The Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary is located in the south-western Indian state of Keralaat Kollam. The sanctuary is located on the Kollam Shencotta road at a distance of about 70 kilometres from the Kollam town. The forest of Shenduruney was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1984 and encompasses within itself a protected area 171 sq. kilometres.
The sanctuary is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and is controlled by it too. The name Shenduruney is actually derived from the Chengurinji tree which is an endemic flora of the forest that is found in abundance.
Flora and Fauna
The flora of the forest is mostly tropical evergreen trees however a mix of deciduous trees can also be found. The forest also has a number of shrubs and herbs growing in the areas nearby the river Chenthuruni that flows through the sanctuary.
The surroundings of the sanctuary have steep and rugged peaks which have vegetation that varies from shrub lands and deciduous forests. An artificial lake which extends over an area of 26 sq. kilometres has been formed by the Parappara dam.
This water body is surrounded by a mix of moist, mixed deciduous forests. One of the most prominent trees that one can find here is the Chengurinji tree which is endemic to this area and the sanctuary’s name is a derivation of it.
The fauna of the sanctuary is highly diversified and includes different species of mammals, reptiles, aviary creatures and amphibians. Some of the mammals that one can spot when here are tigers, leopards, elephants, bisons, sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, Nilgiri Langur and wild boars etc.
In terms of birds, it is home to some of the highly endangered species such as the lion tailed macaque, the elusive Great Ear Nightjar, bulbuls, forest pigeons, kingfishers and various others endemic species of birds.
The forest is also home to various species of snakes, lizards and frogs. One of the most elusive and beautiful snakes belonging to the viper family known as the Hump nosed viper can also be found here.
Activities
The Rock Shelter- recent archaeological discovery of a rock shelter has been made here. This rock shelter has a few pre-historic paintings and engravings that are believed to date back to the period between 5210 BC and 442 BC which is considered to be the Mesolithic period. Trekking and Hiking- the surround hills are steep and rugged making it ideal for hiking.
The views that one can see from atop these small hillocks are simply breathtaking. Parappara Dam- this dam has been built across the Shenduruney and Kulathupuzha River creating an artificial lake that extends over an area of 26 sq. kilometres. it is a majestic sight to see and will definitely calm your nerves with its serenity.
Accommodations and Restaurants
Some of best places to stay when visiting would be The Vaidya (Residency Road), Hotel Sea Bee (Jetty Road), Tamarind KTDC (Ashramom), Hotel Comfort Regency (NH-47 near KSRTC bus stand) etc. To eat in you could go to Clafouti (9.6 kms away), Secret Garden Restaurant (9.7 kms away), Sea Queen (9.8 kms away), Spice Garden (9.8 kms away) and Little Tibet (9.9 kms away).
Best time of Visit
The ideal time to visit would be the months of March to July when the weather is dry and clear. It is also ideal for jungle trekking and photography.
Getting There
The nearest railway station is that of Shengottai, Tamil Nadu which is located about 15 kms away from the sanctuary while the nearest airport is that of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is located 53 kilometres away.
