Southern part of India has wildlife sanctuaries & national parks which are perfect destinations for wildlife tourism in India. South India has UNESCO recognized Western Ghats & Nilgiris. Forests of south India are rich in flora and fauna with different eco-systems. Those forests are home to many wild animals like Elephants & Tigers. You can find wide range of species that are exclusive to the region. Our blog here picked a few wildlife destinations in South India which can offer some thrilling getaways to our wildlife lovers
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur is one of the most beautiful national parks in India. Bandipur National Park was established in 1974 & it is a renowned tiger reserve. National Park is located in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. Covering an area of 874.2 sq km, Bandipur along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Nagarhole National Park in the North Karnataka creates the biggest biosphere reserve in India, which is also known as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This park is home of Tigers along with wildlife species like gaur, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, porcupines, malabar squirrels and the black-knapped hare. Birds like green pigeon, jungle fowl are also found here.
Periyar National Park Kerala
Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady, Kerala. Rich in biodiversity, this park spreads over an area 925 Sq .km. Periyar National Park is famous elephant reserve and it is also amongst the 27 tiger reserves that India has. Periyar National Park forms the major watershed of two important rivers -The Pamba & the Periyar. Elephants are the prime attractions of Periyar, however, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Pigs, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and Tiger are other animals that consider this place their home. You can also find Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque & the rare lion-tailed macaque. Periyar National Park has a rich bird life as well, great Malabar Hornbill, Kingfishers, Darters, Cormorants and Racket-tailed Drongos can be found here. Visitors are allowed to trek in National Park and thus get a better opportunity to witness wildlife closely.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is named after river that flows through the park. This national park is situated in the two districts of Karnataka – Kodagu & Mysore. Nagarhole National Park covers an area of 643.39 sq. Kms, Nagarhole is an awesome place for wildlife safari in South India. Predators like tiger, leopard, sloth bear, hyena & wild dog can be found in large number in the park. You can also find here spotted deer, four-horned antelope, gaur, sambar, barking deer, elephant & wild boar. It is also ideal place for elephant sightings. Over 250 species of birds & reptiles like marsh crocodile, rock python & monitor lizard can be found in this national park.
Mudumalai National Park
Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is well known Tiger reserve and it is located in Nilgiri district of Tamilnadu state. It was established in 1940. This national park shares its boundary with Kerala & Karnataka. Mudumalai sanctuary is divided into five ranges ? Masinagudi, Mudumalai, Kargudi, Thepakadu & Nellakota. Rich in biodiversity, this national park has 50 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 34 species of reptiles & 21 species of amphibians. This park is home of Tiger, Gaur, Leopard, Deer, Elephant, Long billed vulture, Red crest, Wild dog along with White rumped vulture, Parakeets and Owls
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka state. It covers an area of 834.16 sq.km. Karnataka state government has officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4 June 2015 & it is the second elephant reserve in Karnataka after Mysore Elephant Reserve. The sanctuary has scenic beauty which includes meandering rivers & breath-taking valleys. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect home for animals like tigers, elephants, sloth bear, pangolin, Malabar giant squirrel, bison, jackals, langurs, Black Panther, mouse deer & civet cats. This sanctuary is also perfect destination for bird watching in Southern India as it has birds like golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle & magpie robin.