Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

The district Idukki in Kerala state boasts some amazing wildlife sanctuaries and among them Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, is very popular among tourists. Established in 1976, it is located at Vellappaara, about three km from Idukki district headquarters. The famous Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary which is located in Kothamangalam Taluk of Eranakulam district also comes under the Idukki wildlife division. The three sides of the Sanctuary are surrounded by the famous Idukki reservoir- the largest reservoir in the State.

Located at an altitude between 450 and 748 m above sea level, this sanctuary covers a total area of 105 sq.km. Spread over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks, it is situated at an altitude of 450-748 m above sea level.

The sanctuary includes a 33 sq.km scenic lake formed by the three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu and the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers.

Wildlife found here include herds of elephants, tiger, barking deer, bear, wild boar, sambar, wild dogs, jungle cats, and a . Small groups of tribals, the Adivasis, dwell in the higher areas of the sanctuary. Visitors are taken around in boats. The best time to visit is from November to March.

Flora

The main Forest types include West Coast Tropical Evergreen forests, Semi Evergreen forests, Moist Deciduous Forests, Hill shoals and Grass Lands. The common species in moist deciduous forests are Depteocarpus indicus, Palanquium ellipticum, Calophyllum polyanthum, Vernonia arborea, Mesua Ferrea, Hopea parviflora, persea macrantha, Artocarpus hirsute, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Terminalia paniculata., T. bellerica,Grewiatiliacfolia, Ptcrocarpus Marsupium etc.

Fauna

The common animals found ar Elephants, Tiger, Bear, Wild boar, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Dogs, Mouse deer, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel, Poorcupine, jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Jungle Cats etc.

There are also large concentration of various species of snakes, including cobra, viper, python, krait and numerous non poisonous ones.

The sanctuary is home to different species of birds and the extensive reservoir here attracts a lot of aquabatic birds, such as ducks and cormorants. Some spotted are the mynah, jungle fowl, black bulbul, laughing thrush, woodpecker, darter, grey heron, little spider hunter, Malabar parakeet, peafowl and kingfisher.