Give your heart a change of mood by visiting the exotic wildlife destinations of South India and see amazing creatures of nature from close quarter. This region of India is famous the world over for its mesmerizing beaches and backwaters but it also takes pride in its worth-a-visit wildlife destinations. Here you can also treat your eyes to some of the endangered wildlife species. So are you ready to treat your senses to fantastic sights!

Some of the famous wildlife destinations in South India are:

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its elephant population. Sprawling over an area of 77 sq km, the sanctuary also houses a variety of wildlife species such as tiger, elephant, deer, Jungle Cat, langur, leopard, wild boar, Jungle Fowl, myna, Black Bulbul, barking deer, woodpecker, kingfisher, cobra, viper and krait. Here you can also sight a variety of beautiful birds. The sanctuary also greets visitors with sheer scenic beauty and a lake.
Best time to visit: From December to April.

Eravikulam National Park
It is one of the most famous Parks of South India as it a home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and has its highest population. Its rich bio-diversity attracts tourists from far and wide. Other wildlife species spotted here are elephants, leopards, wild boar, sloth bear, Nilgiri langurs, tiger, civets and many more. A variety of butterflies and moth are also found in the Park. Atlas Moth, the largest moth in the world is found here. Visit Anamudi, the highest peak of south of Himalayas, which is located in this Park. The peak offers breath-taking views of the lush green surroundings. Be ready with your binoculars as the Park boasts of wonderful birds like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Yellow- Throated, White Bellied Shortwing, Black-and-orange Flycatcher.
Best time to visit: From September to February.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Ideally located on the banks of the arresting Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a paradise of colorful birds. Here you can spot both native and migratory birds, including the endangered Siberian Cranes. Also enjoy boat ride in the lake.
Best Time to visit: From November to February.

Periyar Tiger Reserve
Covering an area of 777 sq km, Periyar Tiger Reserve shelters enchanting wildlife such as  tiger, panther, elephant, Lion Tailed Macaque, gaur, barking deer, Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Laughing Trush, Ceylon Frog Moth and wild dog, cormorant, darter, egret and Pied Kingfisher etc. There is a lake in the sanctuary, which serves as a promising site for wildlife sighting.
Best Time to visit: From September to March

Bandhipur National Park
One of the finest habitat of elephants, Bhandhipur National Park is a Tiger Reserve with a good population of tigers. Its flora, wildlife and the Moyar river are its major attractions. Here one can sight sandalwood trees and rare species of flora. This Park is under consideration by UNESCO to be selected as a World Heritage Site.
Best Time to visit: From March to August.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The main highlight of this sanctuary is the avian species. A variety of animal species are also found here. Located at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, this sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Other attractions in this region are:

• The Elephant Feeding Camp
• Museum
• Moyar River
• Kallatty Falls
• Pykara Lake