the Indian peninsula. Covering an area of 97 sq kms of grassy hills and forested valleys, another major attraction of this park is the Anamudi peak, the highest in South India at 2,695 mts. Apart from the tahr, other animals include elephants, Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, giant squirrels, and wild dogs. Tigers and leopards can also be spotted occasionally. Best time to visit is from October to April.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary - Established in 1976, the 77 sq km sanctuary spread over Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki disrict is noted for its large elephant population. The lush green jungles cloaking lofty peaks and precipitous slopes is also home to tiger, sambar, muntjac, sloth bear, wild dog, and Nilgiri langur. The beautiful 33 sq km artificial lake and the famous Idukki arch dam are the sanctuary's other attractions. The sanctuary is located 117 kms east of Cochin. Best time to visit is October to May.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary - Located 18 kms east of Sultan's Battery en route to Mysore is this 1973 sanctuary established with the objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Forest which also includes the adjacent Silent Valley National Park, Karnataka's Bandipur National Park and Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary to the northeast, and the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu to the southeast. Vegetation consists chiefly of moist deciduous forests, swamplands proliferating in grasses and bamboo, and lush teak forests in the plateau. The fauna complements the varied flora and includes elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, and primates including the highly secretive slender loris. The importance of conservation has increased in Muthanga with the sighting of nesting pairs of the now highly endangered Indian white-backed vultures. Trekking is not permitted in this sanctuary. Best time to visit is from November to April.

Neyyar Sanctuary - Esablished in 1976, this sanctuary is situated in Trivandrum district, approximately 170 kms south east of Cochin. It is contiguous with Kalakkadu Tiger Reserve and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu. Covering an area of around 128 sq kms of montane sub-tropical, tropical evergreen, and degraded moist-deciduous forests, this sanctuary is noted for its rich avian population. The Neyyar reservoir is another attraction of this reserve where visitors can take the pleasure of boat rides around the sanctuary. The reservoir also supports a good population of crocodiles and otters. Apart from primates, one can spot gaur, barking deer, mouse deer, sloth bear, and wild boars. Tigers can also be seen on a few occasions. The crocodile farm and lion safari are added attractions. An ideal vacation spot, all the year round.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary - This sanctuary is situated in Palghat district, 105 kms northeast of Cochin. Covering an area of 285 sq kms of lush tropical and moist-deciduous forests, the sanctuary is noted for the largest population of gaur in Kerala. Others include four species of primates, elephant, sambar, muntjac, chital, Nilgiri tahr, wild boar, with tiger and leopard as the chief predators. The sanctuary is built around the three reservoirs of Parambikulam, Peruvaripallam, and Thunakadavu, each with a sizeable population of crocodiles. Other reptiles worth mentioning are king cobras and Indian rock pythons. The avian population is also extremely rich and varied. Boating facilities are also available in the reservoirs. Accessibility is only through Pollachi. Best time to visit is from February to April.

Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary - Moist deciduous forests cover this sanctuary, situated 100 kms north of Cochin in Trichur district. Covering an area of over 125 sq kms, the Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary, established in 1958 to protect the catchment areas of the Peechi and Vazhani dams, is rich in forest-dwelling birds. 25 species of mammals have been recorded which includes the dimunitive tush-bearing chevrotain, or mouse deer. During the dry spell, the reservoirs also attract migratory elephants. A small part of the sanctuary is set aside for in situ conservation of medicinal plants and herbs, some of them highly threatened. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to April.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary - Established in 1983, the 53 sq km sanctuary in Trivandrum district lies 50 kms northeast of the capital city. The steep hilly terrain, ranging from 90 to 1717 mts, has a mixed forest cover mingling with lush grasslands and laced with a network of rain-fed streams and rivulets. Besides a fascinating birdlife, mammals include elephants, gaur, sambar, lion-tailed and bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, wild pigs, and an occasional leopard. An added attraction of this picturesque sanctuary is the Bona waterfalls. The sanctuary can be visited anytime of the year.

Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park - Situated 192 kms southeast of Cochin in Idukki district, Periyar is one among the 18 Project Tiger reserves in the country. But the greatest attraction for tourists here is the Asiatic elephant, and Periyar has the distinction of being the best in India for pachyderm viewing. The park has also a rich avian population with woodland and waterbirds found in abundance. The park covers an area of over 777 sq kms at an elevation of 900 to 1800 mts above sea level on the hills of the western ghats. With permission and an accompanying guide, one can trek or boat the Periyar river. This is the core area of the reserve not otherwise open to visits. Apart from elephant, the other animals found here include gaur, wild boar, sambar, dhole, all four species of primates, giant squirrel, and flying squirrel. Tigers and leopards are seen occasionally. Periyar is unique in the sense that there are no roads to travel by which means no trespassing on the animals' territory. Best time to visit is from September to May.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - This sanctuary, also known as Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, is situated 78 kms northeast of Cochin, just across the Periyar river in Ernakulam district. Covering an area of 25 sq kms of mostly moist-deciduous forests with small pockets of evergreens, Thattekkad is Kerala's first bird sanctuary, established in 1983. The sanctuary has over 300 recorded species of forest and water birds, both resident and migratory. Rarities include the Ceylon frogmouth, the rose-billed roller, and the peninsular bay owl. The small mammalian population includes elephants, sambar, leopards, sloth bears, giant squirrels and flying squirrels. Of interest is the discovery of a new species of rodent in the sanctuary's core area. Best time to visit is from September to March.

Silent Valley National Park - Established in 1984 in Palghat district after a national campaign to protect the peninsula's last substantial pocket of primary rainforests, this 90 sq km park holds a valuable reserve of rare plants and herbs. The park forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Forest, an area set apart for complete preservation. The forests around here are devoid of cicadas, primitive insects which produce a loud, shrill sound, and hence the name Silent Valley. The mammalian population is typically rich and varied including elephants, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, and lesser carnivores such as Nilgiri martens and palm civets. The park is also a haven for up to 100 species of butterflies and birds. Situated in the Kundali hills, Silent Valley is approximately 225 kms northeast of Cochin. Best time to visit is from September to March.