A Guide to Munnar's Butterfly Sanctuaries

1. A Guide to Munnar's Butterfly Sanctuaries

2. Munnar, a naturalist's paradise, lies tucked away in Kerala's Western Ghats. Some of the best butterfly sanctuaries in India can be found in this charming town, which is well-known for its verdant green tea plantations, foggy hills, and tranquil scenery. Photography enthusiasts and butterfly enthusiasts will find these sanctuaries to be a photographer's dream come true, providing a window into the colourful and delicate world of these amazing creatures. This is a how-to guide for visiting and optimising your time in Munnar's butterfly sanctuaries.

3. Why Munnar for Butterfly Watching? Butterflies find a perfect home in Munnar's distinctive ecology, which boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Due to its favourable temperature and profusion of blooming plants, the area is a popular travel destination for butterfly aficionados, drawing in a wide variety of butterfly species. Munnar's butterfly sanctuaries offer a captivating experience, featuring a range of species from common to uncommon and unusual.

4. Top Butterfly Sanctuaries in Munnar • Eravikulam National Park In addition to being home to the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is also a butterfly hotspot. More than 100 different species of butterflies, including rare and indigenous ones, can be found in the park. The park's verdant meadows and shola trees make for a beautiful setting for seeing butterflies. Among many other butterflies, visitors may see the indigenous Red Disc Bushbrown and the Southern Birdwing, which is the largest butterfly in India.

5. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Another great place for butterfly fans to visit is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is roughly 60 miles from Munnar. This refuge is renowned for having a wide variety of ecosystems, from moist meadows to dry, prickly shrubs. Rich butterfly populations, such as the Malabar Banded Swallowtail and the Travancore Evening Brown, are sustained by the diverse environments. There are guided walks available at the sanctuary that pass through areas abundant in butterflies.

6. Kurinjimala Sanctuary The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is a butterfly haven that was created largely to safeguard the once-blooming Neelakurinji plant. The montane woods and high-altitude meadows inside the sanctuary provide ideal habitat for a variety of butterfly species. When Neelakurinji blooms, visitors can see a beautiful sight as butterflies swarm around the blooming plants.

7. Best Time to Visit The monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, which run from June to November, are the best times to explore Munnar's butterfly sanctuaries. The foliage is thick during this time of year, and a wide variety of butterflies are drawn to the profusion of flowers. Since butterflies are most active in the morning when the sun is not too strong, this is the best time of day to see them.

8. Tips for Butterfly Watching • Wear light-coloured clothes: Butterflies are less likely to be disturbed by light-coloured clothing. • Move slowly and quietly: Sudden movements can scare butterflies away. • Bring a good camera: A camera with a macro lens will help you capture detailed shots of butterflies. • Use a field guide: A butterfly identification guide will enhance your experience and knowledge.

9. Where to Stay Select lodging near the sanctuaries to maximise your butterfly-watching experience. Many resorts in Munnar provide cosy accommodations and convenient access to these natural refuges. In addition to offering a tranquil getaway, staying in a resort surrounded by nature will raise the likelihood that you may see butterflies right outside your door.