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Are you a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast? Then you simply can’t miss the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the beautiful district of Idukki in Kerala. This sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering you a chance to experience the natural beauty of Kerala’s forests and lakes up close. From exotic flora to endangered fauna, the sanctuary has it all.
Discover Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: Flora, Fauna, and More!
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a mesmerizing place that was established in 1976 and is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of the Idukki district. It is a breathtaking destination that boasts steep mountains, undulating hills, and valleys.
The sanctuary covers an area of 105.364 square kilometers, out of which 72 square kilometers is forest land and 33 square kilometers is water body. The sanctuary lies at an altitude of 450 to 1272 meters above sea level, with the highest peak being Vanjur Medu at 1272 meters. The sanctuary has a tropical climate, with an average temperature ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
The sanctuary is surrounded by the Idukki Dam, which is the largest arch dam in Asia and a major source of hydroelectric power. The dam also creates a beautiful lake that offers scenic boat rides. The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic and endangered species.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a diverse range of tree species, including Depteocarpus indicus, Palanquium Ellipticum, Calophyllum Polyanthum, Vernonia arborea, Mesua Ferrea, and many more. You can also spot a variety of animals like elephants, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, wild dog, wild boar, porcupine, jackal, and Indian giant squirrel.
The sanctuary also has many medicinal plants and orchids. The sanctuary also has many reptiles like cobras, vipers, and kraits. It’s truly a nature lover’s paradise!
Plan Your Visit: Best Time, Entry Fee, Activities, Stay
Best Time to Visit: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitors from 9 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active. You can also visit during the monsoon season from June to September when the forest becomes lush green and the waterfalls are spectacular.
Entry Fee & Activities: To enter the sanctuary, you’ll only need to pay a nominal fee of INR 25 for adults and INR 10 for children. However, if you plan on doing some exciting activities such as trekking, jungle safari, boating, or camping, you’ll need to shell out a little extra.
Boating: The timing of Vellapara boating is 9 AM to 5:30 PM; the ticket fare is as follows,
| Visitor Type | Fare (INR) |
|---|---|
| Indian Adults | 145 |
| Indian Children | 85 |
| Foreign Adults and Children | 295 |
Obtaining Permission: To visit the sanctuary, you need to get permission from the Wildlife Warden at Painavu or Vellapara, the contact numbers are 04862232271 and 04862322025 respectively. Visitors can also book nature study camps organized by the forest department.
Finding Stay: The forest and tourism department provides different types of accommodations with varying prices, giving visitors plenty of options to choose from. In addition, there are plenty of hotels, resorts, and homestays available in the area which can be booked online in advance of your arrival. So, if you’re planning on exploring this breathtaking sanctuary, you’ll have a range of stay options to pick from according to your budget and preferences.
How to Reach: Visitors can reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary easily by road. It is located 21 kilometers away from Vagamon, 122 kilometers from Cochin, 90 kilometers from Munnar, and 62 kilometers from Thodupuzha. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 85 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 115 kilometers away.
