Kerala is often celebrated for its backwaters and beaches—but its forests are equally enchanting. Kerala Wildlife Tours offer a thrilling escape into the Western Ghats, one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Whether you’re tracking tigers, watching elephants bathe, or listening to birdsong in misty jungles, these tours promise a wild, soulful adventure through “God’s Own Country.”
🐘 Why Choose Kerala for Wildlife Tourism?
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to 137 mammal species, 540 bird species, and 179 amphibians
- Western Ghats: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site with 20 forest types
- Eco-Tourism Focus: Responsible travel, tribal engagement, and conservation
- Scenic Terrain: Rainforests, grasslands, rivers, and mountain ranges
- Year-Round Appeal: Wildlife sightings, trekking, and nature walks across seasons
🏞️ Top Destinations for Kerala Wildlife Tours
Here’s a curated list of Kerala’s most iconic and immersive wildlife experiences:
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)
- Highlights: Elephants, tigers, wild boars, and sambar deer
- Activities: Bamboo rafting, boat safaris, nature walks
- Unique Feature: Lake-based wildlife viewing from boats
Periyar is Kerala’s most famous wildlife reserve and a must-visit for first-timers.
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Highlights: Elephants, leopards, bison, and peacocks
- Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, tribal village visits
- Unique Feature: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Wayanad blends dense forests with cultural immersion and scenic beauty.
3. Silent Valley National Park
- Highlights: Lion-tailed macaques, Malabar civets, rare orchids
- Activities: Guided treks, butterfly spotting, forest camping
- Unique Feature: One of the least disturbed rainforests in India
Ideal for serious nature lovers and researchers.
4. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
- Highlights: Tigers, gaurs, sloth bears, and hornbills
- Activities: Eco-stays, jungle safaris, tribal interactions
- Unique Feature: Community-managed conservation model
A great example of sustainable tourism and wildlife protection.
5. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Highlights: Grizzled giant squirrels, elephants, and star tortoises
- Activities: Trekking, camping, and birdwatching
- Unique Feature: Dry deciduous forest with unique species
Perfect for offbeat travelers and biodiversity enthusiasts.
6. Eravikulam National Park (Munnar)
- Highlights: Nilgiri Tahr, butterflies, and montane grasslands
- Activities: Trek to Anamudi Peak, wildlife photography
- Unique Feature: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr
Best visited during the Neelakurinji bloom (once every 12 years).
7. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
- Highlights: Malabar grey hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and over 300 bird species
- Activities: Birdwatching tours, photography walks
- Unique Feature: Kerala’s first bird sanctuary
A paradise for ornithologists and bird lovers.
🧭 Sample Itinerary: 7D/6N Kerala Wildlife Explorer
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Transfer to Thattekad
- Visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
- Evening birdwatching walk
Day 2: Thattekad to Munnar – Eravikulam National Park
- Trek to Anamudi Peak
- Visit tea plantations and butterfly gardens
Day 3: Munnar to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Guided trek and overnight forest camping
Day 4: Chinnar to Thekkady – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bamboo rafting and boat safari
- Visit spice plantations
Day 5: Thekkady to Wayanad
- Scenic drive through the Western Ghats
- Evening tribal village visit
Day 6: Wayanad Wildlife Safari
- Jeep safari and nature walk
- Optional: Visit Edakkal Caves
Day 7: Departure from Kozhikode
🏨 Where to Stay
Kerala Wildlife Tours offer a range of accommodations:
| Type | Features | Ideal For |
| Jungle Lodges | Rustic charm, forest proximity | Adventure seekers |
| Eco-Stays | Sustainable design, local engagement | Conscious travelers |
| Luxury Resorts | Spa, curated meals, guided safaris | Honeymooners, families |
| Tribal Homestays | Cultural immersion, authentic food | Culture lovers |
Popular properties include Spice Village (Thekkady), Vythiri Resort (Wayanad), and Parambikulam Eco-Stay.
🍛 What to Eat on a Wildlife Tour
Kerala’s forest cuisine is earthy, spicy, and nourishing:
- Kappa & Meen Curry: Tapioca with spicy fish curry
- Puttu & Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes with black chickpeas
- Wild Honey & Jackfruit Dishes: Sourced from tribal communities
- Banana Leaf Meals: Traditional vegetarian feasts
- Local Snacks: Unniyappam, banana chips, and coconut sweets
Many eco-lodges offer organic, locally sourced meals.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries are open year-round, but here’s a seasonal guide:
| Season | Months | Highlights |
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Pleasant weather, active wildlife |
| Summer | Mar–May | Good for tiger sightings near waterholes |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Lush greenery, fewer crowds |
Monsoon treks are magical but may have limited safari access.
🎒 Activities to Enjoy
- Jeep Safaris: Wayanad, Parambikulam, Chinnar
- Boat Safaris: Periyar Lake
- Trekking: Silent Valley, Eravikulam, Chinnar
- Birdwatching: Thattekad, Periyar, Wayanad
- Tribal Village Visits: Wayanad, Parambikulam
- Butterfly Trails: Munnar and Silent Valley
💰 Sample Pricing (Indicative)
| Package Name | Duration | Inclusions | Price (Per Person) |
| Kerala Wildlife Weekend | 3D/2N | Stay, safaris, meals | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| Western Ghats Explorer | 7D/6N | Transfers, eco-stays, guided tours | ₹25,000–₹35,000 |
| Luxury Wildlife Retreat | 5D/4N | Boutique resorts, curated safaris | ₹40,000–₹60,000 |
Prices vary based on season, accommodation, and group size.
🛍️ What to Buy
Wildlife tours often include stops at local markets:
- Spices: Cardamom, pepper, cinnamon
- Tribal Handicrafts: Bamboo, wood, and textile items
- Ayurvedic Products: Herbal oils, soaps, and balms
- Wild Honey & Forest Produce: Ethically sourced from tribal communities
✨ Final Thoughts
Kerala Wildlife Tours are more than just safaris—they’re soulful journeys into nature’s untouched realms. From the call of a hornbill in Thattekad to the silent gaze of a tiger in Parambikulam, every moment is a reminder of the wild beauty that thrives in Kerala’s forests. Whether you’re trekking through misty jungles or drifting across Periyar Lake, the experience is immersive, educational, and deeply rejuvenating.
So pack your binoculars, lace up your boots, and let Kerala’s wilderness welcome you.
