3 places to discover
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, established in 1984 and recently renamed as India's first butterfly sanctuary. Spread across 55 sq km on the western slopes of the Western Ghats, it features diverse forest types and rich biodiversity including over 266 butterfly species, elephants, sambar deer, and lion-tailed macaques. The sanctuary offers trekking trails to Meenmutty Falls and Katti Betta peak.
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a large protected area spread along the Cauvery River in southern Karnataka, primarily in Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Ramanagara districts near Kollegal. Notified in 1987 and covering about 1,027 sq km, it protects dry deciduous and riverine forests. It is known for its elephant population, grizzled giant squirrel, leopards, and diverse birdlife, and forms an important wildlife corridor between Bannerghatta and BRT Tiger Reserve.
Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area covering approximately 52 square kilometers on the shores of Jaisamand Lake (Dhebar Lake), located 50 km south of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Established in 1955 and declared a sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, it features dry-deciduous forests dominated by teak and other native species. The sanctuary serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife including leopards, sambar deer, chital, hyenas, and numerous bird species, while also preserving historical palaces built by the Maharanas of Mewar.