Wildlife

The country's geographical diversity has encouraged the flourishing of a fantastic range of wildlife and bird species. Animal spotting is still done in traditional style in several of the Sanctuaries, on elephant back. Listed below are some South Indian Sanctuaries for the wildlife enthusiast:

SOUTHERN INDIA
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Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary, Kerala
Season : October to May viewing by motor boat
Access : 160 kms from Madurai/210 kms from Cochin, 250 kms from Trivandrum.

Periyar wild life Sanctuary extends an area of
777 sq. km and forms part of the western ghats. This is one of the best sanctuaries in India for watching and photographing elephants at close quarters. The animals usually found are Elephant, Tiger, Bison, Spotted Deer, Gaur etc

Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary, Kerala
Season: October to May.
Access : 220 kms from Cochin and
48 kms from Pollachi.

Parambikulam wild life Sanctuary extends an area of 285 sq. km as a continuation of Western ghats with diverse varity of flora and fauna. Its a part of the neighbouring wild life sanctuary Anamalai in Tamilnadu. Elephants, Bison, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Wild boar, Lion tailed monkey and a host of birds are the main attractions of the sanctuary.

Bandipur Wild life sanctuary, Karnataka
Access : 190 kms from Bangalore nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri mountain ranges.
Season: between June and October.

Bandipur wild life sanctuary is part of a large National Park which includes the neighbouring wild life sanctuaries of Mudumalai in Tamilnadu and Muthenga in Kerala. The area is 875 sq. km and is famous for elephant, bison, spotted dear, tiger, and leopard.

Nagarhole Wild life sanctuary, Karnataka
Access : 90 km from Mysore

Nagerhole wild life sanctuary is situated in the picturesque district of Kodagu in Karnataka. The sanctuary extends an area of 644 Sq. km and duly given us the status of national park. Nagerhole national park has very rich variety of plant and animal life. The forest department conducts wild life tour inside the sanctuary.

Mudumalai wild life sanctuary, Tamilnadu
Access : 95 km from Mysore and 65 km from Ooty.
Season : Between February and May.

Mudumalai wild life sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet in the Nilgiris. The sanctuary covers an area of 321 sq. km and the main attractions are spotted deer, Gaur, Panther, Elephant, Tiger, Wild pig and variety of birds.

Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, Tamilnadu
Access: 85 km from Chennai and 55 km
From Mahabalipuram.
Season: November to February.

Vedanthangal known for its Water Bird Sanctuary. This is one of the major water bird sanctuaries in India. The sanctuary is famous for its breeding heronry including Cormorants, Egrets, Grey Herons, Open Billed Storks, Gray Pelicans etc. Many migratory birds Garganey, Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Ducks, Sand Pipers etc can also been seen.