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Kerala is home to several national parks that are located in the Western Ghats region. The national parks in Kerala are known for their unique flora and fauna and attract visitors from all over the world. The National Parks in Kerala are also an important part of the state’s efforts to conserve and protect its natural heritage. They provide a habitat for several endemic and endangered species and offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Kerala’s natural landscapes.
Read about: Jim Corbett National Park
How many National Parks are there in Kerala?
Kerala has a total of six national parks, each offering a unique and diverse array of flora and fauna. These protected areas are situated in the picturesque landscapes of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills
Largest National Park of Kerala
The largest national park in Kerala is Eravikulam National Park, which spans 97 km² along the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Established in 1978, it showcases diverse ecosystems, including rolling shola forests and grasslands. South India’s highest mountain,
Smallest National Park in Kerala
Kerala’s smallest national park is Pampadum Shola National Park, which covers a mere 1.32 square kilometres in the eastern South-Western Ghats. Established in 2003, it harbours endangered flora and fauna. The park boasts rich biodiversity and dense forests despite its size, making it a vital conservation area within the Western Ghats.
National Parks in Kerala Map
A map of national parks in Kerala can help visitors plan their itinerary and explore the unique flora and fauna of each park. Here is a look at it.
Read about: Kaziranga National Park
List of National Parks in Kerala
Here is the complete List of National Parks in Kerala given below:
S. No | Name | Location | Unique Flora | Unique Fauna |
1 | Silent Valley National Park | It is located in the Nilgiri Hills, in the state of Kerala. It is situated in the Palakkad district and covers an area of 237.52 square kilometers. | The national park is home to a variety of flora and fauna species. It is known for its tropical evergreen rainforest and is home to several rare and endangered plant species such as the orchid, ferns, and the Indian gooseberry tree. | The park is home to a wide range of fauna including several endangered and rare species such as the Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Pangolin, and Nilgiri Langur. |
2 | Eravikulam National Park | It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It covers an area of 97 square kilometers and is situated on the Western Ghats. | The national park is home to a variety of flora species, including the endangered Neelakurinji flower that blooms once every 12 years. Other unique species of flora include the Anamudi Peak Grass and the Kurinji. | The national park is home to several endangered and rare species of fauna such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Muntjac, Indian Porcupine, and the Indian Giant Squirrel. |
3 | Anamudi Shola National Park | It is a proposed national park in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is situated on the slopes of the Anamudi Peak, which is the highest peak in South India. | The park is known for its unique vegetation, which includes several species of evergreen forests, shola forests, and grasslands. Some of the unique plant species found here include the Neelakurinji, Strobilanthes, and Rhododendron. | The national park is home to several species of fauna such as the Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, and the Nilgiri Langur. It is also home to several bird species such as the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-bellied Shortwing, and the Nilgiri Flycatcher. |
4 | Pampadum Shola National Park | It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, near the town of Vattavada. It covers an area of 1.32 square kilometers and is part of the Western Ghats. | The national park is known for its shola-grassland ecosystem and is home to several species of flora such as the Pampadum Shola orchid and the white balsam. | The national park is home to several species of fauna such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Porcupine, and the Indian Muntjac. It is also home to several bird species such as the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and the Grey-headed Bulbul. |
5 | Mathikettan Shola National Park | It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and covers an area of 12.82 square kilometers. It is situated on the Western Ghats and is home to several rare and endemic species. | The national park is known for its tropical evergreen forests and is home to several species of flora such as the Vernonia, Costus, and Strobilanthes. | The national park is home to several species of fauna such as the Indian Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Langur, and the Tiger. It is also home to several bird species such as the Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Treepie, and the Great Hornbill. |
6 | Periyar National Park | It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and covers an area of 925 square kilometers. It is situated in the Western Ghats and is known for its biodiversity. | The national park is home to a variety of flora species, including the endemic Pincushion plant. It also has several medicinal plants and spices such as cardamom and pepper. | The national park is known for its population of the Indian Elephant and is also home to several other species of fauna such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, and the Nilgiri Tahr. It is also home to several bird species such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson-backed Sunbird, and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. |
Read about: National Parks in Assam
National Parks in Kerala UPSC
The National Parks in Kerala is an important topic for the UPSC exam as they are a significant part of the state’s efforts to conserve and protect its natural heritage. Knowledge about the unique flora and fauna found in these parks can help aspirants score well in the environment and ecology-related topics that are mentioned in UPSC Syllabus. Additionally, understanding the conservation policies and challenges faced by these national parks can also help aspirants answer questions related to governance and environmental policies in India.
Read about: National Parks in India