Apart from ancient temples and backwaters, South India is known for its rich biodiversity. The region features mangrove wetlands, dense rainforests, dry forests, and mist-covered mountains, especially in or around the Eastern and Western Ghats.
Whether you want to enjoy birdwatching near lakes or spot tigers in dense forests, South India has numerous wildlife destinations for each one of you. With a customised wildlife tour package, you can explore the zoo, national park, or wildlife sanctuary of your choice.
As a first-time traveller, you may not know where to go to explore wildlife in the southern part of India. Reading this blog post will be beneficial as it discloses the best wildlife destinations in South India with their brief descriptions, how to reach, key animals, ideal times to visit, and best experiences. Keep reading it till the end.
Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is also known as the Periyar National Park and lies in Thekkady, Kerala. It is located in Cardamom and Pandalam hills of the Western Ghats and is a premier eco-tourism and wildlife destination in South India.
The Periyar National Park features lush evergreen forests, sweeping biodiversity, and an artificial lake (Periyar Lake). Spread across 925 square kilometres, it is home to rare species and rich flora and fauna. It holds a key place in maximum Kerala wildlife tour itineraries.
How to Reach
Fly to Madurai Airport or Cochin International Airport from major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Trivandrum. You can ride a train to Kottayam Railway Station or Ernakulam Junction. Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station, use a private taxi or public transport to reach the park in 4 to 5 hours.
- Key Animals to Spot: Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, sambar deer, the Malabar giant squirrel, barking deer, wild boar, and Indian gaur (bison).
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for trekking, jeep safaris, and boating. July to September for lush greenery, but heavy rains disrupt your schedules.
- Best Experience: Guided bamboo rafting or boat safaris on Periyar Lake.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka)
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve lies amidst the surroundings of the Western Ghats and is one of the most beautiful national parks of India. The park spans over 1,456 square kilometres, which contains a core area of 872 sq km and a buffer area of 584 sq km.
Once a private hunting place for the Maharajas of Mysore, the Bandipur National Park is now a tiger reserve area located at the foothills of the Nilgiris. It creates the largest biosphere reserve in India by sharing its borders with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
How to Reach
To reach the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, either fly to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (260 km away) or to Mysore Airport (75 km away). If you love train journeys, ride a train to Mysore Junction (80 km away) or Nanjangud Railway Station (55 km away) from a major hub like Bangalore.
From the airport or railway station, you can use private taxis like car rental in Bangalore for smooth transfer to the park. You can use state-run or private buses to access the park if you are coming from nearby cities like Bangalore, Ooty, and Mysore. Through state and national highways like NH 275 and NH 181, you will have a hassle-free road journey.
- Key Animals to Spot: Tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and gaurs (Indian bison).
- Best Time to Visit: March to May for spotting maximum wild animals. October to February for pleasant weather and birdwatching.
- Best Experience: Bus safaris or open-top jeep safaris run the forest department.
Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu)
The Mudumalai National Park lies in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries. The park spans over around 321 square kilometres and is famous for its thick forests, rich wildlife population, and grasslands.
It attracts nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and birdwatchers throughout the year. Due to its peaceful environment, scenic forest roads, and elephant corridors, it is one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in South India.
How to Reach
Fly to Coimbatore International Airport from major hubs like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi to reach the Mudumalai National Park. The airport is around 125 km away. You can also fly to Mysore Airport, which lies nearly 95 km from the park.
The nearest railway station is Udagamandalam (Ooty). However, you can ride a train to Mysore Junction for better connectivity. From the airport or railway station, hire a private taxi like the car rental in Mysore, Coimbatore, or Ooty to reach the park easily and smoothly.
- Key Animals to Spot: Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, gaurs, wild dogs, and Malabar giant squirrels.
- Best Time to Visit the Mudumalai National Park: October to May for wildlife sightings and pleasant weather.
- Best Experience: Early morning jeep safaris and birdwatching near forest streams.
Eravikulam National Park (Kerala)
The Eravikulam National Park lies close to Munnar in Kerala and is famous for its rolling grasslands, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and mist-covered hills. It lies in the Western Ghats and spans over nearly 97 square kilometres.
This national park offers stunning landscapes round the year and is also home to Anamudi Peak. It is the highest peak in South India. The park becomes more beautiful during the blooming season of Neelakurinji flowers. The blooming occurs once every 12 years and covers the hills in shades of blue and purple.
How to Reach
Fly to the Cochin International Airport from the airport close to you. The Cochin Airport is about 130 km away. Aluva Railway Station and Ernakulam Junction are the nearest major railheads. From Munnar, the park is just 13 km away and easily accessible by private taxi or local shared transport.
- Key Animals to Spot: Nilgiri Tahr, barking deer, lion-tailed macaque, Indian gaur, Nilgiri langur, and several endemic bird species.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March for clear weather and comfortable sightseeing.
- Best Experience: Spotting Nilgiri Tahrs while enjoying panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
A customised Kerala wildlife tour package like Breathtaking Kerala Wildlife Tour is an ideal option to explore this national park. You can explore it with your Munnar tour too.
Nagarahole National Park (Karnataka)
Officially known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarahole National Park lies in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. Covered with dense forests, waterfalls, streams, and grassy swamps, the park forms a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is among the best tiger reserves in India and a home for wildlife lovers.
The Kabini River flowing through the park enhances its natural beauty and draws numerous animals during summer months. The region is famous for elephant sightings and luxury jungle stays. With the Karnataka Nature and Heritage Circuit tour or a customised wildlife tour package for South India, you can trek to enjoy a jeep safari inside this national park.
How to Reach
To reach Nagarahole National Park, fly to Mysore Airport or board a train to Mysore Junction from the airport/railway station in cities like Delhi and Bangalore, or the one close to you. After your arrival at the airport or railway station in Mysore, hire a car rental in Mysuru to travel to the park.
If you are coming from Bangalore, Coorg, and Mysore, public transport, private buses, and taxis offer easy access to reach the park by road.
- Key Animals to Spot: Tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaurs, and marsh crocodiles.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May for jeep safaris and wildlife photography.
- Best Experience: Boat safaris and jeep safaris near Kabini backwaters.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Counted among the most popular wildlife reserves in Kerala, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary forms a crucial link between Mudumalai, Bandipur, and Nagarahole forests. It lies in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and spans over nearly 344 square kilometres.
This sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity and peaceful atmosphere and draws wildlife lovers and trekkers from all over the country. The bamboo groves and dense forests create a perfect habitat for elephants and several endangered species. Due to this, it holds a good place among wildlife destinations in South India.
How to Reach
To reach Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, board an aeroplane to Calicut International Airport or a train to Kozhikode Railway Station from the airport/railway station close to you. Hire a taxi or board a public/private bus to reach Wayanad upon your arrival at the designated airport or railway station.
- Key Animals to Spot: Elephants, tigers, jungle cats, panthers, and several different species of vultures.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May for sightseeing and safari activities.
- Best Experience: Jeep safaris through Muthanga and Tholpetty forest zones.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala and one of the well-maintained wildlife reserves in India. Evergreen forests and reservoirs surround this tiger reserve. It is spread across nearly 643 square kilometres and offers a distinguished wildlife exploration experience.
The park is famous for eco-tourism activities, rich biodiversity, and tribal settlements. Wildlife sightings are completely rewarding here due to the dense forest ecosystem and well-protected habitats.
How to Reach
Fly to Coimbatore International Airport or board a train to Pollachi from the nearest airport or railway station. After arriving at the airport, use car rental in Coimbatore to smoothly reach the park.
- Key Animals to Spot: Tigers, elephants, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, gaurs, crocodiles, and hornbills.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March for comfortable weather and nature activities.
- Best Experience: Treehouse stays, jungle camps, and guided nature walks.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka)
It lies in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for diverse wildlife, dense deciduous forests, and adventure activities. Situated along the banks of the Kali River, the sanctuary covers a vast forest area and is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka.
The sanctuary is equally famous among birdwatchers and adventure lovers. Apart from wildlife safaris, tourists visit Dandeli for river rafting, trekking, and camping experiences.
How to Reach
Fly to Hubli Airport, which is nearly 75 km away from the sanctuary. Otherwise, board a train to Alnavar Railway Station or Londa Junction. Dandeli is well connected by road from Goa, Hubli, and Bangalore.
- Key Animals to Spot: Black panthers, leopards, tigers, hornbills, deer, elephants, and giant squirrels .
- Best Time to Visit: October to April for adventure activities and wildlife exploration.
- Best Experience: River rafting on the Kali River and birdwatching tours.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
Previously known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, the Anamalai Tiger Reserve lies in the Pollachi and Coimbatore regions of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the southern Western Ghats and is blessed with rich forests, waterfalls, and tea plantations.
The reserve supports an impressive range of flora and fauna due to varying altitudes and climatic conditions. It is also one of the important elephant and tiger habitats in South India.
How to Reach
Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport, around 90 km away. Pollachi Junction is the nearest railway station. Visitors can easily access the reserve through road transport from Coimbatore and nearby towns. For a smooth transfer to the tiger reserve, use a car rental in Coimbatore. The driver with the vehicle will pick you up from the airport.
- Key Animals to Spot: Tigers, elephants, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, and giant squirrels.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April for safaris and nature sightseeing.
- Best Experience: Wildlife safaris combined with scenic drives through tea estates.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is quite different from other wildlife destinations in Kerala. It features dry thorny forests, grasslands, sandalwood forests, and rocky landscapes. The sanctuary is well known for its unique ecosystem and rare species.
Chinnar is ideal for travellers looking for peaceful wildlife exploration away from crowded tourist spots. The sanctuary is also recognised for conservation of the endangered grizzled giant squirrel.
How to Reach
Take a flight to Cochin International Airport, which is about 190 km from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. If you love the train journey, board a direct or connecting train to Aluva Railway Station. Munnar serves as the nearest popular hill station, located around 60 km from the sanctuary. With a car rental in Cochin, you can smoothly reach the park from the airport.
- Key Animals to Spot: Elephants, leopards, spotted deer, langurs, grizzled squirrels, and tortoises.
- Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry weather and maximum wildlife sightings.
- Best Experience: Trekking and guided eco-tourism activities through forest trails.
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
The sanctuary is located along Tamil Nadu’s southeastern coast. It is a coastal wildlife destination in South India. The Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary features salt marshes, mangrove forests, grasslands, and mudflats. It creates a perfect habitat for migratory birds and marine life.
The sanctuary is an ideal place for birdwatchers due to the arrival of thousands of migratory birds during winter months. Its peaceful coastal surroundings offer a completely different wildlife experience compared to forest reserves.
How to Reach
To reach the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary by air, fly to Tiruchirappalli International Airport, around 165 km away. Otherwise, take a train ride to the Nagapattinam Railway Station. From there, take a taxi or get into a public/private bus to reach the sanctuary. For a smooth journey from the airport to the sanctuary, book a car rental in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli).
- Key Animals to Spot: Blackbucks, flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, jackals, wild boars, and migratory birds.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February for birdwatching and pleasant coastal weather.
- Best Experience: Watching large flocks of flamingos and migratory birds near the wetlands.
Conclusion
South India is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers. Every destination in this region offers something unique to nature and wildlife lovers, whether it is a tiger reserve, an elephant corridor, or a bird sanctuary. You will have a distinguished experience whatever wildlife destination in South India you choose for your wildlife trip.
At Cholan Tours, we can curate a completely new South India wildlife tour just for you based on the details shared with us. The details could include the name of wildlife sanctuaries/national parks, accommodation type, and activities of your choice along with flight/train tickets and local transfers. Contact us to discuss it.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the best wildlife destination in South India for tiger sightings?
Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole National Park, and Periyar Tiger Reserve are among the best places in South India for tiger sightings.
Q2. What is the ideal time to visit wildlife destinations in South India?
The ideal time to visit wildlife destinations in South India is usually from October to March. During this period, the weather remains pleasant, and safari activities operate smoothly.
Q3. Which wildlife sanctuary in South India is best for birdwatching?
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve are excellent destinations for birdwatching experiences.
Q4. Is it safe to visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in South India?
Yes, wildlife parks in South India are safe for tourists when you follow forest department guidelines and travel with authorised guides.
Q5. Which national park is famous for Nilgiri Tahr in South India?
Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is the most famous destination for spotting the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
