National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
Please visit India Wildlife Resorts for an informative update about parks and sanctuaries in Kerala.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Our trip to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary/ Tiger Reserve in January 2011 was quite impressive. Dramatic landscapes, surprising well maintained and trash free surroundings and a spectacle of wild life viewing added to the abundance of impressions which we took home. We spotted all major wildlife attractions but tigers, only the photo shooting was poor. The really good pictures you find on the parks website. Here are some of ours:
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
A perfect day trip from Kovalam to Neyyar Dam and its wildlife sanctuary. A little ferry boat shuttles you to an island with free roaming lions. Mugger Crocodiles, Elephants and Dear are "on display" in zoo-like structures. The landscape is stunning. Once in Kovalam, a trip to Neyyar Dam is highly recommendable.
Poovar Backwaters
Once in Kovalam a trip to the Poovar Backwaters is an easy undertaking. A short and funny 15 minute rickshaw ride brings you right to the boat landing, and from there you will be taken on a three hour family friendly adventure through the lush backwaters, to the golden sands and perhaps to a short stop at one of the floating restaurants.
Ponmudi Hill Station/Kallar River
The Ponmudi Hill Station is one of the most scenic day trips one can undertake from Kovalam. Bare rock on the hill top, that you reach after a hairpin uphill drive, that is an adventure on its own. You pass by tea, rubber, and spice plantations, visit a 140 year old tea factory, climb in the Kallar river bed and see monkeys and elephants in the forests. If you are lucky...:)
Kallar Eco Tourism Spot
Before you start climbing up the windy road to the Hill Station, you might take a look at the Kallar River. Take a two mile hike up the river bed - you are in the Indian Jungle, away from the world, somewhere closer to paradise.
Watch video: Kallar River Wilderness
