North India

Corbett National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

Foothills of the Himalayas in the vicinity of Dikal; saline forests and plains. Fauna: tigers, elephants, leopards and various birds. Excellent fishing in the Ramgang River. Airport: Pantnagar, 115 km. Railway station: Ramnagar, 51 km. Season: November May. Accommodation: in the park.

Dadwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

Nepal border. Tigers, sloth bears and panthers live here. Airport: Lucknow, 251 km. Railway station: Dadva, 4 km. Season: November - May. Accommodation: in the park.

Flower Valley National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

During flowering, this "garden on the roof of the world", elevated to a height of 3500 m, dazzles with exuberant colors. Location: 44 km from Badrinath. Railway station: Rishikesh, 280 km. Season: June-July.

Sariska National Park (Rajasthan)

About 200 km from Delhi. Forest and open plains. Sambar (the largest of Indian deer), chetal (spotted deer), nilgai (Indian antelope), black deer, leopard, tiger; good night view. Airport: Jaipur, 160 km. Railway station: Alwar, 35 km (bus service). Season: February - June. Accommodation: in the park.

Ranthambhor (Sawai Madhopur - Rajasthan)

Hilly forests, plains and lakes. Sambar, chinka-ra (Indian gazelle), tiger, sloth bear, crocodiles and migratory waterfowl. Airport: Jaipur, 162 km. Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur, 11 km. Season: November - May. Accommodation: in the park and in Sawai Madhopur.

Bandavgari National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Situated in the Vindya Mountains. The park has a diverse fauna including panthers, sambars and gaurs. Airport: Jabalpur, 166 km. Railway station: Umaria, 34 km. Accommodation: forest hotel in the park.

Bharatpur National Park (Keoloadeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary) (Rajasthan)

Most famous nature reserve birds in India. There are many unique waterfowl here, a large number of migrants from Siberia and China; cranes, geese, herons, snake-catchers, etc. Airport: Agra, 52 km. Railway station: Bharatpur, 5 km. Road connection: 176 km from Jaipur, 177 km from Delhi. Season: September - February. Accommodation: on the territory of the reserve.

Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Saline forests and savanna. The only place where the barashingha (marsh deer) lives; in addition, there are tiger, chetal, gaur (Indian bison), monkeys. Airport: Nagpur, 270 km. Railway station: Jabalpur, 170 km. Season: November - March. Accommodation: on the territory of the park, in Cana and Kisli.

Shivpuri National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Open forests and lake. Fauna: chinkara, chousingha (four-horned antelope), nilgai, tiger, leopard, waterfowl. Airport: Jhansi, 95 km. Season: February - May. Accommodation: motel, forest holiday home.

Eastern India

Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

Meadows and swamps. Fauna: Indian one-horned rhinoceros, water bull, tiger, leopard, elephant, deer, various birds. It is possible to move around the park on elephants. Airports: Jorhat, 96 km, and Guwahati, 217 km. Railway station: Furkating, 78 km. Season: February - May. Accommodation: in the park.

Reserve Manas (Assam)

On the border with Bhutan. Rainforest, savannah and river banks are inhabited by rhino, water bull, tiger, elephant, golden langur, waterfowl. Fishing is allowed. Airport: Guwahati, 176 km. Railway station: Sarupeta, 40 km. Season: January - March. Accommodation: on the territory of the reserve.

Palamau Tiger Reserve (Bihar)

Rocky and wooded hills. Tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, wild tropical cat, rhesus monkey, rarely wolf. Airport: Ranchi, 155 km. Railway station: Daltonganj, 19 km. Season: February - March. Accommodation: in Belt.

Hazaribag National Park (Bihar)

Salt marshes and wooded hills. Sambar, nilgai, chetal, tiger, leopard, rarely - muntjak (large barking deer). Airport: Ranchi, 100 km. Railway station: Hazaribag, 67 km. Season: February - March. Accommodation: in the park.

Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)

mangrove forests. Tiger, river cat, deer, crocodile, dolphins, various birds. Transport: external and internal transportation by boats. Airport: Kolkata, 48 km. Season: February - March. Accommodation: there are no hotels and conditions for overnight stay on the territory and near the reserve.

Jaldapara Game Reserve (West Bengal)

Tropical forest and savanna. Rhinoceros, elephant, various birds. Airport: Bagdogra, 155 km. Railway station: Madari Hat, 11 km. Season: March-May. Accommodation: holiday home in Jaldapar.

Similipal Tiger Reserve (Orissa)

Extensive saline forest. Tiger, elephant, leopard, sambar, chetal, muntjak deer and deer. Airport: Bhubaneswar, 310 km. Railway station: Baripada, 50 km. Season: November - June. Accommodation: Tourist holiday homes in the vicinity.

South India

Periyar Game Reserve (Kerala)

Large artificial lake. Elephant, gaur, wild dog, black langur, beavers, turtles; numerous species birds, including the hornbill and water owl. View from the water. Airports: Madurai, 160 km, Cochin, 208 km, and Thiruvananthapuram, 258 km. Railway station: Madurai, Kottayam, 110 km, and Bodinayakanur, 67 km. Accommodation: a good choice hotels in the vicinity of the reserve.

Vedanthangal Waterfowl Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

One of the most picturesque mass nesting sites in India. Cormorants, herons, storks, pelicans, grebes and many others. Airport: Chennai (Madras), 85 km. Railway station: Chengalpattu, 28 km. Season: October - March. Accommodation: forest rest house.

Point Calimer Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

It is primarily known for its flamingos. There are herons, teals, curlews, plovers and blackbucks and wild boars. Airport: Tiruchirappalli, 200 km. Railway station: Point Calimer, 0.5 km. Season: November - January. Accommodation: forest rest house.

Pulikat Bird Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh)

Flamingo, gray pelican, heron, tern. Airport and railway station: Chennai (Madras), 60 km. Accommodation: overnight in Nellur.

Dandeli National Park (Karnataka)

The park is inhabited by bison, panthers, tigers and sambars. Easily accessible from Goa. Airport: Belgaon, 142 km. Railway station: Alnaver, 20 km. Accommodation: Holiday Homes in Kulji Forest and Mandurli and River View Bungalows in Dandeli.

Jawhar National Park includes Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks (Karnataka) and Mudumalai Game Reserves (Tamilnadu) and Wayanad (Kerala)

Thick mixed forest. The largest population of elephants in India; leopard, gaur, sambar, muntjak deer and giant squirrel. Birds include the Indian cuckoo, barbet and trogon.

Bandipur (Karnataka)

Airport: Bangalore, 190 km. Railway station: Mysore, 65 km. Available to tourists from Coimbatore and Udhagamandalam. Accommodation: in the park.

Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)

Airport: Coimbatore, 16 km. Railway station: Udhagamandalam, 68 km.

Nagarhole (Karnataka)

Airport: Bangalore. Railway station: Mysore. Accommodation: tourist cottages.

Wayanad(Kerala)

Airport: Cochin, 300 km. Railway station: Calicut, 111 km. Accommodation: forest rest house.

Western India

Krishnagiri Upavan National Park (Maharastra)

Formerly known as Borivili, this nature reserve protects an important natural area near Bombay. Kanheri caves, Vihar, Tulsi and Povari lakes. Waterfowl and small mammals. Open air cinema next to the Lion Safari Park. Airport: Mumbai (Bombay), 20 km. Railway station: Borivili, 3 km. Season: October - June. Accommodation: tourist cottages.

Taroba National Park (Maharashtra)

Teak forest and lake. Tiger, leopard, nilgai, gaur. Night inspections. Airport: Nagpur, 208 km. Railway station: Chandrapur, 45 km. Season: March - May. Accommodation: in the park.

Sasangir National Park (Gujarat)

Wooded plains and lake. The only habitat of the Asiatic lion; other fauna: sambar, chowsingha, nilgai, leopard, chinkara and wild boar. Airport: Rajkot, 153 km. Sasangir railway station, 0.5 km. Season: January-March. Accommodation: in the park.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)

Lake. Migratory waterfowl. Local bird species include flamingos. Airport: Ahmedabad, 64 km. Railway station: Weeramgam, 40 km. Season: November - February. Accommodation: there are conditions for living near the lake.

Reserve "Small Rann of Kach" (Gujarat)

Desert. Herds of kura (Indian wild donkey), wolf, caracal. Airport: Ahmedabad, 195 km. Railway station: Dhangadra, 25 km. Season: October - June. Accommodation: on the territory of the reserve and in Dhangadryo. Passage from Bhuj is possible.

Velvadar National Park (Gujarat)

Savannah of the New Delta. Large concentration of black goats. Airport and railway station: Bhavnagar, 65 km. Season: October - June. Accommodation: in the park.

reserves

Mountain forests occupy more than a quarter of the territory of Kerala and are famous for the abundance of flora and fauna. More than 150,000 tourists every year visit the Periyar nature reserve, the most popular in South India (founded in 1934). This is one of the 16 reserves in India, engaged in the protection of tigers (since 1973). It is located on the picturesque slopes of the Western Ghats and covers an area of ​​775 sq. km. It is also the best reserve in Asia in terms of observing the life of elephants in vivo. In summer, when the water level drops, the elephants descend to the artificial lake (25 sq. km.), specially made to supply animals with water in all seasons, and also so that tourists can swim up to the very shores to view the animals - more there is no such thing anywhere. In addition to elephants, the fauna of the Periyar Reserve includes tigers, panthers, leopards, Indian bison, sambars, spotted deer, sloths, wild dogs, civets, as well as a huge number of different birds. You can often see pythons and cobras, sometimes a flying lizard comes across. Best time for viewing the reserve - from September to May. You can join a boat tour on the lake or rent one yourself. On the border of the reserve is the village of Thekkady, where there are several good hotels for nature travelers. Established in 1983, Kerala's first bird sanctuary, Thattekkadu, is located between the branches of the Periyar River. More than 400 species of birds live here. Every winter flocks of birds come here from the north - from Siberia and other places. Lake Periyar is also a refuge for a huge number of water birds. Other tourist attractions include a reptile park where crocodiles and pythons live, a deer sanctuary and many others. Bird Sanctuary in Kumarakom - here wintering birds arrived from the north, as well as many local birds. Other reserves are in Neyyar, Peppar, Shenduruni, Idukki, Eravikulam, Chinar, Chimmini and Pichi-Vazhani.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Thekkadi Village

Peryar National Reserve covers an area of ​​775 km and is located in the Western Ghats on the lake. The lake, on which tourists usually travel by boat, is artificial and was formed as a result of the construction of a dam in the 19th century. Tigers, leopards, monkeys, elephants and other animal species live here in natural conditions. However, traveling alone into the jungle can be unsafe. It is better to join a tour of the lake on a boat and watch the life of the animal world, hearing the elephants trumpet in the reserve and the monkeys chatting on the run. The best time to visit is from September to May. On the border of the reserve is the village of Thekkady, where there are several good hotels for nature travelers. Here you can also make exciting excursion in greenhouses, spice and coffee plantations. How to get there: By bus from Ernakulam, Kovalam and Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu).

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• Full name: Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Region: Kerala State, India.
• IUCN category: II-nd ( national park).
• Date of foundation: 1982
• Area: 925 km2.
• Terrain: hilly plain with a number of hills.
• Climate: humid tropical, oceanic.
• Official website: periyartigerreserve.org
• The purpose of creation: to preserve the habitats of tigers and elephants, as well as the unique fauna with the flora of wet rainforest India.
• Visit - paid

Information for visitors

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts in the north of South Kerala. The district center and the area where the protected area lies is called Thekkady, and the nearest village to the entrance to Periyar, where tourists stop, is Kumili. The main entrance to the reserve is about half way from Cochin to Madurai. In Periyar, three-hour walking tours are held daily from 07:30.
In addition to ecotourists, Periyar attracts many pilgrims. They come here every year to visit the Sabarimala temple.
The reserve provides a unique opportunity to observe and photograph the inhabitants wildlife from a close distance. This can be done from a boat or from special towers installed inside Periyar. In addition, routes with overnight stays in campsites or a bamboo hut have been developed. Walking without a guide in the protected area is prohibited.
The reserve is open from 06:00. until 18:00, entrance fee. Since there are leeches in the jungle, you can walk in Periyar only in special fabric high shoes, which are issued when buying a ticket.

In Periyar, every day at 08:00, mahouts take elephants to the river to wash them. The whole procedure takes almost 2 hours. Tourists can not only look at this action, but also wash the huge ukhantiki themselves with special coconut washcloths.

• The total area of ​​the core of the reserve, which includes the reserve itself and protected forests, is 921 km2.
• Periyar lake area 26 km2

There are many cobras in the park. The scientific name of the "King Cobra" means - snake eater, the reptile feeds mainly on fellow species and can make barking sounds.

History of the reserve

At the end of the 19th century, after the construction of a dam across the Periyar River, an artificial lake of the same name arose. a little later woods with an area of ​​more than 600 km2 around this lake.
In 1933, the Travancore state government, realizing the importance of animal protection, created the Nellikkampetti hunting farm around the lake, and in 1950 expanded it to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (777 km2), including the adjacent forests of the Rotendon Valley and the mountain plateau. In 1978, the territory was transferred to the Tiger project. Thus, the tenth tiger reserve appeared in India.
In the middle of 1982, it was already mentioned as the Periyar National Park, and in 1991 its territory became part of the tenth elephant reserve.
Then, in order to increase wetlands, a territorial branch of the reserve was created with an area of ​​50 km2 with headquarters in Thekkady. In 1996, the Supreme Court of India banned all types of work on the territory of the reserve without agreeing on an activity plan, and in 1999 completely banned all activities.
During 2001, the Periyar tiger reserve was divided into two territorial branches - western and eastern.
An ecological project for the conservation of tigers was implemented in the Periyar Tiger Reserve from 1996 to 2004. In order to support the eco-development initiative of the reserve, the Periyar Fund Trust was organized in 2004.

Walk in the tiger park

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a world-famous tourism hub that provides an amazing opportunity to admire the beauty and enjoy the tranquility of South India's nature.
The best time to travel to Periyar is from September to the end of May. During this period, the weather for hiking and water excursions is most favorable. It is very dry here in March and April, so the animals are mostly near the lake, but in June-August the rainy season begins and the nature of Periyar blooms.
The landscape of Periyar is hilly with peaks over 1700 m in the north and east. To the west, the hilly plain turns into a vast mountain plateau with an average height of 1200 m. It breaks off abruptly and is replaced by a wooded area of ​​Sabarimala in the Pamba river basin. The total height ranges from 102 meters in the Pamba Valley to 2019 in Kottamalai.
The core of the reserve lies on the primary watershed of the Periyar River and is home to tigers. Its mission is to preserve the natural habitat of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris bengalensis). Visitors are not allowed to enter this area.
The buffer zone surrounds the core of the reserve and consists of a recreational or tourist site, it includes part of the Periyar River, the Sabarimala pilgrimage area with traditional travel routes and forest pilgrimage routes, as well as leased territories and institutions of the Kerala Forest Department and settlement lands.

Natural Wonders of Periyar

Lake Periyar is located in the north of the core of the tiger reserve. Covering an area of ​​26 km2, the lake is filled with the river of the same name, on which there are beautiful cascades of small but bewitching waterfalls. The flooded trees betray the past of the lake - once there was a majestic forest. Here, pictures from the pages of everyone's favorite "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling come to life. Herds of elephants roam along the shores overgrown with lush grass, and during a great drought at a watering place you can also meet the owner of the jungle - the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris bengalensis).
The state of Kerala used to be called Malihabar, that is, "the land of pepper."

Vegetable world

Due to the fact that the levels of altitude in the reserve differ, various climatic zones, which affects both the temperature and the types of local vegetation. About 75% of the territory of Periyar is occupied by virgin evergreen rainforests. The most common white damara tree (Vateria indica), hopei parviflora
(Hopea parviflora), straight canarium (Canarium strictum), artocarpus hirsutus (Artocarpus hirsutus). These trees reach a height of up to 50 m.
In total, about 2000 species of flowering plants, 3 species of gymnosperms and 170 species of ferns grow in the reserve. The most common flowers are orchids, there are 145 species of them here.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), real cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), black pepper (Piper nigrum) grow in deciduous forests. This area is famous for plantations of quality spices and is not in vain called the Cardamom Mountains. Spices grown in these lands can be bought in the shops of the village of Kumili.

Animal world

The diversity of the animal world of Periyar is impressive. It is home to 45-55 Bengal tigers and 900 to 1050 Indian elephants (Elephas maximus). 62 species of mammals can be found in the reserve. Powerful gaurs (Bos frontalis), muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjak) and Indian sambars (Cervus unicolor) graze among evergreen thickets, leopards (Panthera pardus), nimble red mongooses (Herpestes smithii) and even a very rare red wolf (Cuon alpinus). Indian macaques (Macaca radiata) and lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus), gray langurs (Semnopithecus ajax) and Nilgiri (Trachypithecus johnii) live in the jungle.
Currently, up to 320 different species of birds are found in Periyar. Indian darters (Anhinga melanogaster), Indian cormorants (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) and common kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) live near the lake, Indian hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus) and paradise drongos (Dicrurus paradiseus) live in the vines. During nesting, the female hornbill voluntarily stays in long-term confinement - in the hollow of a tree, which she herself immures from the inside
Of the fauna of reptiles, 45 species live in the reserve. These include star turtles (Geochelone elegans), tiger pythons (Python molurus) and king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah).
Of the 27 amphibian species recorded in Periyar, 10, such as the purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) and the aquatic legless amphibian worm (Caecilia sp.), are endemic to the Western Ghats. 38 species of fish live in the lake, 4 of them are found only in this area.
The magnificent abundance of Lepidoptera - almost 160 species of butterflies - strikes the imagination of a visitor who first came to the reserve. True, some of them are poisonous and pose a serious danger to humans. But despite all this, most of all the guests of India strive to get there.

Thanks to all this, the Periyar Reserve has been the most interesting national park in India and travelers for a couple of decades.

The bird sanctuary of Kuramarakom is one of the first in Kerala. It will appeal to both bird lovers and those who just want to have a good time outdoors.

More than 400 species of exotic and rare birds constantly live here, and the same number are temporary guests, stopping in the reserve during their arrival to the south. Siberian storks, white herons, cranes, parrots, larks - these are just a small part of the inhabitants that you will meet here.

During a walk through the reserve, you can not only get acquainted with birds, but also enjoy the picturesque nature of these places.

Periyar Reserve

The Periyar National Wildlife Refuge is located in the vicinity of Kerala. It is considered the largest in South India. Here you can see the life of numerous wild animals - including about 1000 elephants, 46 tigers, more than 400 species of birds in their natural habitat, as well as a reptile park and a deer reserve.

It is here, in the Periyar nature reserve, that you can breathe clean air, filled with aromas and amazing sounds of the real jungle, hear how elephants trumpet and monkeys call to each other, how crocodiles and pythons hunt for prey, and how elephants go down to a magnificent lake to drink water, around which the reserve itself is spread.

Periyar is the most suitable place for those who decide to look at the life of tropical wild animals in their natural environment habitats, find yourself in the real jungle and breathe the air of the Indian tropics.

Reserve Chinar

The Chinar Game Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located about 60 kilometers from Munnar, in the Idukki district of Kerala. The reserve presents a unique and diverse flora and fauna.

In the area occupied by the reserve, there are deciduous forests, meadows, about 1000 species of flowering plants, medicinal plants.

Here you can admire waterfalls, rivers and the Watchtower, which offers a magnificent view of the entire park. The reserve presents a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, butterflies.

The pride of the park is the endangered giant gray squirrel. Also, tourists can meet tigers, spotted deer, leopards, elephants, monkeys, peacocks and other fauna here.

Periyar Tiger Reserve

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Indian state of Kerala. The reserve covers an area of ​​925 square kilometers and is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Rare and endangered species of flora and fauna are also jealously protected in the reserve.

The reserve is one of the most popular and visited places by tourists, which negatively affects the Indian tigers. The fact is that temporary residents consume firewood and other resources excessively, they leave behind waste, and there is also a strong increase in traffic, which threatens the life of tigers of this species.

Local residents hosting tourists watch the vulnerable parts of the reserve. If you wish, you can join them and take part in the conservation of the forest and public welfare together with them.

Neyar Reserve

The reserve stretches from the town of Neyatinkar Taluk to the Mundanthurai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu, is located 30 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, and covers an area of ​​128 square meters. km. Numerous mammals, reptiles and birds live here, such as elephants, gaurs, sambars, roe deer, wild boars, Indian porcupine, three-banded squirrel, tiger, Malabar squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, deer, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri thin-bodied, cobra, viper, python, rat-catcher, flying snake, lizard, common myna, kingfisher, white-breasted water hen, green night heron, woodpecker, southern house crow, Indian cuckoo, gray forest bird, forest myna, Indian mountain myna, darter, little cormorant, little egret, brahmin kite and others.

Best time to visit: November - February.

Where to stay:

You will be offered a youth camp and holiday home in Neyar, Forest Department Bungalow, Irrigation Department Holiday Home, Agasthya House (KTDC), Minmutti Holiday Home.

How to get there:

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram. There are also good road links with the reserve.

Peppara Reserve

This reserve is located 50 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram in Nedumangad Taluk. Here you can see an elephant, gaur, sambar, roe deer, wild boar, tiger, panther, wild dog, Malabar squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri thin-bodied and others. The reserve is inhabited by birds: darter, little cormorant, motley kingfisher and white heron, amazing moths and butterflies, as well as reptiles: King Cobra, pythons.

How to get there:

From Vithura on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi route, the nearest airport and railway station is Thiruvananthapuram (35 km).

Reserve Shenduruni

The Shenduruni forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. Located in Panthanapuram Taluk 66 km. from the city of Kollam on the Kollam-Shenkotta route. Among the inhabitants of the reserve: radiata macaques, bonnet macaques, gaur, sambar, roe deer, wild boar, large Indian squirrel, three-banded palm squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, deer, Nilgiri thin-bodied, elephant, tiger, leopard and others.

It is known that Shenduruni was the cradle of one of the oldest valley-river civilizations in India, older than the Indus Valley (4400 - 3700 BC).

There is a cave in the northwestern part of the Shenduruni River that can accommodate 20 people. The cave dates back to the Mesolithic era and contains Mesolithic paintings found in the caves of Central India.

How to get there:

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (72 km), the nearest railway station is Tenmala connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. A road network connects the reserve with Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala Dam P.O. Kollam District, tel: 0475-344600.

Periyar Reserve(Thekkady)

It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. This is one of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries in terms of geomorphology, natural diversity and magnificent landscape. The trip to Thekkady itself is already impressive - the road passes through the quiet countryside. Here you can see rich plantations and dense jungle. Periyar was declared a tiger reserve in 1978 as part of the Tiger Project. It attracts travelers from all over the world and is the only reserve in India where you can observe and photograph a wild elephant up close. In the forests of Periyar, there are two towers for observing animals.

Boat ride on Periyar lake - The best way to get acquainted with the nature of the reserve. The reserve is home to 35 species of animals: wild elephant, tiger, panther, wild dog, gaur, Nilgiri thin-bodied, sambar, roe deer, wild boar, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, otter, large Malabar squirrel, viverra, leopard and others.

The reserve is home to 265 species of birds, including migratory ones: large Indian hornbill, peacock, brahmin kite and black kite, waterfowl such as darter, little cormorant, kingfisher, black-necked stork - these are some of the representatives of the birds that inhabit the reserve. Of the reptiles - cobra, viper, krait, two-colored frogs, turtles and crocodiles. Lake Periyar and rivers abound with fish. Barbus is found here - the famous non-commercial fish of India. The only mammal living in the lake is an otter, it can be seen during a boat trip.

Best time to visit: October-May, from 06.00 to 18.00.

Where to stay:

You will be offered KTDC hotels: "Aranya Nivas", "Lake Palace", "Periyar House", forest houses, but places must be booked in advance. There are also rooms in Kumili.

How to get there:

The entrance to the reserve is located in Thekkady. It can be reached by good roads from the airports of Madurai (145 km), Kochi (190 km) Thiruvananthapuram (272 km), the nearest railway station is Kottayam (114 km), the nearest city is Kumili (4 km).

Idukki Reserve

The reserve stretches through Thodupuzhu and Udumpanchola of the Idukki district. It is located 40 km from the city of Thodupuzha. Was founded in 1976. Elephant, deer, bear, leopard, tiger, wild boar and other animals live here. The bird population is represented by the hornbill, kingfisher, woodpecker. From the reptile here you can see a cobra, a viper, a python, a rat-catcher snake and others.

Where to stay:

There is a forest inspection bungalow in Vellapara (tel: 32323), a PWD holiday home, an inspection bungalow in Vajathopu (tel: 32328). As well as private hotels in Cherutkhoni, Kattapana, Thodupuzha.

national park Eravikulam

Located in Devikulam, Idukki district, 15 km north of Munnar. The park was founded in 1975 to protect the Nilgiri tahr, in 1978 the reserve was declared a national park. Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, sloth bear, Nilgiri thin-bodied and wild boar live in open meadows and forests, civet and reed cats live here . In the park you can see the atlas moth - the largest representative of the species in the world. The endangered Nilgiri tahr also lives here.

Best time to visit:

The park is open daily from 07.00 to 18.00. Visit all year round, except during the rainy season.

Where to stay:

In Munnar and Devikulam you will be offered private cottages, government guest houses, PWD holiday homes.

How to get there:

Can be reached via Kochi (135 km) and Kottayam (148 km) by road. The nearest airport is Kochi, the nearest railway station is Aluva (115 km from Munnar).

Contact information: The chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram-695014, fax: 0471-322217; The Wildlife Warden/Assistant Widlife Warden, Eravikulam National Park, Rajamalai, Near Nemakad Estate, Munnar, Tel: 04865-30487.

Reserve Chinar

The reserve occupies a forested region on both sides of the Marayuur-Udumalpet road. This is the second habitat for the endangered great gray squirrel in India. The convenient location of the reserve allows you to observe amazing life nature near the road, without going deep into the forest. Elephant, gaur, spotted deer, panther, sambar, large gray squirrel, hanuman langur, rabbit and - these are some of the inhabitants of the reserve.

Best time to visit:

Where to stay:

Munnar, Marajur and Udumalpet offer private cottages and government guest houses.

How to get there:

The nearest airports are Coimbatore and Kochi, the nearest railway stations are Pollachi (60 km) and Aluva (200 km).

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

It is located 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam along the Puyamkutti road (Ernakulam district) on the territory of the Bhuthathankettu dam. The Thattekkad Conservation Area was established in 1983. Leopard, bear, porcupine, Indian roller, cuckoo, snipe, black pheasant, nightjar, kite, gray drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker, great motley wagtail, sparrow, gray partridge, Indian mountain myna, robin and darter are the inhabitants of this reserve, sometimes elephants come here. Also here you can see rare birds: bee-eater, sunbird, shrike, small blue-backed songbird, grey-headed fishing eagle, black kite, night heron, gray heron, gray hornbill, Malabar shama and Malabar hornbill.

Going on a trip to the reserve, you must obtain permission from the assistant wildlife conservator of the Thattekad reserve.

Where to stay:

In Kothamangalam you will be offered PWD rest houses near the dam, private cottages.

How to get there:

The nearest railway station is Aluva (48 km) and the nearest airport is Kochi (71 km).

Chimmini Nature Reserve

The reserve is located in the western valley of Nelliampathi in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur district and borders on the reserves of Pichi-Vazhani and Parambikulam. Leopard, elephant, bear, wild boar, wild bison, tiger and other animals live here.

Best time to visit:

The reserve is open round the clock, except for October and November. Opening hours: from 07.00 to 18.00

Where to stay:

In Amballur you will be offered bungalows next to the dam, as well as hotels.

How to get there:

The nearest town is Amballoor (12 km) on the Ernakulam-Thrissur route, the nearest railway station (and bus stops) is Thrissur (35 km), the nearest airport is Kochi (50 km).

Nature reserves in Kerala

Pichi-Vazhani Reserve

The reserve was founded in 1958. It is located about 20 km east of Thrissur in the basin of the Pichi and Vazhani dams with the main office in Pichi 15 km., located in the forests of Palapalli-Nelliampathi and bordering the Chimmini nature reserve.

More than 60 species of birds, 10 species of snakes, as well as: leopards, tigers, foxes and many others live in Pichi-Vazhani. In deciduous forests and meadows you can meet some herbivores: elk, deer, roe deer. The bison and elephant also inhabit the interior forests.

Where to stay:

In Pichi you will be offered a holiday home. There is also an information center here.

How to get there:

Direct bus services from Thrissur to Pichi, the nearest railway station is Thrissur and the nearest airport is Kochi (98 km).

Silent Valley National Park(silent valley)

The park is located 40 km from Mannarkad on the northeastern border of the Palakkad district. It is closest to the virgin forest. This is the last patch of tropical evergreen rainforest in India, so the park is home to a huge population of wildlife due to the rugged terrain and remoteness. All the mammals of the peninsula are represented in the valley: lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri slender-bodied, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, leopard cat, fishing cat, palm marten, red mongoose, striped mongoose, wild dog, sloth bear, otter, flying squirrel, large Malabar squirrel, Indian pangolin, porcupine, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, roe deer, deer, gaur and elephant, as well as rare species birds such as the boneli eagle, shaheen (Indian falcon), short-eared owl, peninsular, great Indian hornbill, Nilgiri song thrush, funnel swallow, Malayan bittern and others. More than 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths can be seen in the park.

Where to stay:

You will be offered a rest house of the forest department.

How to get there:

The nearest bus stop is Mannarkad (32 km), the nearest airport is Coimbatore (115 km).

Parambikulam Reserve

The reserve is hidden in the valley between the Anamal Range of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampath Range of Kerala in the magnificent Western Ghats. It is inhabited by various representatives of wildlife, such as bonnet macaque, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri slender-bodied, loris, tiger, leopard, jungle cat, civet cat, civet cat, mongoose, fox, bear, elephant, gaur, Nilgiri tahr, spotted deer, sambar, roe deer, wild boar, pangolin, crocodile, monitor lizard, cane turtle, gecko, skunk, chameleon, snakes such as king cobra, spectacled snake, krait, viper, python, rat snake, whip snake, etc. The reserve presents a variety of fish. Among the birds you can meet the darter, the little cormorant, the black eagle, the little marabou, the black-headed kingfisher, the great Indian hornbill, the broad-beaked roller, and the javelin.

Where to stay:

You will be offered government rest houses and private cottages.

How to get there:

good cars and railways connect the reserve with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ooty - all within a radius of 110 km, the nearest airport is Kozhikode, important centers of the reserve: Sulthan, Batheri, Tholpetty and Muthanga.

Wayanad Reserve

The reserve borders on the territories of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. Rich species it is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. In addition to elephants, a tiger, a panther, a reed cat, a viverra, a monkey, a wild dog, a bison, a deer, a bear, etc. live here. Quite a large population of tigers in the reserve. Birds like peacock, cuckoo, owl, woodpecker, etc. are also found in abundance in the reserve.

Where to stay:

You can stop in Irutti near the reserve.

How to get there:

The nearest bus stops are Thalasseri (45 km), Kannur (45 km), the nearest railway station is Thalasseri, the nearest airport is Kozhikode (113 km from Irutti).

Aralam Reserve

The reserve borders on the central farm in Aralam, Kannur district. Deer, wild boar, elephant, sloth bear, sambar, bison, leopard, jungle cat and various kinds of squirrels are some of its inhabitants.

Where to stay:

You can stop at Irutti near the reserve.

How to get there:

The nearest bus stops are Thalasseri (45 km), Kannur (45 km), the nearest railway station is Thalasseri, the nearest airport is Kozhikode (113 km from Irutti).

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The islands are located in the Bay of Bengal and were once part of a mountain range stretching from Sumatra (Indonesia) for 120 km to the south of Burma. Many of the islands are still covered by rich tropical evergreen and tropical moist deciduous forests and are home to many amazing birds and reptiles. However, many animals were introduced. The inhabitants of the islands are fighting for the conservation of wildlife.

The climate on the islands is very favorable for travel. The temperature is from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, the rainy season falls on June-December.

Unlike many parks and reserves, most of these places are not intended for mammals, but rather for plants, birds and marine life. But here you can find bats, Andaman pig, chitala, pig deer, elephant and palm civet.

Barren Island Preserve

Founded in 1977. Located on Barren Island, about 60 km east of the main Andaman Islands and about 125 km northeast of Port Blair. Dolphins and dugongs live here.

National Marine Park

The park was founded in 1983. Known as the National Crocodile Park. The location is located west of Port Blair. Reptiles live here, green leathery sea ​​turtles, hawksbill and crocodiles.

Best time to visit: January - March.

Middle Baton Island National Park(North and South)

The park was founded in 1979 (South Park was founded in 1977). Located along west coast Andaman Islands. Here you can meet dolphins and water ravens.

Best time to visit: January - March.

Mount Harriat National Park

The park was founded in 1979 and covers an area of ​​about 47 sq. km. Located 15 km. south of Port Blair. The terrain is hilly, the area is mostly covered with evergreen forests. The park is the main habitat of the Andaman wild pig.

Best time to visit: January - February.

Narkondum Island Nature Reserve

The reserve was founded in 1977. The island is located about 260 km northeast of Port Blair. This reserve is the only habitat for the hornbill.

North Reef Island Reserve(North Reef Island)

The reserve was founded in 1977. Located west of North Andman. It is home to the protected Andaman teal and Nicobar pigeon.

Best time to visit: November - April.

South Sentinel Preserve(South Sentinel)

The reserve was founded in 1977. Located 125 km south of Port Blair. Animals and birds of the park: green sea turtles, leatherback turtles that come to spawn, the white-breasted eagle that hunts in the nearby waters. You can also find coconut crabs here.

Best time to visit: January - May.