If you’re a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, Kerala is your perfect escape. With lush rainforests, misty hills, winding rivers, and a treasure trove of exotic wildlife, Kerala Wildlife Tours are designed to give you an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s trekking through dense jungles, spotting wild elephants, cruising through forested lakes, or camping under the stars, these tours offer a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 Kerala wildlife tours that every nature and adventure lover must explore.
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour, Thekkady
A jewel in Kerala’s crown, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its boat safaris on the Periyar Lake, offering an excellent chance to spot elephants, wild boars, sambar deer, and sometimes even tigers. The tour typically includes a visit to spice plantations, bamboo rafting, and guided jungle walks. A must-do on any Kerala Wildlife Tour.
Highlights: Boat safari, bamboo rafting, elephant sightings
Ideal for: Families, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Adventure Tour
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this tour is for those who love deep forests and raw adventure. Wayanad is rich in biodiversity and offers thrilling jeep safaris, trekking trails, and tribal village experiences. The sanctuary is known for its population of tigers, elephants, and bison.
Highlights: Jeep safari, trekking, tribal village visits
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, wildlife photographers
3. Silent Valley National Park Eco-Expedition
Silent Valley is one of the most pristine rainforests in India and home to the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. The tours here are strictly eco-focused, with limited entries and guided treks that emphasize conservation. It’s a paradise for bird watchers and eco-travelers.
Highlights: Guided treks, bird watching, endemic species
Ideal for: Eco-tourists, researchers, bird lovers
4. Eravikulam National Park Trekking Tour, Munnar
Known for its rolling hills and grasslands, this park is the only place where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The trekking routes take you through breathtaking landscapes with panoramic views of tea gardens and cloud-covered peaks.
Highlights: Nilgiri Tahr sightings, scenic treks, Neelakurinji bloom (seasonal)
Ideal for: Trekkers, nature lovers, couples
5. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Jungle Safari
One of India’s best-managed tiger reserves, Parambikulam offers an immersive jungle experience with options for jeep safaris, bamboo rafting, and overnight forest camping. The reserve is also a tiger corridor, increasing the chance of spotting big cats.
Highlights: Tiger and leopard sightings, night camping, forest safaris
Ideal for: Hardcore wildlife enthusiasts, photographers
6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Camp
Chinnar is known for its unique dry deciduous forests, a stark contrast to Kerala’s typical rainforests. It houses the rare Giant Grizzled Squirrel and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. The sanctuary offers eco-tourism packages with trekking, camping, and river trail walks.
Highlights: Rare species, dry forest ecology, eco-camping
Ideal for: Researchers, adventure lovers
7. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Tour
Also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad is a paradise for ornithologists. It features hundreds of bird species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth, and Indian Pitta. The tour includes boat rides and forest walks guided by expert bird watchers.
Highlights: Bird watching, expert guides, scenic trails
Ideal for: Bird lovers, photographers, solo travelers
8. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lion Safari Park Tour
This sanctuary near Thiruvananthapuram offers a unique blend of wildlife and leisure. The lion safari is a major attraction, along with boat rides in the Neyyar dam reservoir and visits to a crocodile farm and deer park.
Highlights: Lion safari, crocodile farm, boating
Ideal for: Families, children, casual wildlife explorers
9. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Trekking Tour
Located near Thrissur, this lesser-known sanctuary offers beautiful trekking trails and scenic picnic spots. It is home to elephants, leopards, and over 100 species of birds and butterflies. The tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for offbeat travelers.
Highlights: Offbeat destination, butterfly trails, scenic treks
Ideal for: Weekend travelers, solo trekkers, photographers
10. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Adventure Tour
Close to the Agasthyarkoodam Biosphere, Peppara is ideal for soft adventure and bird watching. The sanctuary offers eco-tourism activities such as hiking, nature camps, and boating. Its lush forest cover and hilly terrain are a treat for nature lovers.
Highlights: Eco-hikes, bird watching, scenic views
Ideal for: Students, backpackers, eco-travelers
Final Thoughts
Kerala is not just about beaches and backwaters—it’s a wildlife haven waiting to be explored. These top 10 Kerala Wildlife Tours showcase the diversity, beauty, and thrill that the state’s natural habitats offer. From spotting elusive species to camping under the stars, the adventures are limitless.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time traveler looking to reconnect with nature, Kerala’s wilderness offers something magical. So pack your binoculars, lace up your boots, and get ready for a wild journey through God’s Own Country.
