Kerala Wildlife Tours: Into the Heart of Nature in God’s Own Country
Kerala isn’t just about backwaters and beaches — it’s also home to some of India’s richest biodiversity. Nestled in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity, Kerala Wildlife Tours take you deep into tropical forests, misty hills, and protected reserves teeming with elephants, tigers, birds, and rare endemic species.
Whether you’re looking for jeep safaris, jungle treks, birding expeditions, or eco-camps, Kerala’s wildlife circuits offer unforgettable encounters with nature.
🐘 Top Wildlife Destinations in Kerala
| Sanctuary / Park | Key Highlights |
| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Famous for elephant herds, boat safaris on Periyar Lake, and tiger sightings. |
| Eravikulam National Park | Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and rolling grasslands near Munnar. |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Dense forests with elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. |
| Silent Valley National Park | Pristine rainforest with lion-tailed macaques and rare orchids. |
| Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Dry deciduous forest with grizzled giant squirrels and trekking trails. |
| Parambikulam Tiger Reserve | Well-managed tiger habitat with eco-tourism and bamboo rafting. |
| Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary | Lesser-known gem with elephants, deer, and birdwatching trails. |
🦜 Wildlife You Can Spot
- Mammals: Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, Nilgiri langurs, sloth bears, gaurs, civet cats
- Birds: Malabar grey hornbill, great Indian hornbill, kingfishers, eagles, and over 500 species
- Reptiles & Amphibians: King cobras, monitor lizards, frogs, and endemic species
- Rare Species: Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, grizzled giant squirrel
🚙 Types of Wildlife Tours
- Jeep Safaris: Available in Periyar, Wayanad, and Parambikulam
- Boat Safaris: Unique to Periyar Lake — spot elephants and birds from the water
- Walking Safaris: Offered in Chinnar, Silent Valley, and Wayanad
- Birding Tours: Specialized guides for endemic and migratory species
- Camping & Eco-Stays: Jungle lodges, treehouses, and tribal village stays
📅 Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Ideal weather for safaris and treks
- April to June: Good for spotting wildlife near water sources
- Monsoon (July–September): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, but limited safari access
🧭 Sample Wildlife Tour Itinerary (6N/7D)
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi – Transfer to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Day 2: Birding tour – Drive to Munnar
Day 3: Visit Eravikulam National Park – Trek to Anamudi foothills
Day 4: Transfer to Thekkady – Boat safari in Periyar
Day 5: Jungle walk and spice plantation visit
Day 6: Drive to Wayanad – Evening nature trail
Day 7: Safari in Wayanad – Depart from Calicut
💰 Tour Packages & Pricing
| Package Type | Duration | Price (Per Person) |
| Budget Wildlife Tour | 4N/5D | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
| Mid-range Safari Circuit | 6N/7D | ₹25,000–₹35,000 |
| Luxury Eco-Wildlife Tour | 7N/8D | ₹45,000–₹65,000 |
Packages typically include accommodation, safaris, transfers, guides, and meals.
🛎️ Booking Platforms
- Kerala Geographic Adventures – Custom wildlife itineraries across the Western Ghats
- Kerala Tourism Wildlife Packages – Government-backed options with pricing and itineraries
- TripAdvisor – Kerala Nature & Wildlife Tours – Reviews and top-rated experiences
Kerala Wildlife Tours are more than just safaris — they’re soulful journeys into one of the most ecologically vibrant regions of India. From the call of hornbills to the rustle of elephants in the mist, every moment in Kerala’s wild heart is a memory waiting to be made.