South India Tiger Reserve in Kerala, a Wildlife Conservation Project was started in 1972 to protect the Royal Bengal Tigers. It was launched on April 1 , 1973 and it became one of the most successful conservation projects in modern history. It is home to a variety of wild animals like elephants , sambar , tigers , gaur , lion-tailed macaques , birds and Nilgiri langurs . There are 62 species of mammals, 314 species of birds which includes the migratory birds, there are 43 species of reptiles which include monitor lizard, fresh water tortoise, snakes, and there are about 38 species of fishes which include lepidopygopsis, mahseer, Tor khudri.

Tourist Attractions in Kerala – Tourists can go trekking, hiking or take to bamboo rafting provided by the Forest Department. Private as well as Government agencies promote adventure tourism. They can stay at eco lodge to have a feel of nature. Plantation tourism is also promoted where people can learn to cultivate spices on their own. Thekkadi is known to be the heaven of natural spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, chilly, tamarind etc.