Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Kerala, India. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary extends over the talukas of Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola in Idukki district. It is at a distance of about 40 Kms from Thodupuzha in Kerela, a place, which has contributed many well known personalities to the development of India as well as from where the famous river of Thodupuzha flows. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, India is famous for Indian elephants, which are becoming extinct due to poaching and other factors that are causing the deaths of these elephants. Hence it is also called as the Idukki Elephant sanctuary. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, India has an area of about 77 sq. km. and is somewhat above the normal sea level. Its altitude ranges from 450m to 758m above sea level.

Like many other wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, this one too is rich in flora and fauna. West coast tropical evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, hill sholas, and grasslands make up for the forest type of this sanctuary. Some of the faunal life that can be spotted here are sambars, elephants, bison, deer, wild dogs, tigers, jungle cats, and wild boars. Besides, different species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits, and numerous non-poisonous reptiles are also sighted here. Among the birds, mynah, jungle fowl, black bulbul, laughing thrush, peafowl, woodpecker, and kingfisher constitute the major attractions.

Kizhakkilachimala Lake is one of the artificial or man-made lakes in this area. It is one of the tourist attractions and just adds to the beauty of the sanctuary. The vegetation at this sanctuary is very dense. These forests tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, meadows and leaf shedding forests. These different types of forests provide some of the most rare trees, which have some medicinal value. This list includes white pine, kuntherekkapine, vayana, bhadraksham, pali, cheeni, rosewood and meadows of rolling grass.

 One may visit this sanctuary at anytime of the year though the best time is during the Winter season and the initial summer season, which include the months from December to April.The sanctuary receives heavy rainfall, with an average annual shower of about 3800 mm. The temperature of this spectacular sanctuary varies from 13 0C to 29 0C with March and April being the hottest period of the year. Apart from exploring the natural beauty of the sanctuary, visitors can also marvel at the manmade creation known as Idukki Arch Dam that stands tall nearby. At a height of 167.68 meters, this dam is the 14th largest arch dam in Asia.

How  to reach

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (120kms)

Nearest Airport : cochin international airport (120kms)