Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam (Quilon), Kerala India

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kollam district of Kerala, derives its name from Shenduruny tree, which grows in abundance here. The sanctuary was established in 1984. The sanctuary is situated in Pathanapuram, which is located 66 km from the main Kollam town. The park is located by the highway of Kollam-Shencotta. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 100.32 km. It used to fall under the jurisdiction of Thenmala Forest Division before its commemoration.

It has been recently found that there is Stone Age caves located at the north-western part of the Shenduruny River. This study has enlightened the scholars about the fact that the Shenduruny River Valley Civilization is one of the ancient River Valley Civilizations explored till date in India. This is because these excavations date back to 5210 BC - 4420 BC, which means these are much older than the Indus Valley Civilization, which is believed to have flourished from 4400 to 3700 BC. The cave paintings seen here are comparable to the Mesolithic paintings found in the caves of central India.

There is plenty of scope for trekking in this particular part of the Western Ghats. Trekkers would find many different landscapes along with small mountain ranges around the sanctuary area. Taking a walk in the lush greens is also a viable option, as you may come across a wild beast or some other avifauna.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala located at a distance of 63 Km from Kollam. This was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 25-Aug-1984. The name Shenduruny was originated from an endemic species of tree called Chenkurunji (Gluta travancorica).

Shenduruny Wildlife SanctuaryThe Wildlife Sanctuary has very long history. The history of Shenduruny dates back to older than the Indus valley (4400 - 3700 BC). A big cave found on the northwestern part of the Shenduruny river has remains as a witness of the stone age culture that dates back to the Mesolithic period.

The Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary has spread over 100.32 Sq km. The Parappar dam has been built across the merger of two rivers Shenduruny as well as Kulathupuzha has resulted in the formation of the artificial lake of approximately 26 sq km.

The wildlife of Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary include Bonnet Macaque, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Macaque, Wild Boar, Indian Giant Squirrel, Three-Striped Palm Squirrel, Lion-Tailed Elephant, Mouse Deer, Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Langur and many more fauna.

Located in Pathanapuram Taluk, 66 kms from Kollam Town on the Kollam - Shencotta Road, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the richest floral areas of Kerala. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it covers a total area of 100.32 sq.kms. The name Shenduruny is derived from the tree called 'Shenkuruny or Chenkuruny' (Gluta travancorica) mainly found in this region.

The fauna status of the valley was found acceptable and the Government declared it as a wildlife sanctuary in August 25, 1984, as per the recommendations of the Quilon Circle Committee report. Now this comes under the hiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division. At the centre of the sanctuary lies an artificial lake of about 26 sq.kms. formed by the Thenmala (Parappar) Dam built across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers.