Wildlife tourism in Kerala
Kerala, a small state in southern India, is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is listed as one of the ten paradises in the world by National Geographic magazine. Bordered by the beautiful Nilgiri mountain ranges in the east, Kerala has a large number of forests along its length.
Subject to the humid tropical climate, there are humid evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests and upland deciduous forests in Kerala. The state can be listed as one of the most outstanding places in the world in terms of biodiversity. There are six National Parks, two biosphere reserves and around fifteen wildlife sanctuaries in this small state. The Vembanad-Kol wetland and Lake Shasthamkotta are declared by international organizations as wetlands of international importance.
The national parks of the state are Eravikulam, Periyar, Silent Valley, Anamudi, Mathikettan Shola and Pambadum Shola. Nilgiri and Agashthyamalai are the biosphere reserves. The main wildlife sanctuaries are Periyar, Neyyar, Peechi-Vazhani, Parambikkulam, Wayanad, Idukki, Thattekkad, Peppara, Chimminey, Chinnar, Shendurnai, Aaralam, Mangalavanam, Kurinjimala and Culannur. Thattekkad, in the Ernakulam district, is the only bird sanctuary in Kerala. It was one of the favorite places of the world-renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
Kerala’s forests act as hosts to thousands of species of trees and plants. Rosewood, teak, mahogany, cassia, large varieties of bamboo, cardamom, pepper, etc. they are seen in abundance in the woods. There is a teak museum in Nilambur, Malappuram district. Marayur in Idukki district is famous for sandalwood.
Take a trip to Eravikulam National Park in Idukki and you can see herds of Nilghiri Tahr, a species of deer, one of the rarest in the world. This park is also famous for Neelakkurinji, a flower that blooms once every twelve years.
Other important animals seen in the forests of Kerala are Asian elephants, Bengal tiger, leopard, lion-tailed macaque, grizzled giant squirrel, Indian sloth bear, bison, gray langur, wolf gray, various species of monkeys, etc. Of the main reptiles seen in the forests are king cobra, viper, python, cobra, ghariyal, Indian alligator, many rare species of tortoises and tortoises, etc.
There are many hotels and resorts all over Kerala that offer accommodation and tour packages to tourists. Even some places near the forests have many hotels and resorts. You can choose yours according to your budget. As you walk through the forests, find some time to explore the excellent and exotic cuisine of Kerala. People are very friendly, enjoy hospitality and have fun.