When belief culminates with nature, it creates an eternal legend that lives on with the people. And that is the legend of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, named after ‘Chenkurunji’, a place where even nature breathes sanctity, with Nakshatravanam, a nursery of trees, corresponding to 27 constellations, revered by people all over India. Not only does Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary provide scenic views of the majestic Western Ghats with lush green forest and wide lakes resonating the beauty of the evergreen and semi-evergreen forest itself, but this place is also home to 1257 species of flowers and 267 species of birds.
About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Established on 25 August 1984, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, comes under the authority of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. With an artificial lake nestled in the woods of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounded by the exquisite and one-in-itself Thenmala Dam, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over an area of 172.403 square kilometres, offers ethereal views and recreational activities like boating, trekking and bird watching. Also, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary prides itself on the presence of the highly endangered Lion Tailed Macaque and a very rare sighting of the eared Nightjar. India’s first Eco-Tourism project, Thenmala, translated as ‘Honey Hill’, was formulated around this revered wildlife sanctuary in Kollam.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kollam
Things To Do In Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
There are a plethora of things to do in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Here is a well-curated list of captivating activities to make your trip more comfortable.
1. Trekking
To explore a place, one must dive through it; to explore a forest, one must trek through it. That is what Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary offers all of its visitors a chance to explore its daunting wilderness through various trekking programs. First among them is Sky Walk, a soft trekking program of 4 hours that treks you to a vantage point, giving you a view of the gist of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. With the advantage of a perfect altitude, you can soak all the wonders Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary holds. This trek offers an out-of-the-world view of the Parappa Dam and the wildlife it harbours. Another soft trek program, Reservoir Walk, offers much like a casual stroll around the forest. It is one thing to watch nature and another to experience it, to experience its soul, which is what this program offers to all the visitors. The gist of nature itself. Lastly, the Wet N Wild trail is eight hours long and covers 18 km of the forest area. At an elevation of about 1000 m, one is sure to capture the entire forest, with its flora and fauna in their whole living form.
Days when the sun shines upon these dense vegetation see the jungle’s life in its most vibrant form. In contrast, nights when the jungle shushes under the moon, with only nocturnal species quietly wandering through the wilderness, are a whole different experience. And that is what the night trekking program provides: a stroll through the dark woods in the wilderness of the night.
Charges: Rs 400 per person Onwards for Soft Trekking program
Rs 2000 per person Onwards for the Hard Trekking program
Rs 400 per person Onwards for Wet’n Wild Trail
Rs 2000 per person Onwards for Night Trekking
Timings: Reservoir Walk: 8:30 am to 10:30 am, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
2. Jungle Camps
The only way to truly know a place is to live in it and experience it for its originality, and camping in these evergreen woods is just that. To give visitors this heart-enriching experience, the authorities provide different stays in the exquisiteness of nature. Travelling back in time, Idimuzhaganpara Camping will take you back to when peace strived in your daily life. Reaching Idimuzhaganpura camp is an adventure in itself. It is accessible only after a heart-wrenching trek along the trails filled with antiquity the place holds or boating through the ethereal lake amidst the grandeur of the Western Ghats. Along with breathtaking views, the package includes the taste of Kerala, which perfectly serves authentic cuisine.
Trees are the organs of the forest, but their streams are the forest’s soul. Travelling beside the refreshing sound of the streams is a privilege Woody Rockwood camp specializes in. Along with the serenity of nature, the place offers the absolute gem of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, the Lion lion-tailed macaque with Elephants, Sloth Bear, and Nilgiri Langur. The camp finishes off with delicacies of Kerala served to you under the canopies of this dense jungle with a fire blazing to keep you and these cherished moments alive and thriving. Altitude always provides a better perspective, and Kurunthotti Top Hut Camping provides just the perfect elevation for visitors to get a perfect view of the forest in its full vibrancy. With every forest inhabitant right in front of your eyes, you will surely experience what a day in the wild looks like. Like a rose unfurls its beauty one at a time, Rosemala Pallavasaal’s trekking and camping program unfurls its thrill one at a time. With the frivolous streams, grand Western Ghats unfurl Rosemala like delicate petals of rose. The road to the camp is full of adventures and the unexplored beauty of the forest, but the destination holds more with a natural spa, ready to relax you after an adventure.
Charges: Rs 7500 for two persons
Timings: NA
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kollam
3. Boating
Image Credit: Kannanshanmugam for Wikimedia Commons
Travelling through the exotic land full of different varieties of species is wonderful, but travelling through vast spaces of water while gazing at the majestic mountains and hearing the sounds of birds echoing through the forest is another level of serenity. You can also experience this divine serenity by boating on the various lakes of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
While boating, you might witness the place’s wide range of flora and fauna. The place is home to the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-bellied Treepie and Great Indian Hornbill.
Charges: Rs 300 per person
Timings: Early mornings and Late Evenings
Best Time To Visit
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity treasure house; you can explore its rich flora and fauna by visiting. However, the best time to visit is during the winter, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and much more pleasant. The place must not be visited during the monsoon due to muddy and slippery trails that might cause inconvenience in trekking and many other recreational activities.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala
Places To Visit Near Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
There are many places to visit near Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary; here is a list of handpicked destinations to make the most out of your trip.
1. Palaruvi Falls
Image Credit: Akhilsunnithan for Wikimedia Commons
Palaruvi Falls, translated as ‘Stream of Milk, ’ stands true to its name, with the milky froth it forms as it cascades down the majestic hills. Nature never fails to mesmerize us with its glory, but when the people’s beliefs accompany nature, it becomes magical, and so is the water of Palaruvi Falls. The clear and refreshing waters of the fall hold healing properties, and people from all over India visit the serene place to dip in the sacred waters. Falling from a height of over 300 feet, the place is surrounded by the Kalanda River, with mist-covered mountains standing as a guard to protect the serenity of the place.
Charges – Rs 25 per person
Timings – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
2. Jatayu’s Earth Center
Image Credit: BinoBose for Wikimedia Commons
When nature mingles with history and history mingles with architecture, it creates an architectural marvel oozing antiquity at its best. And that is what Jatayu’s sculpture, spanning four hills, depicts – Legacy culminating with nature. This world’s largest bird sculpture is accessible to visitors through cable cars. This architectural marvel also harbours a 6D theatre and a museum underneath its walls. This splendid tourist attraction not only harbours history but adventure as well, with various experiences like Burma Bridges, Commando Nets, Chimney Climbing or Side Jhoola. With breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the sculpture and a plethora of activities for you to experience, the visit to this place is totally worth your time.
Charges: Rs 400 per person
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Suggested Read: Resorts Near Thenmala
3. Varkala Beach
Image Credit: BinoBose for Wikimedia Commons
Also known as mini Goa, Varkala beach is one of the most stunning attractions of Kerala. After spending time in the dense forest of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Varkala Beach provides the perfect contrast to your journey, with the blue waves of the ocean crashing onto the terrain of Kerala. With the backdrop of the Western Ghats, the experience is even more refreshing. With blue waves and a gentle breeze, the waters of Varkala also carry religious beliefs with them. The waters of the Varkala beach are famous for their medicinal and curative properties. The locals popularly call it the ‘Papanasam Beach’, consolidating on the belief that the beach’s waters wash away the impurities of the human souls.
Charges: No fees
Timings: Open 24 hours
Further Read: Places to Visit In Wayanad
The land of Thenmala is a land of legends. Legends that have found their home in the chastity of nature, legends that have people tied to this place. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is the heart of Thenmala, which has purity of nature and firmness of belief. However, the best way to dive deeper into this land of culture and untouched beauty is to live in it. And you can do it now by booking your next .trip to Kerala
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Cover Image credit : By Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Which animal is protected in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary?
Lion Tailed Macaque, an endemic species, is protected in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.If you happen to meet this gorgeous creature in the sanctuary, you will notice their black hair, silver-white maine, surrounding the head from the cheeks down to its chin.
Which Biosphere Reserve is Shendurney part of?
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats, located in Kollam district of Kerala, is part of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. The area was established in 1984 and has about more than 173 sq km of total area.
Which is the first eco tourist center in Kerala?
Thenmala is the first eco tourist center in Kerala. Located in Kollam district, Thenmala was set up as India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, renowned for its unique blend of ecological and tourism development.
Which river flows through Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary?
Shendurney River, a tributary of Kallada river, flows through Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and plays a significant role in preserving the ecosystem of the sanctuary. The river is the source for providing water for the flourishing of the rich biodiversity in the sanctuary.
Which district is Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary located in?
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kollam district of Kerala. Located in the southern part of Kerala, Kollam is famous for its scenic backwaters, lush greenery and open blue skies. Other attractions of Kollam are Ashtamudi Lake, Palaruvi Waterfalls, and eco-tourism hub Thenmala.
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