National Parks in Kerala
Kerala, renowned for its lush greenery and serene landscapes, boasts several national parks that beckon travelers seeking immersive experiences in nature. Periyar National Park, situated in the Western Ghats, entices with its rich biodiversity and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including elephants and tigers.
Silent Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its pristine rainforests and rare species like the Lion-tailed macaque. Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, offers breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and tea plantations. These parks, with their ecological significance and scenic beauty, promise unforgettable adventures for nature enthusiasts in Kerala.
1. Eravikulam National Park
The mesmerizing Eravikulam National Park in Kerala was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later designated as a national park in 1978. Located in Idukki District, this park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, also known as the wild goat. It proudly encompasses an expansive area of around 97 square meters and boasts a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including lush sholas and vast grasslands.
One of its remarkable features is the ‘Neelakurinji’ flower, which blooms only once every 12 years. This park is a haven for numerous species such as leopards, tigers, gaurs, panthers, Nilgiri langurs, sloth bears, wild dogs, giant squirrels, Atlas moths, jungle cats, and Civet cats.
2. Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley National Park, located in the captivating Nilgiri Hills of the Palakkad district in Kerala, is renowned for its endangered species. These include sambhars, tigers, jaguars, and a unique variety of vegetation. Covering an area of 90 square kilometers, this rainforest is one of the most pristine and untouched rainforests in the subcontinent.
The Silent Valley offers a home to a diverse range of creatures, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot fascinating animals such as leopards, Malabar giant squirrels, sloth bears, spotted deer, pale harriers, Malabar pied Hornbills, gray-headed Bulbuls, and great Indian Hornbills, among many others. The well-organized safari and the picturesque stopovers surrounding the national park make a trip to Kerala truly worthwhile.
3. Anamudi Shola National Park
Anamudi Shola National Park, situated 45 kilometers away from Munnar in Idukki District of Kerala, is a stunning expanse along the western ghats, covering an area of 7.5 square kilometers. This park not only offers breathtaking trekking opportunities but also showcases captivating attractions like the Chinnar River, Pambar River, and Thoovanam waterfall. It is one of the remarkable Kerala National Parks, housing a variety of unique creatures and diverse plant species.
The park proudly presents Pullardi shola, Idivara shola, and Mannavan shola forests. Within this national park, you can explore 62 different types of plants, 174 varieties of herbs, and 39 types of climbers. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot various animals including civet cats, leopards, Indian Bison, wolves, tigers, wild boars, panthers, elephants, jungle cats, sloth bears, wild dogs, and even flying squirrels, just to name a few.
4. Mathikettan Shola National Park
This stunning National Park in Kerala is located in the Idukki district, right on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is nestled in the higher ranges of the southwestern ghats and is the last remaining part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve. The Mathikettan Shola National Park plays a crucial role in providing water for the people living in Poopara and Santhanpara, meeting both their drinking and agricultural needs.
This park boasts a unique forest ecosystem, with soil rich in silica. It is home to tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests, along with grasslands in the northern and eastern boundaries. The Mathikettan Shola National Park serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including leopards, Asian elephants, sambar deer, wild dogs, Indian bison, civets, wild boars, black eagles, jungle cats, Malabar parakeets, scarlet Minivets, and more.
5. Pampadum Shola National Park
Located in the Marayoor town of Idukki district in Kerala, nestled along the Western Ghats, the Pampadum Shola National Park is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts from all over the globe. Since its designation as a national park in 2004, it has attracted a large number of wildlife lovers. Spanning across 11.75 square kilometers, this park is under the management of the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife.
The rugged terrain within the lush tropical evergreen forest of Kerala, adorned with its natural vegetation, never fails to captivate wildlife enthusiasts. Within the national park, you can find an impressive array of wildlife, including over 93 species of moths, 10 types of butterflies, as well as a diverse range of deer, elephants, langurs, wild canines, and buffaloes.
6. Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady and spans across the Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts of Kerala. Serving as a reservoir, the Periyar lake is the heart of this sanctuary. Covering an area of 26 square kilometers, the park provides tourists with the opportunity to marvel at the incredible wonders of nature while cruising on a boat.
One notable aspect of this Kerala National Park is that it is also a tiger reserve. It serves as a perfect habitat for magnificent creatures like the Bengal Tiger, Gaurs, Indian elephants, Malabar giant squirrel, Sambar, Vipet, flying squirrels, woodpecker, kingfisher, Krait, and many more. Surrounding the park, you’ll find beautiful tea, cardamom, and coffee plantations, adding to its serene ambiance.
Conclusion
Kerala’s national parks stand as pristine treasures, offering a vibrant tapestry of biodiversity and unparalleled natural beauty. From the dense forests of Periyar to the tranquil backwaters of Silent Valley, these sanctuaries provide a sanctuary for countless species and a haven for nature enthusiasts. The harmonious coexistence of wildlife and human activities exemplifies Kerala’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Visitors are not just spectators but active participants in conservation efforts, fostering a deep sense of responsibility towards our planet. Embarking on a journey through Kerala’s national parks is more than just a tourist experience; it’s a profound encounter with the wonders of nature, leaving indelible memories and a lasting appreciation for the importance of preserving our ecological heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kerala is home to several national parks, but the main ones include Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and Eravikulam National Park.
Periyar National Park, located in Thekkady, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly the presence of elephants and tigers. It is also famous for the Periyar Lake, which offers boat cruises allowing visitors to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills, is celebrated for its pristine tropical rainforest ecosystem. It’s one of the last remaining tracts of undisturbed rainforest in the Western Ghats, harboring a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several endemic species.
Eravikulam National Park, near Munnar, is best visited during the months of September to November and from April to June. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the park is open for visitors to witness the blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, which happens once every twelve years.
Visitors to Kerala’s National Parks can engage in a variety of activities such as wildlife safaris, trekking, birdwatching, nature walks, and boat cruises (where available). These activities offer an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife that Kerala’s National Parks have to offer.
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