The elephant is the symbol of the Government of Kerala, symbolising the links that this magnificent animal and its habitat has with the people of this land. The forests have been closely associated with the customs, traditions and social life of Kerala for centuries. The forests in Kerala are indeed some of the most magnificent and varied found anywhere in the world.

The Western Ghats, the natural mountain barriers of Kerala, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are home to the majority of Kerala's forests and wildlife.

Not long ago, these forests made a contiguous path for animal migration. But the unrestricted migration of vast populations from the plains in search of cultivable lands during the 50's and 60's saw the alarming denudation of the forest cover and along with it the destruction of wildlife.

Where once the elephants roamed freely are now farmlands and this has invariably lead to encounters with disastrous results. There is however, a ray of hope with the environmental movement getting an upper hand to stop the plunder of these forests.

The Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala now are the only protected enclaves for the wildlife and the exceptionally good management of some of these is cause for hope and optimism.

The Wildlife Parks, reserves, sanctuaries and National Parks stretch from the southern tip of Kerala to the Northern Border with Karnataka. They are listed Above, starting from the South.