
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Kochi, Kerala, India
1. Eravikulam National Park
Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji flowers. Offers guided treks and educational programs.
- Endemic Wildlife: Unique habitat for Nilgiri Tahr, which is not found elsewhere.
- Flower Blooming: Every 12 years, the rare Neelakurinji flowers bloom in a beautiful spectacle.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to enhance awareness about conservation efforts.
2. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Famous for elephant sightings and tiger safaris. Offers boat rides through the Periyar Lake.
- Elephant Sightings: High chance of spotting wild elephants in their natural habitat.
- Boat Rides: Unique way to observe wildlife from a different perspective.
- Tiger Safaris: Opportunity for tiger spotting in the dense forests.
3. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A haven for migratory birds such as Siberian storks and flamingos. Offers boat rides for birdwatching.
- Migratory Birds: Home to a wide variety of migratory birds during winter.
- Boat Rides: Ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the serene backwaters.
- Backwater Experience: Offers a unique experience of Kerala's enchanting backwaters.
4. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Known as the 'Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary', rich in avian diversity. Offers guided birdwatching tours.
- Avian Diversity: Home to over 500 species of birds, including rare ones.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides provide insights about the various bird species.
- Salim Ali Connection: Inspired Ornithologist Salim Ali, who spent a significant part of his life here.
5. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Urban wetland sanctuary, home to many local and migratory bird species. Offers guided walks.
- Urban Sanctuary: Rare urban wetland sanctuary in a bustling city.
- Guided Walks: Educational guided walks to learn about the local avifauna.
- Wildlife Education: Promotes awareness and education about wildlife conservation.
6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Unique mix of tropical dry evergreen forests and savannah grasslands. Offers trekking and jeep safaris.
- Tropical Dry Forests: One of the few remaining tracts of tropical dry evergreen forests in Western Ghats.
- Savannah Grasslands: Rare savannah grasslands habitat in India.
- Trekking and Safaris: Adventurous trekking and jeep safaris through the diverse landscapes.
7. Silent Valley National Park
Undisturbed tropical rainforest with rich biodiversity. Offers treks and jeep safaris.
- Tropical Rainforest: One of the last undisturbed tracts of tropical rainforests in India.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to several endemic and threatened species.
- Treks and Safaris: Adventurous trekking and jeep safaris through the lush forests.
8. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Offers treks, boat rides, and jeep safaris. Rich in flora and fauna, including elephants.
- Treks, Boat Rides, and Safaris: Offers various ways to explore the diverse landscapes.
- Elephant Sightings: High chances of spotting elephants in their natural habitat.
- Rich Flora and Fauna: Abundant in various plant and animal species, including endemic ones.
9. Kumarakom Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine turtles. Offers educational tours.
- Marine Turtle Rescue: Focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine turtles.
- Educational Tours: Educates visitors about the importance of marine turtle conservation.
- Turtle Release Events: Occasional events where rehabilitated turtles are released back into the wild.
10. Karumadikkuttan Snake Park
Dedicated to snake conservation. Offers educational shows and a reptile museum.
- Snake Conservation: Focuses on the conservation of various species of snakes.
- Educational Shows: Educates visitors about snake behavior and their role in the ecosystem.
- Reptile Museum: Showcases a variety of reptiles, including rare species.
11. Ayurveda Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured wild animals. Offers educational tours.
- Wildlife Rescue: Focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured wildlife.
- Educational Tours: Educates visitors about wildlife conservation and the role of Ayurveda in healing animals.
- Ayurvedic Healing: Uses traditional Ayurvedic methods to treat and heal injured animals.
12. Kumarakom Serpent Mound
A unique snake-shaped mound built by the indigenous people of Kumarakom. Offers cultural insights.
- Snake-Shaped Mound: A fascinating architectural wonder in the shape of a snake.
- Cultural Insights: Provides insights into the local culture and traditions.
- Mythology and Folklore: Associated with local mythology and folklore, adding to its mystique.
13. Pakshikere Bird Watching Point
A popular spot for birdwatching, offering stunning views of the backwaters and mangroves.
- Birdwatching Spot: Ideal location for observing a variety of birds.
- Stunning Backwater Views: Offers breathtaking views of the enchanting backwaters.
- Mangrove Forests: Home to a rich diversity of bird species found in mangroves.
14. Kumbalangi Bird Sanctuary
A pristine coastal bird sanctuary offering guided tours and boat rides.
- Coastal Bird Sanctuary: Nestled in a picturesque coastal location.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides help visitors spot and identify various bird species.
- Boat Rides: Allows exploration of the mangroves and lagoons by boat.
15. Vallarpadam Snake Boat Museum
Dedicated to the traditional snake boats of Kerala, showcasing their history and craftsmanship.
- Traditional Snake Boats: Focuses on the ancient art of building traditional snake boats.
- Historical Insights: Provides insights into the rich history and culture of the snake boats.
- Craftsmanship Demonstrations: Offers demonstrations of the traditional craftsmanship involved in boat building.