Kerala, also known as “God’s own country,” is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. With numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Kerala offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close. In this article, we will explore the top 5 national parks in Kerala.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Periyar National Park
- Silent Valley National Park
- Eravikulam National Park
- Anamudi Shola National Park
- Mathikettan Shola National Park
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction
Kerala is home to some of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and its national parks offer a glimpse into the stunning flora and fauna that thrive in the region. The state has five national parks, each with its unique attractions and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy trekking, camping, wildlife safaris, and bird watching in these parks.
2. Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park, located in the Western Ghats, is one of the most popular national parks in Kerala. The park is home to a vast variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar, gaur, and more. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Periyar Lake, go on jungle treks, and explore the park’s flora and fauna.
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3. Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the Malabar pied hornbill, white-bellied treepie, and the great Indian hornbill. Visitors can also spot animals such as the lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, and elephants.
4. Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park, located in the Western Ghats, is famous for its stunning scenery and diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, which can be spotted grazing on the park’s slopes. Visitors can also see a variety of birds and butterflies in the park.
5. Anamudi Shola National Park
Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Anamudi Shola National Park is a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich flora and fauna. The park is named after the Anamudi peak, which is the highest peak in South India, and is situated at an altitude of 2,695 meters above sea level.
Spread across an area of 7.5 square kilometers, the park is home to several endangered species, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Indian elephant, and Indian bison. Visitors can also spot several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles in the park. The park has a tropical climate and experiences heavy rainfall from June to September.
Tourists can enjoy several activities in the park, such as trekking, camping, and bird watching. The park has several trekking trails that lead to the Anamudi peak, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Entry fee: The entry fee for Anamudi Shola National Park is INR 250 per person for Indians and INR 1,000 per person for foreigners.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Anamudi Shola National Park is from December to April when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Accommodation: There are several accommodation options near Anamudi Shola National Park, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Visitors can also stay in nearby towns such as Munnar or Chinnakanal.
FAQs:
- Can we spot the Nilgiri Tahr in Anamudi Shola National Park? Ans: Yes, Anamudi Shola National Park is one of the best places to spot the Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat.
- Are there any trekking trails in the park? Ans: Yes, there are several trekking trails in the park that lead to the Anamudi peak.
- Is camping allowed in the park? Ans: Yes, camping is allowed in the park, but visitors need to take permission from the authorities before camping.
- What is the distance between Munnar and Anamudi Shola National Park? Ans: The distance between Munnar and Anamudi Shola National Park is around 25 kilometers.
- Are there any guided tours available in the park? Ans: Yes, visitors can opt for guided tours in the park, which are conducted by the forest department.