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Kerala, an amazing gateway to ‘God’s Own Country,’ will always captivate you with its exotic tea and coffee plantations, tumbling waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. The dense jungles of Kerala have a hidden world teeming with vibrant wildlife and ancient ecosystems. A captivating jungle safari in Kerala national parks and wildlife sanctuaries gives you a chance to engage with never-before-seen species of birds and animals. The elephant calls echo through the stillness while the towering trees form a verdant canopy overhead. Untamed beauty unfolds with every step you take through the lush green forests.
10 Jungle Safari In Kerala
Explore jungle safari in Kerala, offering thrilling wildlife encounters, serene nature walks, and breathtaking landscapes in lush national parks and sanctuaries.
1. Munnar Day Trip
Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons
A refreshing escape from Kerala’s tropical heat awaits in Munnar’s cool mountain air. A jeep safari through rolling hills carpeted with lush tea plantations offers a glimpse of the elusive Nilgiri tahr. These majestic mountain goats, endemic to the Western Ghats, skillfully navigate the steep slopes, their surefootedness a testament to the harsh yet breathtaking environment. Spotting a Nilgiri tahr perched on a rocky outcrop, silhouetted against the dramatic mountain backdrop, adds a touch of wonder to the wildlife adventure. This safari offers one of the best experiences of jungle safaris in Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
2. Wild Elephant Village Anakulam Life Tour
Photo: Jonoikobangali / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nestled amidst Kerala’s lush landscapes, fringed with coconut groves and rubber plantations, lies the Wild Elephant Village of Anakulam. Here, travellers can witness majestic Asian elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. Experienced guides teach responsible interaction methods, ensuring the safety of both visitors and elephants. This tour allows visitors to contribute to conservation efforts that ensure the harmonious coexistence of humans and these magnificent creatures, a vital step towards preserving Kerala’s unique ecological balance.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
3. Chinnar Wildlife Visiting Tour
Photo: Firos AK / Wikimedia Commons
Venturing beyond the usual tourist destinations, travellers can discover Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, a hidden gem nestled in the Western Ghats. A hike through unique shola grasslands reveals a diverse ecosystem. The crimson-backed sunbird, with its iridescent plumage flashing in the sunlight, is just one of the many bird species that call this haven home. Travellers might also encounter reptiles like the endangered Indian star tortoise basking in the sun or the elusive Malabar pit viper slithering across their path.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve
Photo: SHYAMAL CHANDRA GHOSH / Wikimedia Commons
A cruise on the serene waters of Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush evergreen forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, awaits travellers at Periyar Tiger Reserve. This haven for wildlife enthusiasts, established in 1934 as a sanctuary for the endangered Indian elephant, offers the chance to spot elusive tigers with their distinctive orange stripes blending into the dense foliage. Wild boars with their distinctive snouts might emerge from the undergrowth, while playful otters frolic in the water, adding a touch of whimsy to the experience.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
5. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Escape the bustling cityscape of Kochi and find tranquillity in Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, a haven for over 200 bird species nestled amidst the urban sprawl. This urban oasis, fringed with mangrove forests and crisscrossed by serene canals, provides a vital refuge for both resident and migratory birds. The vibrant calls and dazzling displays of resident birds, like the emerald dove with its iridescent green feathers or the Malabar grey hornbill with its impressive curved beak, create a symphony of nature amidst the urban landscape.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala
6. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Praveenp / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Wayanad hills, carpeted with coffee plantations and dotted with spice plantations, lies Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary offers a chance to spot elusive tigers, the apex predator of the Indian jungle, with their powerful presence commanding respect. Herds of majestic Asian elephants, often accompanied by playful calves, might be spotted grazing on lush vegetation. Tourists can also spot langurs swinging through the trees or barking deer foraging in the undergrowth, adding to the excitement of exploring this diverse wildlife haven.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
7. Eravikulam National Park
Photo: Kesavamurthy N / Wikimedia Commons
Ascend the rolling hills of Munnar on a scenic jeep safari for breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Eravikulam National Park, established in 1971 to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr, unveils a landscape carpeted with lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers. The park also provides a haven for diverse birdlife, including the black and orange slaty-winged koel.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kerala
8. Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Arun Suresh / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking through the cardamom hills of southern Kerala, home to Kerala’s only spice plantation sanctuary, will lead tourists to the Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary. This remote haven, shrouded in mist and fringed with cascading waterfalls, offers a unique opportunity to encounter the shy Nilgiri langur, a black monkey with a white beard swinging through the dense canopy. During this tour, tourists may encounter barking deer, known for their distinctive alarm call, or the endangered slender loris, a nocturnal primate with large eyes.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Muthanga Wildlife Safari
Photo: Abhinavsharmamr / Wikimedia Commons
An exhilarating jeep safari through Wayanad’s diverse landscape, a mosaic of rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling lakes will take visitors to Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1972, this sanctuary protects the Indian bison, the largest wild bovid in Asia. Elephants, with their wrinkled grey skin and impressive tusks, might be spotted browsing for food, while sloth bears, with their shaggy black fur and distinctive orange patch on the chest, might emerge from the undergrowth.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala
10. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Haseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its hidden waterfalls amidst dense forests. This coastal sanctuary is fringed with pristine beaches and swaying coconut palms. Reptiles like the endangered Indian star tortoise might be spotted basking in the sun while a variety of birdlife fills the air with their calls. Over 200 bird species can be found here. The diverse wildlife is a true testament to the beauty and ecological richness of Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
The jungle safari in Kerala exposes its raw beauty as you encounter magnificent animals. It creates a sense of awe and respect for the environment, making it an ideal vacation for nature lovers. The delicate ecosystem is preserved and nourished by eco-tourism. Memories of this thrilling adventure will linger long after you depart, a reminder of the delicate balance between human and wild. Kerala’s jungle beckons the explorer within you. Answer the call by booking your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Pragyan Bezbaruah / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
