Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Spread over an area of 172 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, and the Indian elephant.
Introduction
- Brief overview of the sanctuary
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Pathanapuram and Punalur taluks of Kollam district in Kerala. The sanctuary is named after the Shenduruny River that flows through it. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1984 and covers an area of 172 square kilometers. The sanctuary is surrounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, making it a unique ecosystem. It is home to a variety of animals and plants that are native to the region.
More Read
Flora
- Description of the vegetation in the sanctuary
The sanctuary is known for its rich vegetation, which is a combination of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. The forests are dominated by trees such as teak, rosewood, ebony, jackfruit, and bamboo. The undergrowth is covered with shrubs, herbs, and climbers. The sanctuary is also known for its medicinal plants and herbs that have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Fauna
- Description of the animal species found in the sanctuary
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of animal species. Some of the prominent species include the Indian elephant, Malabar giant squirrel, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and the Indian porcupine. The sanctuary is also home to several endangered species such as the Lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of bird species such as the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, and the black woodpecker.
Trekking
- Information on the trekking trails in the sanctuary
The sanctuary offers several trekking trails that provide an opportunity to explore the sanctuary’s rich flora and fauna. The trails range from easy to moderate, and the duration varies from a few hours to a full day. The trails take visitors through the dense forests, streams, and waterfalls, providing a glimpse of the sanctuary’s natural beauty.
Accommodation
- Description of the accommodation options available in and around the sanctuary
The sanctuary has a forest guesthouse that can accommodate up to 10 people. The guesthouse is located in the heart of the sanctuary and provides a great opportunity to experience the wildlife up close. There are also several private resorts and homestays located in and around the sanctuary that offer comfortable accommodation options.
Best time to visit
- Information on the best time to visit the sanctuary
The best time to visit Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of October and March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.
How to reach
- Information on how to reach the sanctuary
The sanctuary is well connected by road and can be easily reached by private or public transport. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is located 70 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is located in Kollam, which is 66 kilometers away.
FAQs:
- Is a guide mandatory to enter the sanctuary? Yes, a guide is mandatory to enter the sanctuary to ensure the safety of visitors and
- What are some of the animals that can be spotted in the sanctuary? Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, deer, wild boars, and various species of birds and reptiles.
- Are there any accommodation options available near the sanctuary? Yes, there are several accommodation options available near the sanctuary, including forest rest houses and private resorts.
- Can visitors engage in any activities in the sanctuary? Visitors can engage in activities such as trekking, bird watching, and nature walks in the sanctuary, with the permission of the forest department.
- Is the sanctuary open throughout the year? The sanctuary is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between the months of October and March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.