National Parks in Kerala

Kerala has six protected national parks. Each of them offers distinct ecological landscapes ranging from dense tropical rainforests to the unique high-altitude shola grasslands.

1. Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley (237.52 sq. km), Kerala's largest national park, came into existence in 1984. Located near Mannarkkad in the Palakkad district, Silent Valley is the largest rainforest in Kerala. A project proposed by the Kerala State Electricity Board to generate electricity by constructing a dam across the Kunthipuzha River sparked opposition from environmentalists. The demand to protect this region—home to endangered lion-tailed macaques and rare plant species—gained national attention. In 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared an area of ​​89.52 square kilometers as a national park. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated the national park on September 7, 1985. On June 11, 2007, an additional 148 square kilometers was added to Silent Valley National Park as a buffer zone. Lion-tailed macaques are found in areas with tall trees within tropical evergreen forests. Their habitat is restricted to the evergreen forests of South India. According to IUCN estimates, the wild population is fewer than 4,000. The fact that they are found in such a limited area increases the risk of their extinction.

2. Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park was established for the conservation of the endangered Nilgiri tahr (Varayaadu). The park is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, the Neelakurinji—which blooms once every twelve years—is another major attraction here. As it is a protected area, activities like trekking are restricted to designated tourism zones. From Eravikulam National Park, one can view Anamudi, the highest peak in Kerala. Eravikulam National Park is renowned for hosting the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr. It is located very close to Munnar and is hailed as the 'Eco-tourism Capital' of Kerala. 

3. Periyar National Park

The park is declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. Periyar National Park is located in ldukki. The total area is 777 Sq. km. It is popular as an elephant reserve and also as a tiger reserve. The park is also known in the names of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Thekkady. The major wildlife attractions in Periyar National Park include gaur, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild pigs, indian wild dog, lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, nilgiri langur and common langur.

4. Anamudi Shola National Park

Became a National Park in 2003. It covers a total area of 7.5 square kilometers. It is part of the Marayoor village in the Devikulam Taluk in Idukki district. This park receives high rainfall with annual average rainfall of about 4,500 millimeters (180 in). The park contains highly endemic flora, including a plant commonly known as ‘neelakkurinji’ (Strobilanthes kunthiana).

5. Mathikettan Shola National Park

Became a National Park in 2003. Its Area is 12.82 square kilometers. It is situated in Idukki district. Mathikettan area is part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR).

6. Pampadum Shola National Park

Became a National Park in 2003. It is the smallest National Park in the state. It covers only an area of 1.32 sq km. This park is situated in the Marayoor village of Idukki district. It is located in the junction between the Palani and Cardamom Hills. Highly elusive and endangered, endemic small carnivore the Nilgiri Marten is seen here.