India is home to 573 flourishing wildlife sanctuaries that safeguard a wide array of biodiversity across the country. Consisting of numerous unseen forests, landscapes, wild animals, and safari adventures, the wildlife sanctuaries of India have become a forefront of nature’s beauty. Therefore, we have curated a list of the Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in South India, including a variety of landscapes and endangered animals you may not have seen before.
Discover the Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in South India
1. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is a major habitat for big cat species, including black panthers, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), and tigers. The sanctuary of Kabini is located on the banks of the Kabini River and encompasses unique landscapes of grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
This sanctuary hosts 250 bird species, including Malabar trogon, pied hornbill, kingfishers, and ospreys, attracting eco-conscious travelers and wildlife photographers to capture a glimpse of nature’s wonders.
While sustaining a thriving environment for diverse bird species and dense forests, Kabini Sanctuary offers nature walks, coracle rides, and trekking, as well as elephant safaris to its travelers. You can choose from jeep, night, and boat safari, which suits your adventurous spirit.
Best Time to Visit:
- October to February: Best time for safaris, birdwatching, nature, and wildlife sightseeing.
- March to May: You may see large herbivorous animals, including big cats.
- June to September: The monsoon season is at its peak for lush greenery, a little sightseeing, but not for safaris.
Location: Banks of Kabini River, Karnataka, India
Distance: 220 km from Bangalore and 60 km from Mysuru
2. Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is an ecological spot for various endangered species, making it a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It has a wide biodiversity, including potentially endangered species such as Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, gaur, and Indian leopards, as well as deer, monkeys, and wild boars.
It contains:
- 55 species of mammals
- 227 bird species
- 34 species of reptiles
- 21 species of amphibians and 50 species of birds.
It attracts numerous photographers and travelers worldwide, as it sustains 8% of the bird species of India, giving travelers a chance to study and experience
The variety of flora and fauna attracts travelers and scientists around the world, giving a glimpse of nature’s unseen beauty. You can experience a wide variety of activities, including Theppakadu Elephant Camp and Falls Jungle safaris. Moyar River is a must-visit and the best wildlife safari in India.
Best Time to Visit: October to May and November to February
Where is it: Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu, India
3. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is considered the largest homeland of Asian tigers and elephants. It has a rich diversity of endemic life, including 30 amphibian species, leopards, Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boars, and sloth bears.
The lush greenery and varied plantations, including teak, rosewood, and eucalyptus, add unique elements to its scenic views. The trek to Chemba Peak and the cave exploration of Edakkal Cave can be great opportunities to discover scenic landscapes.
Location: Kerala, India
Best Time to Go: October to February
4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Kerala, this is one of the most important Wildlife sanctuaries in South India, as it is home to the endangered species of Grizzled Giant Squirrel. It is especially famous for dry deciduous forests, grasslands, scrub forests, Thoovanam waterfalls, sandalwood forests, and ancient cave paintings.
With a wide variety of elephants, tigers, leopards, reptiles like the Indian Star Tortoise, and species of reptiles, offering opportunities to experience nature through wildlife safaris, trekking, and bird watching.
Location: Idukki district, Kerala, India
Best Months to Travel Here: December to April
5. Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is the largest tiger reserve of India, covering 3,727.82 sq km of land and 150 species of birds, including grey hornbills and pea fowls. Nagarjuna Sanctuary is covered with verdant forests, tranquil lakes, and waterfalls, providing an ideal sightseeing experience. This sanctuary is spread across several districts in Andhra Pradesh, offering travelers accommodations such as guesthouses and cottages for convenient stays.
Ideal Months to Visit: October to May
6. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is a major part of the Nilgiri Biosphere connecting Wayanad and Mudumalai, making it the largest national park of Karnataka. There are 200 species of birds, including crested honey buzzard, indian roller, and indian vulture. It is situated in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka and has the largest elephant population in Asia.
It was once the private hunting land of the Maharaja of Mysore, which was later converted to a wildlife reserve in 1974, offering jeep safaris, nature walks, and bird watching, making it a diverse option for wildlife safari in India. It is known as the successful model of wildlife conservation due to eco-tourism and the ban on wildlife hunting.
Months to Visit: October to February and March to May
The location: Karnataka, India
7. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Across other wildlife sanctuaries in South India, Periyar National Park is famous for varying ecotourism activities like nature walks, bamboo rafting, and border hiking. This sanctuary is located in the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats that harbor endemic species, including lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri langur, and nilgiri tahr. For adventurous travelers, it has jungle scout programs and watchtowers ideal for birdwatching and landscape photography.
Ideal Months to Go:
October to February: Ideal for wildlife safaris, boating, and other wildlife activities.
March to May: Early months of summer that are ideal for sightseeing.
June to September: Landscape comes alive with lush greenery, waterfalls, and streams, leaving some of the areas unsafe to explore.
8. Nagarhole National Park
Serving as the vital ecosystem for the population of Tigers, Naraghole National Park has become one of the world’s most important corridors for wildlife conservation.
Offering a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, it contains 250 bird species, tropical forests, grasslands, and rivers.
Also, any wildlife safari in South India is incomplete without the exciting boat safaris of Kabini River, making it a must-visit destination for travelers and wildlife photographers as well.
Ideal Months:
October to June: Dry months when most of the animals are out in search of water.
October and February: Cool and pleasant months to encounter tigers.
9. Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is considered one of the wildlife sanctuaries in South India that has the first Butterfly Park of India with over 48 species of butterflies, including a conservatory, museum, and research laboratory.
It also shelters 33 Tigers, out of which 7 are from the white Tiger family living here for years. Another unique aspect of the park allows you to encounter the pride of 19 Lions. With a natural park camp for children, it also serves as a rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured animals.
One thing that you need to remember is that this park can be crowded on weekends, and some activities, like buggy rides, charge a fee for exploring the local terrain of the park.
Nearest city: Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Distance from Bengaluru: Approximately 22 km
Ideal Months to Visit: October to June
10. Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is renowned as the best wildlife sanctuary in South India for its stunning landscapes of rolling green hills. Meadows, Western Ghats, and Lakkom waterfalls. Another unforgettable occurrence that makes this place so special is the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years, turning the landscape into a vibrant blue hue.
Tourist activities like the trek of Kurinji Trail, Cascade Walk, and guided bus ride of Rajamalai Safari offer an experience of a wide array of biodiversity, including 132 bird species, 101 butterfly species, grasslands, and shola forests.
Ideal Months to Visit: April to May and September to February
Final Words
India’s diverse wildlife ecosystem is an incredible paradise for nature enthusiasts and travelers, and a home to a wide variety of mammals, bird species, as well as the wild Tigers. If you are planning to visit wildlife sanctuaries in South India, this list provides detailed information on the top sanctuaries, including when to visit, exciting safaris, and bird-watching opportunities. Connect with the top travel agents like Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. to make your trip more comfortable and memorable.
