Nothing can beat the feeling of wonder and amazement, combined with the happiness and thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. If you are an avid wildlife enthusiast and love spotting animals in the wild, you need not have to travel far as South India is a haven of fauna biodiversity. The lush green Western and Eastern Ghats mountain ranges and the densely populated forests of South India provide a safe habitat for a varied species of wild animals.
Owing to its overwhelming natural beauty and abundant wildlife wealth, South India is blessed with a countless number of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks , which are earmarked to conserve and preserve the natural heritage of the country. Wildlife sanctuaries refer to a natural habitat that provides protection and favorable living conditions to wild animals and birds, and are often owned by the government or a private agency. On the other hand, National Parks are protected areas, established by the government to safeguard the entire ecosystem, including the landscape, flora, fauna, etc.
Here is a list of Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in South India to indulge in wildlife spotting:
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary:
A prominent wildlife sanctuary in South India nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is noted as one of the first forest range to be declared as a National Park. With a population of about 50 tigers, it was recently declared as a Tiger Reserve as well. Leopards, elephants, bonnet macaque, common langur, giant squirrels, flying squirrels, barking deer, mouse deer, etc are the other denizens of this Sanctuary.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary :
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
One of the most renowned national parks in South India, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is considered as the most protected area for the tigers and the elephants. It is located in Thekkady in Kerala and is the perfect example of nature’s bounty with rich biodiversity and great scenic beauty. Also being considered as the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary:
Nagarhole National Park is one of India’s premier Tiger Reserves along with the adjoining Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is sandwiched between the Kodagu district and the Mysore district of Karnataka. Nagarhole National Park is said to have the highest density of herbivores in Asia. It is one of the best places for spotting elephants, guar, tiger and bear.
Bannerghatta National Park:
Eravikulam National Park:
Eravikulam National Park is hailed as the first national park in Kerala. This breathtakingly beautiful national park serves as the sacred haven for the most endangered species of mountain goat, the Nilgiri Tahr. One can also spot here wild animals like Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter, rare tiger, leopard, dusky striped squirrel, ruddy mongoose, etc.
