Top 15 Best forest places to visit in Kerala

Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country” is a famous and well-preferred destination for its dense forest cover. One can experience the scenic beauty of this place. Once you set foot in this beautiful paradise with mesmerizing forest tourist places in Kerala, all other things seem inconsequential. Each of the forest places to visit in Kerala and wild life sanctuaries have a large but unique variety of flora and fauna, thereby providing an incredible habitat for many animals and birds. Kerala has got enormous forest places to pay a visit and a few have been listed below

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala Few of the best forest places to visit and sanctuaries come under UNESCO worlds heritage sites in Kerala like Agastyakoodam, Silent Valley National Park, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Elephant Experiences in the forest places in Kerala including elephant spotting and Jeep Safari Rides are highly recommended when visiting any of these sanctuaries and wild life places in Kerala. Here are some top forest in Kerala that must be a part of your travel plan.

List of Top 15 Best forest places to visit in Kerala

1. Gavi Forest

Gavi is one of the most pristine eco-tourist spots that is well preserved and untainted by modern civilization and is among the most beautiful forest places to visit in Kerala. This natural beauty is located on the outskirts of Pathanamthitta. Pristine  Pathanamthitta is blessed with abundant Kerala forest that helped this green canopy win the status of the second least polluted town in India. For nature lovers and bird watchers, this place offers one of the best experiences in the world.

You can spot some of the rare species of wildlife including Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, elephants, and more than 260 species of exotic birds at the interiors of Gavi. It is a space owned and occupied by nature. This serene destination located in the deep interiors of Ranni reserve forest offers you activities like trekking, camping, bird watching, and safaris. The Cardamom plantation maintained by Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) surrounds the village of Gavi.

How to Reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport- 175 km

By Rail: Nearest railway stations are Kottayam Railway Station (120 km), Ernakulam Railway Station (170 km), Madurai Railway Station (176 km)

By Road: Cars or buses can be accessed from any of the railway stations to Gavi.

From Pathanamthitta- 100 km

From Vandiperiyar- 27.5 km

Best time to visit: Every season is ideal to visit Gavi.  Camping is available from November to March

2. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The Tiger Reserve area of Parambikulam is a well-conserved ecological spot in Southern Western Ghats and is among the most dangerous forest places in kerala .  This biodiversity hot spot is the most beautiful and pristine location in the stretch of Western Ghats. This area is where biological richness and landscape beauty come together.

It is spread across 643.66 sq. km. and is mostly buffer zone.  Indigenous people in this area protect and preserve the flora and fauna of this region.  This exotic and serene location with minimal human activities is a treasure amid the Western Ghats.

ALSO SEE – Parambikulam Tiger Reserve-Timing, Room Booking, Forest Stay

How to reach

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport- 107 Km

By Rail: Palakkad – 100 Km

By Road: Palakkad is the nearest town

Best time to visit: November to April

3. Munnar Deep Forests

Munnar forest ranges located amidst the hill folds of Western Ghats is one of the dense and largest forest places in Kerala. It is home to Eravikulam National Park which is Kerala’s first National Park. It was established to protect the rare species of Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji. This forest range is rich with eco-diversity of evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, hills, medicinal and shrublands.  This destination is a unique blend of picturesque beauty, a diverse eco-system, and rare species of flora and fauna. It is conserved by the local tribes of Muthuvans and the Kerala Forest Department. Trekking in the Munnar Deep forest in Kerala is a thrilling experience that ups your thrillometer.

ALSO SEE- Best Places to visit in Munnar

Eravikulam National Park is geographically divided into three zones, Rajamalai (tourist area), Anamudi (Buffer zone) and Lakkom Falls (core area), tourists have access to deep forests within the limit of Rajamalai through passes. This dense forest with natural scenic beauty and diverse living creatures is a perfect destination for nature lovers and bioscience enthusiasts.

How to Reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport – 111 km

Coimbatore Airport- 158 km

By Rail: Nearest railway stations are Alwaye Railway Station (120 km), Coimbatore Railway Station (151 km)

By Road: Cars or buses can be accessed from any of the railway stations to Munnar.

 

Best time to visit: September to November , April to June. Eravikulam National Park will be closed from February to March and during heavy monsoon season.

4. Agasthyakoodam Biological Park

Located at Thiruvananthapuram, Agasthyakoodam is one of the highest peaks of Kerala. This place is widely known for trekking and bird watching as it is home to diverse species of birds, animals, and plants. This peak is named after the sage Agasthya, therefore it is also a pilgrim place. Forest pass issued by the wildlife office at Thiruvananthapuram is required to trek to the peak and online booking is available. Agasthyakoodam Biological Park and biosphere reserve at Agasthyakoodam is a major attraction, where tourists can explore the enchanting beauty of nature.

Trekking at Agasthyakoodam is quite adventurous and risky; therefore entry is restricted only to physically fit men after a thorough examination. The foothill of Agasthyakoodam Peak is rich in medicinal plants and other rare species of plants. The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve is an incredible location, with a blissful and pure atmosphere. Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve can be reached only by trekking from Bonacaud. Bonacaud is another beautiful destination that is rich with natural scenic beauty.

How to reach Bonacaud

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport – 69 km

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station- 61 km

By Road: KSRTC buses are available from Thiruvananthapuram to Bonacaud.

Best time to visit: Between November and April

5. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary & Nature Camp

Located on the high ranges of Western Ghats, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a  reserve forest in Kerala which is one of Kerala’s prestigious possession. The calm and low-land forest of Thattekad located along the bank of the Periyar River is home to more than 500 avian species. This destination is popularly known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Thattekad Bird Sanctuary), named after world-famous ornithologist and ‘birdman of India’, Dr. Salim Ali. This place is highly populated by bird species such as the created woodpecker, yellow browed bulbuls, blue kingfishers, oriental darter, and much more endemic and foreign species.

Some of the activities offered by this sanctuary include camping, bird-watching trails, and boating. This bird-rich destination is also home to mammals like Leopard, Sloth Bear and Elephant. Majestic trees of Mahagony and Teak are cultivated in some parts of this sanctuary. Teeming with enormous species of birds, this place is a haven for bird watchers and ornithologists.

How to reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport- 45 km

By Rail: Aluva Railway Station- 48 km

By Road: Kothamangalam is the nearest town. Transportation services are available from Kothamangalam.

Best time to visit: All throughout the year, best recommended during the months from October to February.

6. Nelliyampathy Hills

Palakkad is one of the beautiful districts in Kerala, rich with ecological diversity. Surrounded by shimmering waterfalls, Nelliyampathy Hills houses one of the best forest tourist places in Kerala. The hill station of Nelliyampathy is one of the most popular forest places to visit in Kerala.  Located 1500 meters above sea level, this destination offers a stunning panoramic view of nature. The heights of Nelliyampathy are perfect for long and adventurous trekking. Pothundy Dam is one of the major attractions at Nelliyampathy.

The untouched hill station of Nelliyampathy is perfect for a peaceful experience as it is less crowded compared to others. The sight and serenity of Nelliyampathy are worth the hairpin travel and hasty trekking. You will be able to see the exotic range of orange and tea plantations, picturesque landscapes, rocks, cliffs, rain forest regions, and diverse species of birds and insects. This breathtaking hill station holding the whole richness of Western Ghats will calm your mind and soul.

ALSO SEE- Best Places to visit in Nelliyampathy

How to Reach

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport- 110 km

By Rail: Palakkad Railway Station- 70 km

By Road: Private and Public bus services are available from all major cities

Best time to visit: September to February (winter season)

7. Kannavam Reserve Forests

Kannavam forest is a vast green forest located near Thalassery in Kannur district. This forest is located on the outskirts of Western Ghats. Journey to Kannavam woods starts from Elapeedika village. The tall trees and sight of wildlife and birds will calm your body and soul during the trek. This forest is home to Malabar Trim Nymph, one of the most beautiful species of butterfly, which is seen only in this forest.

On your way, you will see ‘Areekkayam Manikkundu’ waterfalls.  This forest holds the tradition f rich history that proclaims the unity and integrity of Kerala. Kannavam Forest is home to ‘Velumbath Makham Mosque’ and ‘Thodeekalam Temple’, which holds a significant position in the history of Kerala from the time of Pazhassi Raja.

How to reach

By Air: Kannur International Airport- 30 km

By Rail: Thalassery Railway Station – 30 km

By Road: Iritty is the nearest town that connects to major cities.

Best time to visit:  All-time throughout the year

8. Silent Valley National Park

Located in the outskirts of Palakkad district, Silent Valley National Park spreads across the area of 237.52 sq. km. This National Park is the only remaining of dense and rich rain forests that Kerala owns. Silent Valley National Park is a beautiful representation of the last remaining rain forest places to visit in Kerala. It has more than 1000 species of flowering plants, 200 species of butterflies, and 34 species of mammals and accounts to be the essence of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This paradigm of natural beauty with rich flora and fauna is the best place for life science exploration.  Tourists go beyond Silent Valley National Park to explore the pristine destinations of Keerippara, Bommiyampadi which are hidden gems of Western Ghats.

ALSO SEE – Silent Valley National Park

How to reach

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport – 74 km

By Rail: Palakkad- 54 km

By Road: Palakkad is the nearest town

Best time to visit: December to April

9. Thekkady- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The lush green forest and the serene lake mark Thekkady as one of the best forest tourist places in the state. A perfect example of nature’s bounty with great scenic beauty, Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is the best Kerala forest. You can spot diverse species of plants, animals, birds, and reptiles while strolling through the dense paths of forest or while cruising down the lake. One of the major attractions of Thekkady is Periyar National Park, which is a reserve dedicated to tigers and elephants.

Deep jungle safaris, trekking, and camping are available to elevate the adventurous exploration of the forest.  This destination brimming with animals including elephants, Nilgiri langurs, bison, storks, flying squirrels, etc, is an alluring spot for wildlife exploration and bird watching. Thekkady offers you a blended experience of eco-tourism and adventure tourism. With a wide range of activities and scenic beauty, this place is perfect to sit back and relax in the cradle of nature.

ALSO SEE – Thekkady Boating Online Booking in 2020

How to reach

By Air: Kochi International Airport- 163 km, Madurai Airport- 157 km

By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station – 110 km

By Road: private and public bus services are available from major cities

Best time to visit: June to September and October to February

10. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Tholpetty lies towards the northern end of Wayanad district and is rich in ecological diversity. Explore the unleashed wildlife sanctuary of Wayanad at one of the best forest places to visit in Kerala. This forest range offers a wildlife jeep safari to explore the exotic species of flora and fauna that dwell here. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is functioning here to protect and preserve species of animals, birds, insects, and their natural habitat.

The ecological diversity of Tholpetty includes moist and dry deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests. This destination is also home to teak, oak, and eucalyptus plantations. Visitors are limited only to the tourist zone of Tholpetty. This sanctuary is one of the greatest examples of ecological conservation.

How to reach

By air: Kannur International Airport – 100 km

By rail: Kozhikode – 120 km

By road: Sulthan Bathery is the nearest town

Best time to visit: June to October

11. Marayoor Sandalwood Forests

This is Kerala’s only natural Sandalwood forest and is located on the eastern side of Western Ghats. Known for the best variety of solid molasses, this forest in Kerala is famous for aromatic sandalwood trees. This dense forest is just 40 km away from Munnar and is home to vast sugarcane farms and Sandalwood factories managed by the Forest Department.  Marayoor is a pristine destination suitable for trekking and other adventure activities.

With the aroma of sandalwood and canopies of tall rain shadow trees, this place will soothe and refresh your body and soul. Muniyara and Ezhuthupara are the pre-historic sites inside the forest range. Marayoor hills are inhabited by tribal communities. The picturesque beauty of the Pamber River and the aroma of rich sandalwood makes this place a pristine destination to explore.

How to reach

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport- 84 Km

Kochi International Airport- 99 km

By Rail: Palani – 70 km, Aluva – 145 km

By road: Munnar town is 40 km away

Best time to visit: December to January

12. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats is the only wildlife sanctuary in Kannur. Blessed with the best nature can offer, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list of best forest places to visit in Kerala. It is one of the finest sanctuaries in Kerala with a peaceful ambiance. It is spread across 55 sq km and is abundantly rich in flora and fauna. Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary is near Aralam. This forest can be explored with a guided trek down the paths of the jungle.

This place is located 1500 meters above sea level and is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Meenmutty Falls is one of the major highlights of Aralam. The highest peak of the area is Katti Beta.  With sky-touching trees and greenery with the treasure of rare species of wildlife, this place is worth a visit.

How to reach

By Air: Kannur International Airport- 40 Km

By Rail: Kannur – 70 Km

By Road: Iritty is the nearest town – 5 Km

Best time to visit: November to May

13. Sholayar Forests in Kerala

Sholayar is one of the pristine and unexplored lands that are home to valleys, grasslands, streams, and gorges. This place will escape you from the hustles and bustles of daily life. Unwind in the soothing presence of nature by visiting the Sholayar forest in Kerala. Sholayar Dam is one of the major highlights of this area. You can have a glimpse of the magnificent reservoir while traveling from Athirapilly. The forest range of Sholayar spreads across 400 sq km. the popular attractions of this forest range are Athirapilly and Vazhachal waterfalls. Thus tropical evergreen forest is home to a wide range of endemic species of flora and fauna.

How to reach

By Air: Kochi International Airport- 55 Km

By Rail: Chalakudy – 30 Km, Thrissur- 55 Km, Ernakulam – 70 Km

By Road: Chalakkudy is the nearest town – 30 Km

Best time to visit: October to December

14. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most fascinating forest tourist places in Kerala situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. This gradually developing wildlife sanctuary spreads across 53 sq km of land in the Western Ghats. This is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists on the way to Ponmudi. Peppara forest area offers the best trekking choice in Trivandrum. This sanctuary is home to endemic species of mammals and birds. This lush evergreen forest offers heavenly pleasure to its visitors. Vazhanthol waterfall which is located 5 km away from Peppara is another place to visit to enjoy the beauty of nature.

How to Reach

By air: Trivandrum International Airport, about 56 km

By rail: Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km

Best time to visit: October to March

15. Muthanga Forest Range

Muthanga rainforest range is located on the outskirts of Wayanad. The wildlife sanctuary at Muthanga is also known as Wayanad Sanctuary. This moist deciduous forest in Kerala is considered to be the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. This is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and is connected to Bandipur National park. Muthanga is home to a wide variety of animal species. This sanctuary is spread across 344 sq km and is just 20 km away from Mananthavady. This is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries with exotic varieties of plants, animals, and other living creatures. Muthanga is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries recommended by nature-lovers.

How to reach

By Air: Calicut International Airport- 123 Km

By Rail: Calicut – 110 Km

By Road: Sultan Bathery

Best time to visit: June to October

The forest in Kerala shows wide variation among categories ranging from tropical evergreen to grassland.

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