If you’re looking for a place to explore Mother Nature in all her glory, look no further than Kerala. This Southern Indian state is brimming with wildlife, boasting a variety of species—both on land and in the sea. Whether you’re looking to go on safari and watch elephants, spot Bengal tigers, or just relax among the nature trails, Kerala is the perfect destination for Wildlife Tourism.
As a blogger, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to write about Kerala’s natural splendor and share its beauty with your audience. But before you dive right into the adventure, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of wildlife tourism in Kerala. In this guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the region and suggest some tips that will come in handy during your blogging journey.
Overview of Kerala’s Wildlife Tourism
Kerala is a beautiful and richly diverse state in India. It offers a huge variety of experiences in the nature and animal world. From sprawling national parks, conservation reserves and sanctuaries to idyllic backwaters, immense lakes and rivers, Kerala’s wildlife tourism is an absolute delight.
But it can be hard to know where to start when exploring Kerala’s wildlife tourism. To make it easier, here are some of the highlights that you won’t want to pass up.
- Visit the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Thekkady district, this picturesque national park is home to a plethora of plants and animals, including tigers, elephants and sambar deer. Don’t forget your binoculars—this area is an ornithologist’s paradise!
- Take a cruise on Vembanad Lake: This vast expanse of water covers more than 20 districts of Kerala. Take a tour on one of its houseboats and enjoy spotting some native birds that call it home. You might even get lucky enough to see some playful otters!
- See wild elephants at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: One of the state’s most popular wildlife destinations, this sanctuary is located at the foothills of Brahmagiri hills in Wayanad district. You can spot several wildlife species such as elephants, sloth bears, sambar deer and more!
With these experiences and more, Kerala’s wildlife tourism offers something for everyone—so don’t miss out!
Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala
Kerala offers some of the most spectacular and diverse wildlife destinations in India, with excellent opportunities for adventure and exploration. Here are some of the top sanctuaries and national parks for wildlife tourism in Kerala:
- Periyar Tiger Reserve: Located in the Cardamom Hills, this reserve is known for its elephant population as well as other rare species such as the Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Gaur, and Nilgiri Tahr.
- Silent Valley National Park: Situated in the Palghat district of Kerala, this reserve is renowned for its biodiversity and lush green forests. It is home to a variety of mammals like Bengal Tigers, Elephants, Bonnet Macaque monkeys and Lion-tailed Macaque monkeys.
- Eravikulam National Park: Located on the Western Ghats in Munnar district of Kerala, this park is famous for its endangered Nilgiri Tahr population. Besides that it is also home to several species of birds such as Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and Black-and-orange Flycatcher.
No matter which one you choose to visit first, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to wildlife tourism in Kerala!
The Best Time to Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks in Kerala
If you’re planning a wildlife tour in Kerala, one of the most important things to consider is the best time of year to go. This can vary depending on the region and the type of animal you are looking to observe.
Generally speaking, winter is the best time for viewing birds in Kerala, with some sanctuaries providing dedicated bird-watching tours during this period. The summer and autumn months are ideal for spotting large mammals such as tigers and elephants, while during the monsoon season (June to September) you can take part in picturesque boat trips along Kerala’s backwaters to admire aquatic life.
Regardless of when you visit, here are some tips for making the most out of your wildlife tour in Kerala:
- Research your chosen sanctuary or park ahead of time to find out what animals you might expect to see.
- Wear appropriate clothing – layers are best so that you can stay cool if necessary.
- Bring binoculars, a camera and insect repellent – remember that Kerala has an abundance of mosquitoes and other bugs!
- Choose an experienced tour guide who knows about local wildlife and conservation efforts in the area.
- Respect nature – follow all posted rules and take only photos with you when leaving, leaving only footprints behind!
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Wildlife Tour in Kerala
When it comes to enjoying a safe and fun wildlife tour in Kerala, no experience is complete without the following tips:
Research Your Destination
Before you hit the road, educate yourself about the wildlife sites that you plan to visit. Learn about the local ecosystem, habitats and preservation efforts. Spend some time researching any safety guidelines that have been put into place, and look for respectful ways that you can interact with any native animals you may encounter.
Pack Wisely
Make sure you are well-equipped for your journey by bringing along all of your necessary supplies. Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to wear proper hiking shoes, insect repellent, and other protective gear. Don’t forget a camera or binoculars either—you’ll definitely want to capture your beautiful surroundings!
Follow Guidelines
It’s important to be mindful of the safety rules when exploring wildlife areas and national parks in Kerala. Make sure you stay on main paths, remain at least 30 feet away from wildlife, never feed animals, and never leave behind any trash or belongings. Following these guidelines will help to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
Popular Activities for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Wildlife enthusiasts have plenty of fun things to do in Kerala. Whether it’s safaris, birdwatching, or exploring the backwaters, there are a lot of options for all kinds of budgets. Here are some activities that you need to check out if you’re looking for a wildlife tour in Kerala:
Safari Tours
Kerala is packed with wildlife parks and sanctuaries and going on a safari is one of the best ways to explore them. You can go on Jeep and Elephant safaris, both of which offer great opportunities for spotting exotic birds, animals, and even reptiles. There are also nighttime safaris that let you spot animals like owls and other nocturnal creatures.
Birdwatching
Kerala boasts a rich variety of birds—from kingfishers to hornbills—and exploring them while bird watching can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There are plenty of wildlife sanctuaries in the area where you can get up close with these fascinating creatures.
Backwater Cruise
Kerala’s famous backwaters are home to many species of birds and animals, making it perfect for wildlife lovers who want to explore its beauty without having to venture too far away from their comfort zone. You can take a backwater cruise along the rivers and channels in Alappuzha, Kochi and Kumarakom for an amazing journey through some amazing ecosystems!
Maximizing Your Experience With a Professional Guide
Exploring the wildlife of Kerala can be thrilling and rewarding, but it can also be intimidating—especially if you don’t go with a professional guide. An experienced guide can make all the difference as they introduce you to the diverse flora and fauna in the region, and provide insights into the local culture.
Hiring a professional guide should not be thought of as an expense, but rather an investment in your experience. A knowledgeable guide will not only keep you informed and safe while exploring, but they will also help you make the most out of your trip. Here are some ways that a guide can help enhance your experience:
- Understanding the region: A good wildlife guide is knowledgeable about their local environment and ensures that tourists get to see all that Kerala has to offer in terms of wildlife. They have extensive knowledge about the geography, culture, as well as any regulations or restrictions that may apply when visiting certain areas.
- Spotting animals: Knowing where to go and what to look for is half the battle when it comes to wildlife spotting. Guides are well-versed in animal behavior and know how to read signals from birds or animals that indicate possible sightings of bigger game animals like tigers or rhinos.
- Interpretation & conservation education: The most important function of a guide is interpretation—explainingwhy something is important and helping visitors understand why we need to protect it! A good guide will ensure that visitors have a meaningful experience which leads to an appreciation of this beautiful region and its inhabitants!
Conclusion
To sum it up, Kerala is one of the best places for wildlife tourism. It has an amazing selection of national parks and sanctuaries, offering visitors a great chance to observe and experience the state’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Visitors should take the necessary precautions and be aware of their personal safety when exploring the wildlife in Kerala. It’s also important to be respectful of the environment and the wildlife you encounter during your trip. Overall, a wildlife tour in Kerala is an incredible experience that few other places can offer. If you want to explore wildlife and wildlife tourism, look no further than Kerala. You won’t be disappointed!