Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 62

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: (35 km from Thalassery in Kannur) At this 55 sq. km.
sanctuary many things like nature walks, soft trekking, bamboo rafting,
coracle boating, stay at tree house are possible. Covered with tropical and
semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora
and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted
deer, barking deer, Nilgiri langur, Hanuman langur, Malabar giant squirrel, etc
can be seen here. Permission: 0490 2413160.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary: (37 km from Thrissur) This wildlife sanctuary is
the abode of flaura and fauna. Trekking is also added attractions here. It
proffers great experience to nature partisans. Permission: 0480 3209234.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: (60 km from Munnar) The Chinnar Wildlife
Sanctuary, spread across 90.44 sq. km. is situated on the Tamil Nadu border.
It is the board of most of the South Indian animals and birds. A unique
thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the
endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Their total number here would
be less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats,
unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only less than two months
of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are
ideal for trekking. An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added
attraction at Chinnar. Visiting times: 0700 - 1800 hrs. Permission: 04865 231587.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: (55 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki) This sanctuary extends
over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks spreading over to 77 sq. km.
and is 450-748 meters above Sea level. Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild
dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc. are seen here apart from various species
of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones.
Birds include grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, several species of
woodpeckers, bulbuls, flycatchers, etc. The wildlife here is similar to that of
Thekkady. This sanctuary lies adjacent to the world renowned Idukki Arch
Dam. Permission: 04862 232271.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: (30 km from Thiruvananthapuram) The 12,000
hectares of natural vegetation is spread across a riffling piece of land.
Agasthyakoodam peak, 1868 meters above sea level, is its highest peak
and the sanctuary is also an ideal place for trekking. Permission: 0471 2360762.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: (110 km from Palakkad) Sprawled across 285
sq. km. the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is home to rare wild animals.
The challenging hill ranges here are placed at an altitude of 300 to 1438 m
above sea level and the place offers a good climate with temperatures
ranging from 15 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius. Boating/cruising
facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The oldest teak
tree, Kannimari is found here. Permission: 0491 2556393.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary: (20 km east of Thrissur) This is one of Kerala’s
oldest wildlife reserve, established in 1958. This sanctuary spread around
Peechi and Vazhani reservoirs. Permission: 0487 2699017.
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WILDLIFE|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS