Nothing can beat the thrill of exploring the dense forests on a rip-roaring safari while spotting wild animals in their natural habitat. If you are an avid wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, you are in for a treat in the southern part of India. South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are blessed with densely populated forests with abundant flora and fauna. From the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats, South India has numerous Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks that provide a safe habitat for varied species of wild animals including tigers, elephants, leopards, and many more.
Get a firsthand experience of the incredible wildlife wealth and overwhelming natural beauty of the region at the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of South India.
Here is a list of the top 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in South India that you should add to your travel bucket list.
Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in South India
1. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Location: Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka
Once a popular hunting ground for the royals of Mysore, Bandipur National Park is now an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the prominent national parks in South India and the first Biosphere Reserve in the country.
The national park hosts diverse flora and fauna in the 874 sq. km. area. The park is known for its thriving population of tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, Panthers, four-horned antelopes, dhole, spotted deer, sambar, sloth bear, wild boar, and chital.
Highlight of Bandipur National Park:
- Exciting safari experiences through dense deciduous forests
- Best place to sight tigers in South India
- Home to many endangered animal species
- Habitat for nearly 100 mammal species and 350 bird species
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Muthanga, Wayanad District, Kerala
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. The sanctuary is divided into two major sections – Tholpetty in the north bordering Karnataka and Muthanga in the south bordering Tamil Nadu.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is known for its rich biodiversity comprising diverse flora and fauna spread over a 344 sq. km. area. It is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, Indian bison, and diverse species of deer and birds.
The lush green surroundings of the sanctuary along with favourable climatic conditions provide the perfect environment for the wildlife species living here.
Highlights of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Surrounded by lush green forests and rich biodiversity
- Home to 216 bird species and 30 amphibian species
- Popular destination for trekking and birdwatching
- Known for its rich population of elephants
- Several safari options for wildlife spotting
3. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Thekkady, Idukki District, Kerala
One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in South India, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the largest sanctuaries in Kerala. Spanning across a huge area of spread across 925 sq. km., it is famous for its majestic elephants. You can also spot other animals like tigers, bison, leopards, wild boars, sambar deers and various species of birds. It is also a natural habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr along with other rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna.
The sanctuary offers scenic boat safaris on Periyar Lake, providing a unique way to spot wildlife. It is an ideal place to experience the rich biodiversity and natural scenic beauty.
Highlights of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- India’s largest Tiger Reserve
- Best place for jungle safari in South India
- Night treks in the wilderness of Periyar
- Bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam
- Boat safaris on Periyar Lake
- Home to over 300 bird species, 62 mammal species, and more than 100 species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
4. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
Location: Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu
Located in the Nilgiri Hills, Madumalai Tiger Reserve is one of the first forest ranges to be declared as a National Park. It is an important wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere. The park is surrounded by lush greenery of secondary grasslands, shrubs, and swamps. It is drenched by the Moyar River and several other tributaries, making it a nature’s abode.
It hosts 103 tigers within a 688.59 sq. km. area that roam freely inside the reserve without any restriction. It is also home to a variety of species, including Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, dholes, golden jackals, and more.
Highlights of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve:
- Ideal place to spot India’s endangered Bengal Tiger, White-rumped vulture, and long-billed vulture
- Paradise for birdwatchers being home to a wide variety of bird species
- Home to 50 mammal species, 34 reptile species, and 266 bird species
5. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in South India. It spans across 644 sq. km. area between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a well-protected ecological paradise boasting rich biodiversity, hosting a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a haven for tigers and leopards. It also hosts sloth bears, Indian bison, elephants, Sambar deer, owls, storks, eagles, and hornbills. It also boasts the world’s first scientifically managed teak plantations and is home to some of the oldest and tallest teak trees globally.
Location: Palakkad District, Kerala
Highlights of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:
- It is one of the leading tiger reserves in India
- Scenic beauty surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes
- Well-managed eco-tourism activities like guided safaris, trekking, and bamboo rafting
- It is a part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Idukki District, Kerala
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the protected areas of Kerala. Spanning across 90.44 sq. km. in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary provides a natural abode to the most endangered species of its kind on the planet, the Great Grizzled Squirrel of India. It is also home to several other wildlife species including elephants, tigers, gaurs, panthers, sambar, spotted deer, and leopards. Besides, it is also a paradise for birdwatchers.
The sanctuary has a unique thorny scrub forest with xerophytic species. It also has a rich repository of medicinal plants.
Highlights of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Best place to spot the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel
- Ideal destination for forest trekking and river trekking
- Diverse ecosystems and rich ethnic cultural heritage
- It is home to 34 species of mammals, 245 species of birds, 36 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians and 42 species of fishes
7. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Location: Kodagu District and Mysore District, Karnataka
Nagarhole National Park boasts of rich wildlife including both flora and fauna and is the best national park in South India to witness the raw nature in its best form. The park is bordered by the Kabini River on the north and Bandipur National Park on the south. It is one of the best national parks in South India to spot elephants, guar, leopards, tigers and bears.
Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, this place is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking for a calming environment. The park is surrounded by verdant tropical and deciduous forest land having stunning vegetation and plantation. The gushing streams, gentle slopes and shallow valleys add to the charm of this national park.
Highlights of Nagarhole National Park:
- It is one of India’s premier Tiger Reserves
- Kown for having the highest density of herbivores in Asia
- The scenic Kabini River runs through the park
- Home to 250 bird species and several reptile species
8. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
Location: On the banks of the Kabini River, Karnataka
Situated on the banks of the Kabini River, Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is for all adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers who enjoy the outdoors and animals. It is well-known for its great biodiversity, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species.
It is a part of the larger Nagarhole National Park. The sanctuary offers exciting safari experiences, allowing visitors to spot animals in their native environments. Kabini’s verdant forests, tranquil river vistas, and opportunity to see rare animals make it a must-visit wildlife sanctuary in South India.
Highlights of Kabini Wildlife Sanctury:
- Largest place for Asiatic Elephants in the world
- Home to the world’s most famous rare living black panther “Saya”
- One of the best places in India to photograph leopards
- Exciting Boat Safari, Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari options to spot wildlife
- Home to nearly 250 different varieties of flora and fauna
9. Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
Location: Idukki District, Kerala
The Eravikulam National Park, famed for its breathtaking beauty and varied wildlife is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The park is an important conservation area because it is home to the rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a species of mountain goat found exclusively in this region. Besides, here you can also spot other wild animals like elephants, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, rare tiger, leopard, small-clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel, ruddy mongoose, etc.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering chances to glimpse rare species. Eravikulam’s lush surroundings, moderate climate, and rich biodiversity make it a popular destination in South India for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Highlights of Eravikulam National Park:
- Best place to explore the alpine biodiversity and shola-grassland ecosystem
- Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr
- Home to 19 amphibian species, 26 mammal species and 132 bird species
- Popular destination for trekking, camping, and birdwatching
10. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
Location: Palakkad District, Kerala
Silent Valley National Park is another famous national park in South India. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling across 237 sq. km., it is a pristine untouched forest area in the middle of the Kundali Hills. The national park boasts immense flora and fauna.
The national park is known for its incredible biodiversity, including, the endangered tigers, and lion-tailed macaque along with several endemic plant species. It also hosts the Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri tahr, and Nilgiri langur.
Highlights of Silent Valley National Park:
- Best place to spot the largest number of endangered lion-tailed macaques
- Trekking through Bommiyampadi village
- Camping under the stars
- Excellent tropical evergreen forest
- Rare and unique herbs and plants
11. Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka
Location: Kudremukh, Chikmagalur District, Karanataka
Kudremukh National Park is a famous national park in South India known for its scenic landscape, steep cliffs, deep valleys, fabulous mountains and shola grasslands. The national park’s dense forests, flourishing trails, colourful meadows and rolling hills make it a haven for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The national park is spread across an area of around 600 sq. km. and is home to tigers, leopards, common langurs, sloth bears, and lion-tailed macaques. There is a plethora of flora and fauna in this national park.
Highlights of Kudremukh National Park
- Most popular reserves for lion-tailed macaques
- Ideal place for bird-watching
- renowned eco-space for jungle safari in India and South India
- Great trekking site
Conclusion
So all you wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, head out for an unforgettable wilderness experience by visiting these best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in South India. A visit to each of these places promises you an unparalleled experience of the beauty and diversity of South India’s flora and fauna. Whether you want to trek through dense forests, go on an amazing guided safari, or simply enjoy the soothing sounds of birds and rustling trees, these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in South India offer you the required adventure and tranquillity at the same time.
So, next time when you plan your trip to South India, make sure you include these wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in your travel itinerary!
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