Soma Seven Springs Resort Munnar | Luxury Nature Retreat

Wildlife Sighting Opportunities

For all wildlife enthusiasts, Munnar is a wonderful place to explore. From wild elephants and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr to wild bison, the region is blessed with a rich diversity of wildlife living in its natural habitat. You may even spot herds of wild elephants on your way to Echo Point or while driving to Soma Seven Springs Resort.
Munnar is also a paradise for birdwatchers and herpetologists, with plenty of lesser-explored forests and offbeat locations offering rewarding opportunities to observe birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the wild.

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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – Approx. 50 km (1.5–2 hours)

Take a full-day trip to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the unique hotspots for birding and wildlife in the region. Located about 50 kms from Soma Seven Springs Resort, the sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including wild bison (gaur), elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, langurs, giant squirrels, and numerous bird species. If you're lucky, you may even spot a leopard.
The best way to explore the sanctuary is on a guided trek organised by the Kerala Forest Department, offering a chance to experience a completely different side of Munnar with its dry forests and rugged landscapes. Most treks are conducted in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM) and afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM).
Along with it, you can also do the Thoovanam Waterfalls Trek, one of the best-kept secrets in the area. This 2-to-3-hour moderate hike through the forest leads you to the beautiful Thoovanam Waterfalls on the Pambar River. The trek is guided by the Forest Department and is a great experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
For those interested in history and archaeology, don't miss the Muniyara Trek in the same sanctuary. This guided 3-hour trek takes you to ancient stone dolmens or ‘Muniyaras’, believed to be over 2,000 years old. These prehistoric burial chambers offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the region's earliest inhabitants.

Anakulam – Kerala's Remarkable Village Where Nature and Wildlife Thrive Together

Hidden amidst the lush forests of Kerala's Idukki district, Anakulam is a peaceful village renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and extraordinary relationship with wild elephants. this [This] scenic destination is surrounded by evergreen forests, rolling hills, sparkling streams, and untouched wilderness, offering visitors an authentic experience of Kerala's rich biodiversity.

The name Anakulam, meaning "Elephant Pond," reflects the village's most fascinating natural attraction. Wild elephants regularly visit the river that flows through the village to drink its naturally mineral-rich water. Local belief suggests that minerals released from the rocky riverbed give the water a unique taste that attracts these magnificent animals. Visitors can often witness elephants peacefully gathering along the riverbanks, creating one of Kerala's most memorable wildlife experiences.

For generations, the people of Anakulam have lived alongside these gentle giants with mutual respect and understanding. This rare coexistence between humans and elephants has made the village a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable encounter with Kerala's wilderness.

With its tranquil atmosphere, pristine rivers, scenic waterfalls, and remarkable wildlife, Anakulam offers a truly unique escape into nature and stands as one of Kerala's hidden gems.

Eravikulam National Park – Where Nature Reaches New Heights

Located in the majestic Western Ghats of Kerala, Eravikulam National Park is one of India's most treasured protected landscapes. Spanning the high-altitude hills of Idukki and Ernakulam districts, the park is renowned for its rolling grasslands, mist-covered mountains, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking panoramic views. Just a short drive from Munnar, it is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers.

The park is best known as the largest natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat found only in the Western Ghats. Visitors often have the opportunity to observe these graceful animals roaming freely across the rocky slopes and open grasslands in their natural environment.

Eravikulam is also home to Anamudi Peak, the highest mountain in South India, rising to an elevation of 2,695 metres. Its unique ecosystem supports a remarkable variety of endemic plants, birds, butterflies, and wildlife, making the park an ecological treasure.

Muniyara – A Journey into Kerala's Prehistoric Past

Located in the picturesque village of Marayoor in Kerala's Idukki district, Muniyara is a fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into life thousands of years ago. These ancient megalithic dolmens are stone burial monuments believed to date back over 2,000 years, showcasing the remarkable engineering skills and cultural traditions of early civilizations that once inhabited the Western Ghats.

Built using large stone slabs with a massive capstone, the Muniyaras served as burial chambers and are considered among Kerala's most important prehistoric monuments. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes, the site combines history with natural beauty, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

Marayoor is equally famous for its rare natural sandalwood forests, ancient rock paintings, and scenic trekking trails, offering visitors a unique blend of archaeology, culture, and wilderness. A visit to Muniyara provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of Kerala's oldest surviving heritage sites while enjoying the tranquil charm of the Western Ghats.

Varayadu (Nilgiri Tahr) – The Pride of Munnar

The Varayadu, also known as the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), is Kerala's official state animal and one of the most iconic wildlife species of the Western Ghats. This endangered mountain goat is admired for its remarkable agility, effortlessly navigating steep rocky cliffs and high-altitude grasslands.

Eravikulam National Park, located about 15 km from Munnar, is home to the world's largest population of Nilgiri Tahrs, making it the best place to observe them in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy a scenic shuttle bus ride followed by a short walk through designated viewing areas, where these magnificent animals can often be seen grazing peacefully against the stunning backdrop of misty mountains and rolling hills.

Neelakurinji Bloom

Munnar is the most famous destination to witness the Neelakurinji bloom. The hill station, known for its rolling tea plantations and mist-covered mountains, becomes even more enchanting during the blooming season. Popular spots in Munnar to view the Neelakurinji include Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala, and Koviloor.

One of the park's most spectacular natural events is the blooming of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a rare wildflower that transforms the hillsides into a breathtaking blanket of bluish-purple once every twelve years. This extraordinary phenomenon attracts visitors from around the world, creating an unforgettable visual experience. The previous bloom occurred in 2018, and the next mass flowering is expected around 2030. With its pristine landscapes, exceptional wildlife, cool mountain climate, and unforgettable scenery, Eravikulam National Park offers an inspiring journey into the heart of Kerala's natural heritage.