Top 8 Famous Forests in Kerala

The most Fascinating tourist destination in India boasts plenty of natural floras and faunas among famous forests in Kerala. Consider to be the ‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala is a natural paradise which makes it adorable for exploring to the world.

Kerala is truly justified the ‘God’s own Country’ for not only its sun kissed beaches, backwater cruises, delicious cuisines, natural spices and Ayurveda treatments but also the famous forests that boasts variety of biodiversity with variety of floras and faunas.

The forest areas of Kerala is spread near Western Ghats which lies near the border of the state and about 28.90% of the total lands covered with forests.

Also Read Top 5 Most Beautiful Natural Paradise In Kerala

Famous Forests In Kerala

The mystic lands of famous forests in Kerala, boasts exciting forest of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves with thrilling, abundant, rare, and exotic species of wild life. Tourists and adventure junkies love to visit these places for a fun filled forest safari and an adventurous jungle experience that will never gonna miss.

Kerala has two tiger reserves and 14 wildlife sanctuaries which famous for its unique range of flora and fauna. A natural paradise for wildlife and nature lovers to explore when it comes to the wild life in Kerala. Some famous forests and sanctuaries are UNESCO world heritage site like Agastyakoodam forest, Silent Valley National Park, Peppara Wild Life Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

1. Agasthyakoodam Biological Park is Heritage Site Among Famous Forests In Kerala

Agashyakoodam Biological Park is UNESCO heritage site among famous forests in Kerala. Located in Thiruvananthapuram and one of the highest peak in Kerala, Agasthyakoodam Biological park and Biospere Reserve is most popular tourist spot for adventure and nature lovers.

The peak Agasthyakoodam is also a pilgrimage place because of famous sage Rishi Agasthya stayed here and the place named after his name. The attractive natural beauty of the place of Hills, rocks and forest with variety of birds, animals, rich medicinal plants, herbs are combined an serene ethnic vibe.

The foothill of Agasthyakoodam Peak is famous for medicinal and rare species of plants. The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve is spectacular location, which can be reached only by trekking from Bonacaud, which is another beautiful destination of natural scenic beauty.

How to Reach

Agasthyakoodam is 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram railway station. KSRTC Buses also available from there to Bonacaud. Can be easily accessible by car from Thiruvananthapuram airport also.

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit the place from November to April.

2. Munnar Forests is Breath Taking Among Famous Forests In Kerala

Munnar deep forests is the largest dense forest among famous forests in Kerala. It is spread through the Western Ghats Mountain Range and home to Eravikulam National Park which is known as 1st National Park in Kerala.

The Eravikulam National park is UNESCO world heritage site and Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri tahr, Atlas moth, lion tailed macaque and tiger or leopard are some of the main animal species that can be spotted here. The Park is home for the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an endanger specie.

Eravikulam National Park has three zones, and tourist are allowed in Rajamalai zone. Other two zones are Anamudi buffer zone and Lakkom falls in Core areas. Munnar forest is one of the famous forest in Kerala and popular among wild life and nature lovers.

Munnar is one of the natural paradise of Kerala boasts variety of bio diversity with green land, ever green deciduous forests, hill land, with variety of plants and wild lives. Trekking also available in dense forests of Munnar for brave thrillers.

How to Reach

Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport and rail station Alwaye rail station. Bus and cars are available from there to Munnar.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to explore the place from October to January and April to June. Park is closed for rain on February and March.

3. Gavi Forest is Pristine Among Famous Forests In Kerala

Gavi forest is natural eco tourism preserved spot among famous forests in Kerala. Located at the boundary of the second least polluted city of India, Pathanamthitta, among most beautiful forest in Kerala. This green natural paradise is home for plenty of birds with other animals.

The Gavi forest is famous for rare bird species and lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri tahr, elephants and other animals. Trekking, Camping, bird watching and Elephant Safari are the activities to avail for tourists and adventure or nature lovers. Gavi is also famous for Cardamom Plantation by Kerala Forest Department.

Gavi is also part of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The enchanting natural paradise of Gavi forests is a treasure trove of Kerala as well as India.

How To Reach

The nearest Airport is Cochin Intrnational Airport and nearest rail station Kottayam. Buses and cars are available from there to Gavi Forest.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Gavi forest from November to March when Camping is also available.

4. Silent Valley National Park Is Enchanting Among Famous Forests in Kerala

The Silent Valley National Park is existing rain forests among famous forests in Kerala. This pristine rain forest is home to endangered Lion Tailed Macaque. Located in the Palkkad dist. and placed on the Niligiri Hills.

Western Ghats of South India and Silent Valley provides a habitat to maximum number of Lion Tailed Macaque, the existing wonderous. Other wild lives of the valley like Leopards, Sloth Bear, Niligiri Langur, Spotted Dear, Mouse Deer, Gaur.

The forest also boasts many species of rare and endangered birds, like Malabar Parakeet, Great Indian Hornbill, Grey headed Bulbul, Pale harrier, Rufous Babbler and Malabar Pied Hornbill also challenge the silence of the Silent Valley.

How To Reach

Nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport and Rail station Palakkad. Buses and cars are available from Palakkad.

Best Time To visit

Best time to visit silent valley from November to March.

5. Periyar National Park And Tiger Reserve is Most Famous Among Famous Forests In Kerala

Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is most famous and largest among famous forests in Kerala, Located in Thekkady forest and set high at the Western Ghat Mountain ranges. With great scenic beauty and rich biodiversity the Periyar National Park is considered as the most protected area for the elephants and the tigers.

One of the most renowned Periyar National Park ranges through the protected areas widespread of 357 sq km. The Park is declared as Periyar National Park in 1982 and also a UNESCO world heritage site. The National Park areas of 350 sq km, and the total areas of 925 sq km of the sanctuary.

An artificial 100 years old lake is located at the heart of the sanctuary is called Thekkady lake. The sanctuary is famously known for its wild elephants and thick Western Ghats forest. The Valleys of Periyar contains tropical evergreen forest and due to thickness hardly any sun light got penetrate.

The trees are fully grown at the amazing heights of 130 to140 ft. Periyar National Park offers remarkable ways to explore the wild life through enchanting Jeep Safari, elephant safari, and cruise safari at Periyar Lake which promises to experience more rewarding among famous forests in Kerala.

How To Reach

Nearest Airport is Kochi International Airport and rail station is Kottayam. Buses and cars are available from all major city.

Best Time To Visit

October to February is the right time to visit the Periyar National park.

6. Peppara wild Life Sanctuary is Hidden Gem Among Famous Forests In Kerala

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most fascinating tourist spot among famous forest in Kerala. Located in the outskirt of Thiruvananthapuram is a natural gem in the lap of the Western Ghats. An area frequented by wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore the untouched hidden secret of the every fold in Peppara Sanctuary.

Home to a auspicious variety of flora and fauna, the Sanctuary blessed with the sights of elephant herds, sambars, barking deers, wild boars and many species of animals wandering around in their natural habitat. The plenty of birds including rare species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, White bellied Treepie, and the Small Sunbird are found flying around the trees.

The Peppara Dam is located nearby is also an ideal trekking spot for a birds eye views of the breathtaking forestry. Another trek for scintillating Vazhuvanthol Falls, which mesmerizing for ever in memory for cherishing long among famous forests in Kerala.

How To Reach

Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport and rail station Thiruvananthapuram around 50km. Buses and cars are available from there to Peppara.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary from October to March.

7. Marayoor Sandalwood Forest is Mind Blowing Among Famous Forests In Kerala

Marayoor is famous and only Sandalwood forest in Western Ghat range among famous forests in Kerala. The forest located just 40 km from Munnar on the eastern side of Western Ghat and famous for aromatic sandalwood trees, sugarcane firms and sandalwood factories.

Marayoor is a pristine forest, most popular for tourists and best place for trekking through exploring the jungle for adventure seekers. The lush green tea plantation and rain shadow trees, maintain the atmosphere of Marayoor, cool and refreshing. The production of Sugarcane high in the region.

The Sandalwood Forest of Marayoor is home for 65000 high quality sandalwood trees. Tourists should visit the ‘Sandalwood Regeneration Experimental Plot,’ to know about sandalwood experimental methods, which is run by the State Forest Department.

The tourists can also get knowledge about processing of sandalwood in the forest and take a stroll in the jungle, only after taking permission from the Forest Department. Pamber River, originates from Anamudi hills, flows between the villages of Marayoor and Kanthalloor, that enhances the beauty of the forest.

Another attraction of the place is 2 prehistoric site called Ezhuthupara and Muniyara which has some large burial chambers belonging to 2000 years old megalithic age. Ezhuthupara has prehistoric cave paintings, evidence of the legendary wandering of ‘Rama and Sita’ and ‘Pandava’ inside the caves.

How to Reach

From Munnar it is just 40 km by road. Nearest Airport Coimbatore and rail station Palani.

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit the place from October to January.

8. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is Exotic Among Famous Forests In Kerala

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a rain forest among famous forests in Kerala. Located just 6 km from Sultan Bathery, connects Nagarhole and Bandipur parks in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of 345 sq km, is a home for exotic flora and faunas.

The Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1973 and also brought under the Project Elephant in the year 1991-92. It is known as the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and bio geographically one of the richest tracts of peninsular India.

The bio diversity of Muthunga forests exists of semi evergreen, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests which is adobe of auspicious variety of flora and faunas. Among variety of plants are maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal and animals like elephant, tiger, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys are found shelter here along with birds like peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls and many more.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary devided in to four ranges of Sulthan bathery, Kurichyad, Muthanga and Tholpetty which are separated by plantations. Two eco-tourism centres in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which consist of elephant camp visit, jeep safari, trekking, bird watching, tribal folklore etc.

How to Reach

Nearest airport is Calicut International airport and nearest rail station is Calicut. By road buses and cars are available to Sultan Bathery.

Best Time To visit

Best time to visit the Wayanad forest from october to June.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Ques 1. What is the oldest forest in Kerala ?

Ans 1. Silent Valley National Park Is consider to be the oldest forest among famous forests in Kerala.

Ques 2. What is the famous tree in Kerala ?

Ans 2. Coconut Palm is one of the wander in the world and famous tallest green splendor in Kerala.

Ques 3. Which is the largest forest range in Kerala ?

Ans 3. The largest forest range in Idukki dist. around 3930 sq km areas in the district.

Ques 4. Who is the forest king of Kerala ?

Ans 4. Raman raja Mannan is the forest king of Kerala.

Ques 5. Which is the oldest tree in Kerala ?

Ans 5. The famous ‘Nilambur Tree’ is the oldest in Kerala as well as in the world also.