Characterized with dense tropical rain forests, there is more to Kerala than its iconic backwaters. Here is our pick of the best parks and gardens that God’s Own Country has to offer.
Famous Parks in Kerala with Images:
Here we enlisted some best Parks in Kerala with pictures which definitely attracts you.
Eravikulam National Park:
Popularly called the Roof of Kerala, it is Kerala’s biggest National Park situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. The endangered Nilgiri Tahr is the only wild goat that lives to the south of the Himalayas. It considers Kerala as its natural habitat and hence the significance of this Park.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, which is one of the world’s nineteen biodiversity hot spots, is what makes this park special. With the sentinel Anamudi peak for its backdrop, the park boasts of lush vegetation and supports a wide variety of fauna.
The best time to visit is between the months of November to April. This is when the lush green tropical evergreen forest is in its full glory.
Silent Valley National Park:
Located in Palakkad district, the unique name of this park is because it is free from the chirping noise of crickets. Home to one of the most endangered species of monkeys, called the Lion-tailed Macaque and rare plants and herbs. It also shelters Elephants, Tigers and Panthers as well as the smaller animals within the thick undergrowth and foliage.
The best time to visit is between the months of September to March. It is well connected with railways and transport.
See More: National Park In Manipur
Mathikettan Shola Forest:
Located in the Poopara village in Idukki district, this park was recently notified, almost a decade ago, to protect the wildlife and bio-diversity of the area. The shola forest in the area is has unique ecological and geomorphological wealth which makes it an extremely rare patch of floral diversity.
Pampadum Shola Forest:
The smallest National Park in the state is situated in the Marayoor village of Idukki. Considering the environmental importance of the rare bio-diversity of the Shola pastures, this area was notified as a protected area in the past decade.
See More: National Parks In Jharkhand
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
The sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Star Tortoise. Along with them the sanctuary also shelters the other mammals also who consider this to be their natural habitat.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
Home to the bright plumed visitors from distant Siberia in winters, this sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s delight. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the waterways are the best medium to watch these birds up close.
See More: National Parks In Jammu And Kashmir
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve:
Built next to the Periyar River, to protect these royal beasts from the clutches of poachers, the Periyar National Park has gradually become a major tourist attraction in Kerala. Tourists from all across the globe come to experience the magic that is in the heart of this sanctuary.
It is arguably the richest habitat for large mammals, since it provides cover and nourishment in form of succulent shoots and grasses. Natives to Periyar are:
• Indian Elephant
• Nilgiri Langur
• Lion tailed macaque
A day excursion will bring out birds perched on the sandal wood and rosewood trees such as:
• Giant Hornbill,
• Cormorant,
• Darter,
• Osprey and
• Racket-tailed Drongo
The best time to visit is anytime other than January to July which is the monsoon season.
Apart from the usual wildlife haunts there must be a special mention of the Botanical Garden in Ooty. It is home to thousands of exotic species of plants and trees. The center focus is a fossilized tree trunk which is estimated to be a few million years old. The breathtaking sights and sounds of its award winning rose garden can truly revived even the weariest souls.
Images Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 .
