|
|
|
WILDLIFE
>>
|
There are many Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in
South India. Some are small and not very rewarding in terms
of animal sightings and others are in areas where visitors
are not encouraged. We list what we consider to be the best
in terms of animal sightings, scenery, activities on offer
and accessibility. All have accommodation within a
reasonable distance.
Many of the parks are in the Western Ghat mountains, which
are considered to be one of the world’s 10 bio-diversity
‘hotspots’. Although these hotspots are confined to just
1.4% of the planet’s surface, they contain 44% of the plant
and 33% of the animal species. Within the various ranges of
the Ghats there are 5,000 species of flowering plants, 139
mammals, 508 birds (16 endemic) and 179 amphibians. At least
325 of the species found here are considered to be
threatened. Thus, for nature enthusiasts, the Western Ghats
can be an extremely rewarding destination.
Visitors must be aware that parks are sometimes closed
because of animal breeding, fire risk etc. and notification
may be at very short notice. Please note that animal
sightings are a matter of luck and there are no guarantees
as to what you might see. Go with an open mind and enjoy the
scenery and experience and consider any sighting you may
have as a bonus.
The National Parks of India are controlled by state
government departments. Restricting the number of visitors
to some parks by not granting planning permission for hotels
in the area might be frustrating to us but it is good for
the wildlife. The forestry or parks departments also control
the activities that take place within the parks. This is why
you will find different activities in the various parks (eg
jeep safaris are available at some parks but not others).
PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
(KERALA)
This is possibly the most accessible Wildlife Sanctuary in
South India (four hours from the backwaters) and
consequently there is a wide range of hotels in the adjacent
town of Thekkady. It is an attractive park with a huge lake
created by the British over 100 years ago when they dammed
the Periyar River in order to provide water to people in
Tamil Nadu. The animals that may be seen here include
elephant, deer, the Malabar giant squirrel, gaur, mongoose,
otter, wild boar and over 260 species of bird. There are
tigers and leopards but these are rarely seen.
NAGARHOLE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
(KARNATAKA)
Nagarhole offers diverse terrain from moist deciduous
forests, which cover much of the sanctuary, to grassy swamps
that support a growth of green grass all year. Numerous
rivers run through Nagarhole which enhances the wildlife
viewing experience. There are now some good accommodation
options within easy reach of Nagarhole and this sanctuary
has proved to be very good for wildlife viewing with
recorded sightings of tigers, leopards and sloth bears as
well as mongooses and a good range of birds.
NILGIRI BIOSPHERE (KARNATAKA,
TAMIL NADU & KERALA)
Comprising wildlife sanctuaries spanning three states the
Nilgiri Biosphere was created to protect the extraordinary
diversity of habitat and wildlife in this area. At the time
of writing it is being considered by UNESCO for selection as
a World Heritage Site. The Nilgiri Biosphere is a huge area
(6,000 sq km) and Bandipur in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil
Nadu and Wayanad (also called Muthanga) in Kerala are all
included. The main road between Ooty and Mysore runs through
Bandipur and Mudumalai so it is possible to do some wildlife
viewing as you pass through.
Bandipur was declared a sanctuary in 1931 and in 1973 became
part of Project Tiger as it was thought to be home to around
70 tigers. The diversity of its terrain makes this an ideal
habitat for elephant, leopard, dhole, gaur and sloth bears.
Mudumalai has a varied landscape of dense deciduous forests,
scrub jungle, grassland and swamps and provides a habitat
for a rich diversity of wildlife.
Wayanad/Muthanga is the second largest sanctuary in Kerala
and is lush rainforest (moist deciduous) with many animals.
The management of this reserve emphasises the importance of
scientific conservation and consideration for the local
tribes. Silent Valley National Park (tropical rain forest)
is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and is home to a
thriving troupe of lion-tailed macaques, but the difficult
terrain, remoteness and the fact that there is nowhere to
stay means that this is Kerala’s least visited park.
ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK
(KERALA)
This park is within easy reach of Munnar and is home to the
rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The rolling grasslands and
high level sholas are somewhat reminiscent of the Alps. It
is a very pleasant place to walk and most people see so many
Tahrs that it is hard to believe they are endangered (what
you need to bear in mind is that they are found nowhere
else). Please note that Eravikulam is closed for much of
January and February when it is breeding time. The exact
date depends on the Tahrs.
CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
(KERALA)
Chinnar is a two hour drive from Munnar and is positioned in
a rain shadow which makes it considerably drier than its
neighbour, Eravikulam. Chinnar is considered to be a birding
hotspot with 225 species recorded to date. Most visitors
come here to see the grizzled giant squirrels - healthy
numbers thrive here amongst the thorny scrub (dry deciduous
forest).
PEPPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (KERALA)
This sanctuary is situated in the foothills 1,000m above sea
level and not far from Trivandrum. The tropical forest is
home to elephant, gaur, sambar deer, lion-tailed macaque,
king cobras and pythons.
INDIRA GANDHI (ANAMALAI) WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY (TAMIL NADU)
Anamalai has beautiful mountain scenery but is remote and
not much visited as there is no accommodation in the area.
PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
(KERALA)
This sanctuary is also remote but its forests (mostly teak)
are home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds.
THE RANGANATHITTU BIRD SANCTUARY
(KARNATAKA)
This small haven (just north of Mysore) situated on the
banks of the Cauvery River, comprises six islets that
attract large numbers of water birds (especially during the
nesting season between June and November). Small boats take
you close to the islands where the trees are covered with
many species of birds. You may also catch sight of a basking
crocodile or playful otters.
VEDANTHANGAL BIRD SANCTUARY
(TAMIL NADU)
Considered to be the oldest bird sanctuary in India,
Vedanthangal is situated in the Kanchipuram district of
Tamil Nadu (90 km from Madras). This is one of India’s most
spectacular bird sanctuaries with more than 30,000 migratory
birds. It is a small and relaxed place, where guests can
watch from the path at the water’s edge or from the
watchtower (fitted out with binoculars).
THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY
(KERALA)
Thattekkad is the best bird sanctuary in Kerala. Around
three hundred species of bird may be found there, including
Ceylon frog-mouths, Malabar grey hornbills, jungle mynas,
rose-billed rollers and various woodpeckers. |
|
|
|
|
