20 Famous Wildlife Safaris to Visit in Kerala

A wonderful gateway to ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala will always delight you with its exotic tea and coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. So, if you are already done with spending time amidst hills, and want an off-road experience, nothing can be more thrilling than visiting these wildlife safaris.

Navigate through this write-up to have a glimpse of the top 20 wildlife safaris in Kerala and its major highlights.

Below is a list of wildlife safaris in Kerala that you can follow to make an informed decision for your next tour.

1. Begur Wildlife Sanctuary

source: tripnight

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary brings a variety of fauna alongside its picture-perfect surroundings. Located in the plateau region of the Western Ghats, this is one of the most popular wildlife safaris with several tourists paying a visit.

Black bulbul, peafowl, laughing thrush, panthers, and wild boars are some animals you can see here. Magnify your stay by indulging in jeep safaris, jungle walks, and trekking and staying at tree house resort.

• Area Covered: No information available
• Best Time to Visit: December to May
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
• Operational Hours: 06:00 am to 08:00 am and 03:00 pm to 05:30 pm (all days)
• Distance from Airport: 80 km from Kozhikode Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹10 per adult
  • Children: Free
• How to reach: First, travel to Kozhikode Airport and Thalassery railway station. Then, take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.

2. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

source: keralatourism

Surrounded by a lovely landscape, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is nestled in the lap of the south Western Ghats in the Palakkad district. Here, you can spot 250 species of birds and 1400 species of plants.

Leopards, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, Asian elephants, pit vipers, king cobras, and great pied hornbills are a delight to watch. Do not miss out on the excellent jungle safari and camping during your stay here.

• Area Covered: 643.7 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
• Operational Hours: 07:00 am to 04:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 94.7 km from Coimbatore Airport
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Parking fee: ₹50 for light vehicles and ₹150 for heavy vehicles
• How to reach: From Coimbatore Railway Station or Coimbatore Airport, you can find ample public transport like buses that will bring you to this park.

3. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

source: wikimedia

One of the most thrilling jungle safaris in Kerala, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is the 2nd oldest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. Nestled in the Thrissur district, Peechi and Vazhani are two reservoirs that surround this area complimenting its beauty.

Nature walks, camping, trekking, jungle safaris, boat safaris, and bird watching are some popular activities to enjoy here. Watch out for animals like tigers, leopards, spotted deer, Asian elephants, and Indian bison.

• Area Covered: 125 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1 day
• Operational Hours: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm (every day)
• Distance from the Airport: 83.5 km from Cochin Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹10
  • Children: Free
• How to reach: Buses and taxis are easily available from the Cochin International Airport that will bring you to this sanctuary.

4. Mathikettan Shola National Park

source: wikimedia

Home to rare wildlife, Mathikettan Shola National Park is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts. Bird watching, jungle safari, and forest trekking are some of the adventure activities you can enjoy during your stay here.

Here, you can spot animals like panthers, giant grizzled squirrels, tigers, flying squirrels, and the famous Nilgiri Tahr.

• Area Covered: 12.82 km2
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1-2 days
• Operational Hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 121 km from Cochin International Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹40
  • International tourists: ₹500
• How to reach: Fly to Cochin International Airport, and take a bus or rent a vehicle to this park.

5. Periyar Tiger Reserve

source: bluebirdtravels

If you are in search of rich biodiversity and exclusive scenic beauty, nothing can be more mesmerising than Periyar Tiger Reserve. On an adventurous jeep safari, you are surely going to love the thrill of getting to have close encounters with the big cats.

You can also enjoy boat cruising and jungle patrolling at night. Well, if you are luckier, spot wild dogs, sloth bears, jackals, palm civets, stripe-necked mongoose and the black-naped hare.

• Area Covered: 350 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Average Time to Spend: 2 - 3 days
• Operational Hours: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 145 km from Kochi Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹25
  • International tourists: ₹ 300
• How to reach: Both Kochi Airport and the nearest railway station in Kottayam have good road connectivity. You can easily get buses or cabs to this park from here.

6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

source: wikimedia

Nestled in the Idukki district of Kerala, Chinnar National Park neighbours Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the most exciting activities you can indulge in here include trekking, nature walks, boat rides, jeep rides and elephant rides.

Other than that, you can spot exotic species of animals here, such as turtles, kraits, vipers, gaur, cormorants, cobras, mugger crocodiles and giant grizzled squirrels.

• Area Covered: 90.44 km2
• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Average Time to Spend: 3 – 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 199 km from Kochi Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹10
  • International tourists: ₹100
• How to reach: You need to travel to Kochi Airport or Pollachi Railway Station. Then, take buses or rent a vehicle to reach this sanctuary.

7. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

source: blogspot

If you are willing to visit the famous Crocodile Breeding Centre dedicated to late crocodile expert Steve Irwin, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place. You get to watch 176 species of birds, 40 species of fish and mammals, 30 species of reptiles, and 17 species of amphibians. King Cobra, lion-tailed macaques, Travancore tortoise and slender Loris are some of the animals and reptiles to watch out for.

• Area Covered: 128 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1-day trip
• Operational Hours: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
• Distance from Airport: 33.3 km from Trivandrum Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹250
  • Children: Free
• How to reach: After flying to Trivandrum Airport, take a bus or hire a cab to this sanctuary.

8. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

source: cdn

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most thrilling wildlife safari tours in Kerala. Here, you will be able to enjoy the cascading streams, rich and diverse flora and fauna, and dense forests in Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. The reason why various species can thrive and survive here is due to its swampy forests and tropical and deciduous plantations.

Alongside, you can enjoy visiting some famous waterfalls which are very close to this sanctuary apart from enjoying bird watching and trekking.

• Area Covered: 53 km²
• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1 hour
• Operational Hours: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (All days)
• Distance from Airport: 40.1 km from Trivandrum Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹35
  • International tourists: ₹ 150
• How to reach: The best way to reach here is by travelling to Trivandrum Airport or Thiruvananthapuram railway station and then taking a bus to this sanctuary.

9. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

source: aralam

If you are travelling to Coorg, you must surely visit Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. You will find a production centre here, dedicated to hybrid coconut seeds here at Central State Farm. Enjoy nature camps, treks, jungle walks and wildlife safaris here.

If you are lucky, you can watch out for mouse deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Sāmbhar deer, flying squirrels, leopards and tigers.

• Area Covered: 55 km2
• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1-day visit
• Operational Hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (All days)
• Distance from the Airport: 133.4 km from Calicut Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹ 15
  • International tourists: ₹ 200
• How to reach: Travel from Calicut Airport to the nearest town Iritty, which is about 5 km away from the sanctuary. You can get a bus or cab from here.

10. Tholpetty Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

source: thefederal

The second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is very popular amongst tourists due to its trekking and night camping activities. Wildlife jeep safari and bird watching are other interesting activities here.

Do not miss out to watch jungle cats, jungle fowls, red-headed vultures, panthers, tigers and white-rumped vultures here.

• Area Covered: 345 km2
• Best Time to Visit: Late September to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1-day visit
• Operational Hours: 07:00 am to 09:00 am and 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm (All days)
• Distance from the Airport: 130.5 km from Calicut Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹15
  • International tourists: ₹200
• How to reach: Take a train to Kozhikode station or fly to Calicut Airport. Then, take public transport to this sanctuary.

11. Eravikulam National Park

source: toiimg

If you wish to watch out for endangered mountain goats or Nilgiri Tahr, visit Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala. Besides, you can also find Nilgiri Langur, tigers, leopards, stripe-necked mongooses and golden jackals and a variety of flora and fauna.

There are nearly 101 butterfly species and 132 bird species here. You can enjoy photography, wildlife safaris, enchanting nature walks and trekking activities.

• Area Covered: 97 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to January and April to June
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 07:30 am to 04:00 pm (All days)
• Distance from the Airport: 114.7 km from Kochi Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹90
  • International tourists: ₹360
• How to reach: You can fly to Kochi Airport or take a train to Eravikulam National Park. Here, you will find buses and cabs to this park.

12. Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary

source: tripadvisor

Chimmoy Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular picnic spot for tourists. You must watch out for wild dogs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langur, elephants, grey-headed bulbul, sambars, Fish Eagle, Malabar Trogon, white-bellied flycatcher, and Loten’s Sunbird. Some of the activities you can indulge in include bird watching, wildlife safaris, and trekking.

• Area Covered: 85.067 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm (All days)
• Distance from the Airport: 56.3 km from Kochi Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹50
  • International tourists: ₹ 100
• How to reach: Arrive at Kochi Airport or Thrissur Railway Station. Then, take a bus or rent a vehicle that will take the NH-47 route to reach this sanctuary.

13. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

source: whatnewtrends

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary boasts biodiversity at its best. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve where you get to watch unfamiliar bird species, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, panthers, monkeys, and other animals frequently.

Furthermore, you can enjoy trekking, bird watching, elephant rides and jeep safaris too. Tourists also love to visit this place to witness lovely tribal dance performances contributing to the cultural epitome of this state.

• Area Covered: 344 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 07:00 am to 10:00 am and 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm (All days)
• Distance from the Airport: 120 km from Calicut International Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹10
  • International tourists: ₹100
• How to reach: Fly to Kozhikode Airport and take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.

14. Silent Valley National Park

source: keralatourism

Silent Valley National Park is one of the best-preserved national parks that consist of tropical rainforests. While immersing in its rich biodiversity, try indulging in wildlife safaris, bird watching and nature walks.

However, you can also shop for natural products, which come at affordable prices, at nearby stores.

• Area Covered: 89.52 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 4 to 5 hours
• Operational Hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 109.2 km from Cochin Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹78
  • International tourists: ₹355
• How to reach: From Coimbatore Airport, take a bus or rent a vehicle to reach this park.

15. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

source: keralatourism

One of the significant forest reserves in Kerala famous for its rich biodiversity is the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. This forest is home to 245 bird species, 34 mammal species, 36 reptile species, 22 amphibian species and 42 fish species. You can watch out for animals such as bonnet macaques, gaurs, jungle cats, deer, elephants and great-eared Nightjar leopards.

• Area Covered: 172.4 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: Open 24 hours
• Distance from Airport: 83.7 km from Trivandrum Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹78
  • International tourists: ₹355
• How to reach: After arriving at Trivandrum Airport, look for buses or cabs to this sanctuary. You can also rent a vehicle.

16. Amarambalam Reserved Forest

source: wikimedia

For those who wish to witness extinct birds, Amarambalam Reserved Forest is an ideal location. It houses nearly 500 butterfly species and bird species, making it an ideal location for wildlife enthusiasts.

Also, you will be able to find Nilgiri wood pigeons, Malabar parakeet, grey-headed bulbul, white-rumped vulture, and crimson-backed sunbird here. Bird watching, jungle safari, nature walks and treks are some activities you can enjoy here.

• Area Covered: 265.72 km2
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 2 days
• Operational Hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (all days)
• Distance from the Airport: 171.4 km from Coimbatore Airport
• Entry Fee: NA
• How to reach: You can get buses or cabs to this park from Coimbatore Airport.

17. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

source: wikimedia

Located between two rivers Cheruthoni and Periyar, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary blankets a dense canopy of evergreen forests. Consisting of a wide range of wildlife, trekking, boat rides, hiking, and jeep safari are some of the activities that you can enjoy here. Apart from soaking in the alluring biodiversity, do not miss out to watch out for wild dogs, sambars, tigers and jungle cats.

• Area Covered: 105.3 km2
• Best Time to Visit: December to April
• Average Time to Spend: 1 day
• Operational Hours: 07:00 am to 04:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 192.2 km from Madurai Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹15
  • International adults: ₹150
• How to reach: First, reach Madurai Airport and then find public transport travelling to this sanctuary.

18. Kurinjimala Sanctuary

source: kodaitrip

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats is Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to varied wildlife. As you enjoy the refreshing lush greenery around, this place is an ideal location for adventure buffs too. You can enjoy trekking, nature walks and rappelling here. Watch out for giant squirrels, gaur, sambars, tigers, Nilgiri Tahr and wood pigeons.

• Area Covered: 32 km2
• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1 day
• Operational Hours: 07:00 am to 04:00 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 330 km from Cochin International Airport
• Entry Fee: NA
• How to reach: Fly to Cochin International Airport. Here, you can find buses and cabs to this sanctuary.

19. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

source: wayanadtourism

A part of Nilgiri Biosphere, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an extension of Bandipur National Park. Surrounded by a dense deciduous plantation you will find animals such as leopards, elephants, wild cats, bears and civets here.

Also, you get to visit a beautiful valley called Lakkidi here, which is located inside the sanctuary and receives the highest rainfall in this state. Try trekking and nature walking here.

• Area Covered: 344.44 km2
• Best Time to Visit: June to October
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 07:00 am to 10:00 am and 03.00 pm to 04.30 pm
• Distance from the Airport: 120 km from Kozhikode Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹20
  • International tourists: ₹110
• How to reach: Travel to the nearest Sulthan Bathery Town from Kozhikode Airport. Then, take a bus or a cab to this sanctuary.

20. Pampadum Shola National Park

source: aranyakam

This wildlife safari in Kerala is the smallest national park in this state. It includes 74 herb species, 100 butterfly species, 22 tree species, 16 climber species, 9 mammal species, 93 moth species, and 14 bird species. Trekking and nature walking are popular types of adventure here. Also, if you are lucky you can find elephants, wild boar, langur, gaur, sambars and Nilgiri Marten.

• Area Covered: 1.32 km2
• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Average Time to Spend: 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 142 km from Cochin International Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹65
  • International tourists: ₹250
• How to reach: To reach this park, fly to Cochin International Airport and take a bus or cab from there.