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Wildlife Sanctuaries in South India are important in conserving the region’s various wildlife and ecosystems. These wildlife sanctuaries are distributed across states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, so giving various endangered species a haven. They conserve unique habitats, allow wildlife research, and enhance eco-tourism selection. The forests, wetlands, and grasslands found within these sanctuaries benefit biodiversity conservation and the survival of many species. These protected areas are thus of utmost importance regarding the environment for animals and the region’s wildlife.
Top Wildlife Sanctuaries In South India
Here is a list of some of the top wildlife sanctuaries in South India, each with its own unique natural beauty and diverse species:
1. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is among the oldest and most famous nature-watching sites in South India. It is located in the Idukki District in Kerala, in the Western Ghats, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is now a sanctuary famous for its rare wild flora and fauna. The sanctuary supports populations of the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel, elephants, tigers, leopards, and many other animals. Dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrub forests are some of the ecosystems found in the sanctuary. Chinnar is also the only rehabilitation centre for the Indian star tortoise.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (120 km away)
2. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, known for its rich flora and fauna. It is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in South India and is located in the Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts. The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and over 250 species of birds. The landscape includes shola forests and mountain grasslands, offering a variety of habitats for wildlife. Bhadra is also rich in medicinal plants and diverse species of trees, making it an important ecological region in the Western Ghats.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (180 km away)
3. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: hbieser / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in northern Karnataka, India, along the banks of the Kali River in the Uttara Kannada District. The sanctuary spans over 800 square kilometres and is home to many wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and the rare black panther. It also boasts over 300 species of birds, such as the Great Pied Hornbill and Peregrine falcon. The sanctuary features a blend of dense deciduous forests, bamboo, and teak plantations. Its varied landscapes, including steep slopes and deep river valleys, provide a rich environment for flora and fauna.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport (56 km away)
4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary in South India. This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birds, both native and migratory, including egrets, kingfishers, and Siberian cranes. It is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s Kottayam district and is part of the Kerala Backwaters, offering a peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy nature. The sanctuary features walking trails, watchtowers, and a butterfly garden, making it a perfect spot for those interested in birds and wildlife.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (74 km away)
5. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Thaiseerp / Wikimedia Commons
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in South India. It is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and is known for its diverse range of ecosystems, including tropical evergreen, moist mixed deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests. The sanctuary is home to wildlife, such as Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, sloth bears, and Asian elephants. It also has the Peppara Reservoir and Karamana River, which add to its natural charm. The sanctuary is situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala and plays a key role in conserving Kerala’s rich biodiversity.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (55 km away)
6. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in South India, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and Malabar Parakeet. This place is situated in the Kannur district of Kerala, along the western slopes of the Western Ghats. It also boasts many butterfly species, some endemic to the Western Ghats. The sanctuary’s vegetation consists of tropical, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests, making it a haven for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (40 km away)
7. Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife sanctuary in Kerala’s Thrissur district. It is home to various mammals, such as leopards, tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species, including over 60 different types. The sanctuary is in tropical and deciduous forests and is famous for its rich medicinal plants and orchids collection. Ponmudi, the highest peak, provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape, making it an attractive destination for visitors looking to experience nature and wildlife.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (80 km away)
8. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Smitha Raj Nair / Wikimedia Commons
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, India, well known for its numerous varieties of birds. This sanctuary is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala and is situated on the banks of the Periyar River in the state’s Ernakulam district. The sanctuary has many rare and endemic species, such as the Ceylon Frogmouth, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, and Black Bazza. The sanctuary has varied architecture in its tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forest belt, providing an interesting hiking stroll for wildlife and nature lovers.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (71 km away)
9. Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: yamabon / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, India, is a wildlife sanctuary home to various flora and fauna. It is home to several animals, such as leopards, wild pigs, foxes, and spotted deer. The sanctuary is also home to many species of birds, such as Yellow-throated Bulbuls and Peafowl, as well as various reptiles, such as cobras and vipers. This sanctuary is situated in the Channarayapatna Taluk, and the beauty of nature here makes it a great place for wildlife and nature lovers to explore this vibrant biodiversity region.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (47 km away)
10. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Manoj K / Wikimedia Commons
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur, Kerala, is a rich natural habitat of many animal species and plants. The sanctuary has tigers, elephants, sloth bears, and many kinds of birds and butterflies. It is positioned in the dense tropical forest ambience of the western slopes of the Nelliyampathy Hills. The entire sanctuary is protected under the Western Ghats and thus provides a strategic role in conserving wildlife and biodiversity. It is an area of conservation and warmly invites wildlife and nature lovers alike.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (58 km away)
Wildlife Sanctuaries in South India are ideal for people wanting to explore the regional wildlife and ecosystems. These sanctuaries give safe shelters to innumerable creatures, preserving the habitats that sustain them. Whether for a wildlife show or an introduction to the local flora, these sanctuaries have something for all nature lovers. Organise your trip with TripXL to explore the untouched beauty of nature in South India.
Cover Photo: Marcus334 / Wikimedia Commons
