Wildlife
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Named for its shendurni (wild jasmine) undergrowth, the sanctuary’s evergreen. Semi-evergreen forest shelters elephant, gaur, lion-tailed macaque. A wide range of endemic Western Ghats flora. Forest department-run treks and a suspension bridge over the Kallada reservoir among its main visitor activities. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary sits at an elevation of 381 m. Is typically explored in about 1 day. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, February, and March. Conditions are best suited for sightseeing.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Named for its shendurni (wild jasmine) undergrowth, the sanctuary’s evergreen and semi-evergreen forest shelters elephant, gaur, lion-tailed macaque and a wide range of endemic Western Ghats flora, with forest department-run treks and a suspension bridge over the Kallada reservoir among its main visitor activities. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary sits at an elevation of 381 m and is typically explored in about 1 day. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, February, and March, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Deer Park, Shendurney Lake, and Lion-Tailed Macaque Viewing Point. Other notable highlights include guided trek to Upper Moozhiyar viewpoints, spotting lion-tailed macaques along nature trails, and boating on the calm Shendurney Reservoir. It falls within Kollam, Kollam district, and Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Guided trek to Upper Moozhiyar viewpoints
- Spotting lion-tailed macaques along nature trails
- Boating on the calm Shendurney Reservoir
- Rare endemic flora near Kallar River banks
- Birdwatching for Malabar grey hornbills at dawn
- Visit to the historic Kattilappara viewpoint ruins
Places That Define Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Thenmala Dam
A scenic dam on the Kallada River, offering panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. It’s a popular spot for boating and photography.
Thenmala Eco-Tourism Zone (Treetop Hut)
A raised wooden hut overlooking the forest canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the sanctuary and a chance to spot birds and butterflies. It’s a calm spot for nature lovers.
Getting There
Things To Do
Boat safari on the Shendurney Reservoir
Glide along the calm backwaters of the reservoir formed by the Thenmala Dam, spotting crocodiles, otters, and a variety of water birds like darters and cormorants. The forested hills reflect beautifully on the water, making it a peaceful ride for older travellers.
1.5 hours
Guided trek to the Kallar River viewpoint
Walk along a gentle, well-marked trail through dense evergreen forest to a rocky outcrop overlooking the Kallar River. Your guide will point out medicinal plants, giant squirrels, and sometimes lion-tailed macaques in the canopy.
3 hours
Birdwatching at the Umayar Eco-tourism Zone
Early morning, sit on the wooden deck near the Umayar stream and watch for Malabar trogons, great hornbills, and drongos flitting among the riparian trees. Binoculars are available on loan, and the gentle sounds of the stream make it very relaxing.
2 hours
Interpretive nature walk along the Palaruvi Trail
A flat, 1.5 km loop trail through moist deciduous forest, with signboards explaining the unique “shendurney” (Strychnos nux-vomica) trees that give the sanctuary its name. The trail ends at a small seasonal waterfall, perfect for a picnic break.
2 hours
Visit the Thenmala Dam viewpoint and butterfly garden
Just outside the sanctuary, climb to the dam’s upper lookout for panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. Then stroll through the adjoining butterfly garden, which hosts over 50 species, including the blue mormon and common jezebel.
1.5 hours
Visit the Deer Rehabilitation Centre
A short walk from the sanctuary entrance, this small centre shelters rescued spotted deer and sambar in a semi-natural enclosure. It’s a quiet, shaded spot to observe these animals up close without strenuous walking.
45 minutes
Top Attractions
Thenmala Dam
A scenic dam on the Kallada River, offering panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. It’s a popular spot for boating and photography.
Thenmala Eco-Tourism Zone (Treetop Hut)
A raised wooden hut overlooking the forest canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the sanctuary and a chance to spot birds and butterflies. It’s a calm spot for nature lovers.
Travel Tips
Keep a valid photo ID and check entry permits for group discounts
Every visitor needs a government-issued ID (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence) for entry permits. If you’re a group of 10 or more, ask at the ticket counter about group rates and senior citizen concessions—they often reduce the per-person cost significantly.
Book the official safari vehicle in advance
Shendurney’s jungle safaris are limited and fill up fast, especially during peak season. Reserve your seats through the Kerala Forest Department’s online portal or call the sanctuary office at least 3–4 days ahead, so your group isn’t left waiting at the gate.
Carry your own water and light snacks, but avoid feeding animals
There are no shops inside the sanctuary, and dehydration is a real risk for senior travellers. Bring at least one litre of water per person and some biscuits or fruit, but never offer food to monkeys or other wildlife—it can cause aggressive behaviour.
Start your visit early, by 7:30 a.m.
Wildlife sightings are best in the cool morning hours, and the heat builds quickly by midday. Plan to reach the entry point by 7:30 a.m. to beat the crowd, catch the misty forest ambience, and finish your safari before the sun gets harsh.
Carry a light rain jacket and non-slip footwear
The sanctuary is in a high-rainfall zone, and paths can be slippery even on a dry day. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, and keep a foldable poncho or raincoat handy for sudden showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may spot lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, and occasionally elephants or leopards, but sightings are never guaranteed due to dense forest cover. The sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s delight, with the rare Great Indian hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, and various woodpeckers. Your best chance is to take the morning jeep safari with a naturalist, who knows the regular waterholes and fruiting trees.
Yes, you need a forest entry permit, which costs around ₹50 for Indians and ₹500 for foreign nationals, plus camera fees (₹50 for still, ₹300 for video). For jeep safaris (₹1,200–1,500 per vehicle for up to 6 people) and boat rides, it’s mandatory to book in advance through the Kerala Forest Department website or the Thenmala eco-tourism office, especially on weekends. On weekdays, you can sometimes get a slot at the gate, but it’s risky during peak season (December–January).
The sanctuary is about 66 km from Kollam town and 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, accessible by road via the Thenmala Dam route. For seniors, you can hire a private jeep or an autorickshaw from Thenmala to the entry point, but note that the core jungle trails involve walking on uneven, hilly terrain. If you have mobility issues, stick to the guided boat safari on the reservoir and the short, paved walk near the interpretation centre.
The ideal time is between November and February, when the post-monsoon forest is lush and the weather is pleasantly cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Avoid the heavy monsoon months (June to September) as trails become slippery and many areas are closed for safety. Early mornings are best for wildlife sightings, but carry a light jacket as it can be misty.
Pack sturdy, non-slip walking shoes, long-sleeved shirts and full trousers to protect against leeches and insects, plus a rain poncho and water bottle. Carry your regular medications, a small first-aid kit, and avoid wearing bright colours that may startle animals. Always stay with your guide, do not wander off trails, and inform the forest staff of any health conditions—mobile network is patchy inside the sanctuary, so carry a whistle for emergencies.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 1
Arrive at Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon on a gentle introduction to the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity, including a guided nature walk and a visit to the interpretation center. The evening is reserved for a relaxed boat ride on the reservoir to spot wildlife along the water’s edge.
- Visit the Shendurney Interpretation Centre to learn about the sanctuary’s flora, fauna, and the unique lion-tailed macaque habitat
- Take a guided nature walk on the short trekking trail near the entrance, focusing on birdwatching (hornbills, drongos, and sunbirds)
- Enjoy a slow boat cruise on the Shendurney Reservoir (subject to water levels) to spot crocodiles, otters, and water birds at dusk
Day 2
Begin early with a moderate trek to a scenic viewpoint within the sanctuary, followed by a visit to the famous Umayar Dam area for panoramic views. After a picnic lunch, spend your final hours exploring the lower canopy walk or the medicinal plant garden before departing in the late afternoon.
- Trek the Alwarkurichi trail (approx. 3 km, gentle slope) to the Upper Moozhi viewpoint, offering views of the Agasthyamalai hills and the reservoir
- Visit the Umayar Dam viewpoint and the surrounding evergreen forest edge, where you may spot gaur, sambar deer, or elephants from a safe distance
- Stroll through the sanctuary’s medicinal plant garden and the small bamboo grove near the visitor complex, ideal for photography and slow walks
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