Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
Idukki district in Kerala is a home to numerous natural marvels; the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one among them! Established in 1984, this stunning wildlife reserve in Kerala is located within a close proximity to the astounding Idukki Arch Dam, and is encircled by the alluring Idukki Reservoir.
Home to a large number of rare and endangered species, this wildlife abode is among the most captivating and sought after wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. In addition to the natural charm and appeal of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors can also spotting the massive Elephants, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, Wild Boar, and several other mammals within this sanctuary. The reserve also serves as an ideal home to exotic species of snakes like Cobra, Viper, Kratis, and several other non-poisonous species.
Birdwatchers can also make it to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, and revel in the enchanting beauty of the reserve while spotting birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Jungle Fowl, Woodpeckers, Bulbuls, and lot more. The evergreen setting and the favourable climatic conditions of this wildlife reserve makes it for a memorable experience while on a Kerala trip.
How to Reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:
1By Road:
The sanctuary is well-connected by overland ways with prominent cities in Kerala. Cochin is around 120km and Thiruvananthapuram is around 220km from the sanctuary. Visitors can make it to these two cities, and hire private vehicles to reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
2By Train:
Kottayam serves as the nearest railway station to the wildlife reserve. Upon arrival at Kottayam Railway Station, one can avail local transportations means to reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
3By Air:
Kochi International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram Airport are the two nearest airports to reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu can also be used as the nearest city for air journey to reach Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:
September to October is considered as the ideal time to visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. During other seasons, the sanctuary experiences both cool and humid atmosphere alongside heavy rainfall.
Safari Timings in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:
Operating hours of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is from 08:00AM to 04:00PM. Indian visitors should pay an entry fee of INR 15 (INR 7 for children) and international visitors must pay a fee of INR 150 to enter the sanctuary. Safari vehicles are available at INR 150 (heavy vehicles), INR 75 (light vehicles), and INR 20 (others); visitors can choose any of them and should also pay a fee of INR 150 (for video cameras) and INR 25 (for still cameras).
