Wildlife photography

Wildlife photography is regarded as one of the more challenging forms of photography. As well as needing sound technical skills, such as being able toexpose correctly, wildlife photographers generally need good field craft skills.

               The beautiful state of Kerala is blessed with exotic jungles turned into wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that foster some of the best species in the world. Plan a wildlife tour of Kerala and explore some of the great wildlife hubs.

The jungles of Kerala are very popular for a varieties of species of flora and fauna. Plan a wildlife tours to some of the best preserved wildlife sanctuaries in the country and sight some of the most ferocious animals in their natural habitat. The most popular wildlife national parks in Kerala are -

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Claimed to be the domain of the tigers, Periyar Tiger Reserve is located around 55 kms from Coimbatore and is easily accessible from all over the state. The wildlife park is famous for tigers and elephants while tourists can also sight Lion-Tailed Macaques, Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Laughing Trush and Ceylon Frog Moth. Boating, Jeep safari and elephant safari are a few exciting adventure options that one should not miss. The best time to visit this wildlife hub is from the months of September to March. Park is open for public visit from 6 am to 6 pm. Boat safaris can be taken inside the park and its timings are 7, 9, 11 am & 2 and 4 pm. Entrance fee is Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 300 for foreign nationals. Other charges includes Cameras  Rs. 25 (still) & Rs. 200 (video), Vehicle entry - Rs. 50, Boat ride - KTDC Rs. 110 (upper deck), Rs. 55 (lower deck), Rs. 350/trip for a small 2 seater boat.

2. Idduki National Park - At a distance of 40 kms from Thodupuzha, sprawls the Idduki National Park famous for its rare species of migratory birds and various options of safari offered inside the park. Visit during the months of September and October when the adjoining Idduki Arch Dam is flooded with water and creates a ethereal ambiance. park is open from 7 am to 5 pm and entrance fee is Rs 15 for Indian and Rs 200 for foreigners. There is a forest bus that charges Rs 20 per head to take around the wildlife park.

3. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Idyllically located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, tourists come here to enjoy bird watching some exclusive and rare species of avian family. Some of the most exotic birds one can sight here are Siberian Cranes, Egrets, Flycatchers, Teals and Herons Water Ducks. Motorboats rides and houseboat cruises can also be enjoyed here. The bird sanctuary is just 16 kms form Kottayam and can be visited during the months of November to February. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is open for public from 6 in the morning till 6:30 in the evening and charge Rs 5 (Indian) and Rs 45 (foreigners) as entrance fee. 

4. Silent Valley National Park - It is one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in India flooded by colorful birds and beautiful butterflies. It is located around 40 Kms from Mannarkkad and can be visited from September to March.Tourists can enjoy elephant as well as jeep safari to see animals like Lion-Tailed Macaques, Tigers, Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Laughing Trush, Ceylon Frog Moth. Tourists are allowed inside the park only from 8 am to 2 pm as it takes approximately one and a half hours to reach the valley. To go inside the park vehicles can be hired from MUkkali. Their charges are Rs 650 for the vehicle. Entrance charges are Rs 50 per head and guide takes around Rs 150. While vehicle entry is Rs 250, they charge another Rs 50 for still camera.

5. Wayanad Wildlife Reserve - Some of the animals that tourists can enjoy sighting here are Elephant , Bison, Spotted Deer, Tiger, Leopard, Bear and Wild Boar. Best visited during June to October, it is located just 110 kms from Calicut and easily accessible from all over the state. The park timings are from 6 am to 9 am and then from 3 pm to 6 pm. Entrance fee is Rs 10 for Indiana nationals and Rs 100 for foreigners. Camera charges are Rs 150 while guides charge Rs 200. One can also hire a jeep to go inside that park that cost Rs 250.  

Kerala, the land of God, is a beautiful patch of green that is covered with jungles and woods, thus providing excellent habitat for a variance of fauna. Besides the above mentioned wildlife hubs, there are many other parks that deserve special mention. Some of the lesser known but equally abundant wildlife parks in Kerala includes Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Nayyer Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary.