Kerala is one of India's most biodiverse states, cradled by the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
* **National Parks:** **Eravikulam National Park** (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years) and **Silent Valley National Park** (one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests). * **Wildlife Sanctuaries:** **Periyar Tiger Reserve** in Thekkady is famous for its wild elephant herds and boat safaris. **Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary** is a crucial habitat for tigers, elephants, and leopards. * **Bird Sanctuaries:** **Kumarakom** and **Thattekad** attract migratory birds and ornithology enthusiasts.
