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.
State: Kerala
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
December, January, February, March
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.