Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in and Around Munnar

Munnar, situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is renowned for its lush green tea gardens, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. Beyond its scenic beauty, Munnar is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that offer nature enthusiasts a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the region. These sanctuaries are vital not only for preserving rare and endangered species but also for promoting eco-tourism in the region. Here’s a look at some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in and around Munnar that offer a thrilling experience for visitors.

1. Eravikulam National Park

Arguably the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the Munnar region, Eravikulam National Park is located about 15 kilometers from Munnar town. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of 97 square kilometers. It is most famous for being the home of the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats.

Eravikulam National Park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to a variety of mammals, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and wild boar. It also harbors several species of birds, including the Malabar grey hornbill and Nilgiri pipit. The sanctuary is also known for its rich vegetation, with vast stretches of grasslands interspersed with shola forests.

Visitors to Eravikulam can enjoy a scenic drive to the park’s entry point, followed by a short trek to the top of the Rajamalai hills, where breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations and hills await. The park is open to visitors from January to March, and it’s best to visit early in the morning when the wildlife is most active.

2. Mattupetty Dam and Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm

While not a traditional wildlife sanctuary, the area around Mattupetty Dam and the Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm offers an excellent opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Located approximately 13 kilometers from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is surrounded by lush forests and grasslands that are home to various species of wildlife.

The area is known for its population of Indian elephants, which can often be spotted grazing along the shores of the dam. Additionally, the region is home to a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, woodpeckers, and Malabar squirrels. The Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm in the vicinity is famous for its cattle breeding and offers an interesting experience for visitors.

Although there are no formal wildlife safaris, visitors can enjoy boat rides on the dam’s reservoir, where they may get a chance to spot wildlife along the banks. The surrounding area also provides a picturesque backdrop for photography.

3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located approximately 60 kilometers from Munnar, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, but it is equally rich in biodiversity. The sanctuary spans an area of 90 square kilometers and is part of the Western Ghats Biosphere Reserve. It is unique due to its dry deciduous forest, which is quite different from the usual wet tropical forests found in the region.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and the Indian star tortoise. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species such as the Griffon vulture, Painted stork, and Malabar parakeet frequently sighted.

The sanctuary offers trekking opportunities for visitors, with guided tours providing in-depth knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. The Thoovanam Waterfalls inside the sanctuary is a major attraction, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip after a hike. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and April.

4. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Located about 80 kilometers from Munnar, the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve straddles the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is known for its significant tiger population and is one of the best places in South India to see tigers in the wild.

The reserve covers an area of about 1,100 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, wild boars, elephants, sambar deer, and bison. The dense forests and undulating terrain make it an ideal habitat for predators like the Bengal tiger.

In addition to the wildlife, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species such as Crested hawk eagle, Indian hornbill, and Malabar whistling thrush. The reserve also offers eco-friendly accommodation options like forest camps and treehouses, giving visitors a unique experience of staying in the wilderness.

5. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about 40 kilometers from Munnar, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along the banks of the Idukki Reservoir and covers an area of about 77 square kilometers. The sanctuary is known for its steep hills, rocky terrain, and the stunning Idukki Arch Dam, which is one of the highest arch dams in Asia.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, sambar deer, tigers, leopards, and wild boar. The region is also famous for its birdlife, and visitors may encounter species like the White-bellied woodpecker, Malabar parakeet, and Sri Lanka frogmouth. The sanctuary is a great spot for nature lovers, offering the chance to explore the forests through guided treks or boat rides on the Idukki Reservoir.

6. Pampadum Shola National Park

A lesser-known gem near Munnar, Pampadum Shola National Park is located in the Nadukani Hills, about 25 kilometers from the town. The park is small, covering only 1.32 square kilometers, but it is rich in biodiversity and offers a peaceful retreat for wildlife enthusiasts.

The park is part of the Kerala Shola Forests and is home to several endemic species, including the Nilgiri Tahr and Malabar Giant Squirrel. The park is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, with species like Malabar parakeet, White-bellied treepie, and Grey-headed bulbul making frequent appearances.

7. Silent Valley National Park

Located around 80 kilometers from Munnar, the Silent Valley National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is one of the last stretches of tropical rainforest in Kerala. The park is famous for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Lion-tailed macaque, which is endemic to the Western Ghats.

The park is also home to a variety of other animals, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and Indian bison. The sanctuary has a well-preserved ecosystem, and visitors can enjoy guided treks through the forest to explore its unique flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Munnar is not just a destination for tea lovers; it is also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The region’s wildlife sanctuaries provide a rare opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Whether you’re trekking through the grasslands of Eravikulam, boating on Mattupetty Dam, or observing elusive tigers in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Munnar offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. For nature lovers, these sanctuaries are an essential part of the Munnar experience.