Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (ശെന്തുരുണി വന്യജീവി സങ്കേതം) — The Ancient Chenkurinji Realm

1. Geography: The Sole Sanctuary of the Chenkurinji Tree

Nestled in the lush, southern evergreen folds of the Western Ghats in eastern Kollam district, approximately 66 kilometres from Kollam city, the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (ശെന്തുരുണി വന്യജീവി സങ്കേതം) is one of the most botanically unique protected bio-reserves in South Asia. Covering an area of 171 square kilometres, the sanctuary forms an indispensable core corridor of the UNESCO-designated Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.

The sanctuary derives its poetic Malayalam name directly from its flagship botanical treasure: the Chenkurinji tree (Gluta travancorica), known locally as Shenkurunji. Belonging to the cashew family (Anacardiaceae), this colossal, magnificent evergreen tree—distinguished by its dark grey scaly bark, dark green leathery leaves, and deep blood-red heartwood—is strictly endemic to the river valleys of the southern Western Ghats. In fact, Shendurney is the only place on the planet where viable wild populations of this ancient tree survive in their natural habitat.

The Chenkurinji produces an aromatic, resinous sap traditionally harvested by indigenous Kani tribes for medicinal fumigation, while its dense timber possesses remarkable resistance to termites and rot. In recent years, climate change and fragmentation have severely impacted its natural seed germination, prompting the Kerala Forest Department to launch "Save Chenkurinji" conservation campaigns to propagate thousands of saplings in specialized forest nurseries.

2. The Parappar Dam Reservoir & Aquatic Life

At the geographical heart of Shendurney lies the sprawling artificial reservoir created by the Parappar Dam, constructed across the confluence of the Shendurney, Kazhuthurutti, and Kulathupuzha rivers as part of the Kallada Irrigation Project in 1986. Covering approximately 26 square kilometres of winding, fjord-like waterways enclosed by steep jungle-clad mountain slopes, the reservoir provides the visual and ecological focal point of the sanctuary.

The Forest Department operates daily guided wildlife boat safaris across the reservoir departing from the Thenmala Dam jetty. Cruising silently past submerged tree snags and quiet bays, visitors can spot herds of wild Asian elephants (*Elephas maximus*) emerging from the dense bamboo undergrowth to drink and bathe in the shallows, while Indian gaur, sambar deer, and wild boars forage along the grassy banks.

The reservoir and its feeder mountain torrents support rich freshwater aquatic ecosystems, including over 40 species of native river fish, smooth-coated otters, and marsh mugger crocodiles that bask on sun-warmed rocks. The calm waters also serve as hunting grounds for osprey, white-bellied sea eagles, and darter colonies nesting in lakeside deadwood.

3. The 5,000 BCE Mesolithic Rock Art Cave

Beyond its botanical and faunal wealth, Shendurney possesses monumental archaeological and anthropological significance. Deep within the evergreen river valleys of the sanctuary lies an extraordinary natural rock shelter that served as a dwelling for Stone Age human populations dating back to the Mesolithic era (circa 5,000 BCE).

First investigated by the Department of Archaeology in the 1980s, excavations inside the cave floor revealed prehistoric stone flake tools, scrapers, and microliths crafted from quartz and chert, representing some of the earliest concrete evidence of prehistoric hunter-gatherer habitation in the tropical rainforests of South India. On the protected overhangs of the granite rock face, researchers documented faint red-ochre rock paintings and geometric petroglyphs depicting stylized hunting scenes, human stick figures, and celestial star symbols.

This ancient rock shelter confirms that thousands of years before the rise of settled agriculture in the lowlands, nomadic Stone Age clans utilized the rich river valleys of Shendurney to harvest tubers, fish for freshwater clams, and hunt wild game, adding a profound temporal depth to the sanctuary's wilderness.

4. Tropical Biodiversity & Endemic Herpetofauna

Shendurney's vegetation is overwhelmingly composed of West Coast tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests (spanning over 100 square kilometres), alongside pockets of moist deciduous forest and montane grasslands atop higher ridges reaching 1,500 metres. The forest canopy is formed by towering dipterocarps, wild mango (*Mavu*), ironwood (*Mesua ferrea*), and rare canes.

The sanctuary is an internationally acclaimed hotspot for herpetological endemism. Herpetologists have cataloged rare reptiles and amphibians that exist only within the Shendurney and Agasthyamalai ranges, such as the Shendurney dwarf gecko (Cnemaspis shendurneyensis), the Beddome's cat snake, the Travancore tortoise, and specialized torrent frogs (Micrixalus) that communicate along noisy waterfalls using visual leg-waving displays (*foot-flagging*).

Mammals include the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, clouded-patterned leopard cat, sloth bear, and the vulnerable Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), which roams the high fruit-bearing evergreen canopies of the interior valleys. Avian diversity exceeds 250 species, including the Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Wayanad Laughingthrush.

5. Trekking, Camping & Thenmala Eco-Tourism Interface

Shendurney is seamlessly integrated with the renowned Thenmala Eco-Tourism initiative, India's first planned eco-tourism project. The Forest Department offers a variety of adventure programs for nature lovers:

• Reservoir Boating Safari: 1-hour motorized safari cruises departing from Thenmala Dam boat jetty into the sanctuary's aquatic core, ideal for families and birdwatchers.
• Wet 'N' Wild Trek: An exhilarating 4-hour guided hike along pristine river streams, crossing knee-deep crystal-clear waters and traversing primary evergreen forests accompanied by trained Kani tribal guides.
• Soft Trekking (2 to 3 hours): A gentle nature walk through deciduous plantations and bamboo groves focused on butterfly observation, medicinal plants, and bird photography.
• Wilderness Camping at Idimuzhanganpara: An exclusive overnight wilderness experience in rustic wooden eco-cottages or Swiss cottage tents located deep inside the forest, where guests enjoy campfire meals and guided night birding walks.

Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple & Sacred River Pools

Just downstream from the sanctuary boundary along the Kallada River lies the ancient Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, one of the five primary Sastha shrines consecrated by Lord Parashurama. Here, Lord Ayyappa is worshipped as Balasastha (divine infant). The temple is famous for its sacred river pool (*Meenoottu*), where hundreds of large freshwater fish (*Tor khudree* or Deccan Mahseer) are venerated as sacred offerings. Devotees feed the tame fish with puffed rice, and catching or harming fish in the temple waters is strictly taboo, creating an ancient community-enforced aquatic sanctuary.

The Chenkurinji Forest Propagation Project

In response to climate-induced regeneration challenges, the Kerala Forest Department established a specialized high-tech nursery at Shendurney. Forestry scientists and tribal seed gatherers collect ripe seeds of Gluta travancorica from primary rainforest canopies, cultivate seedlings in controlled mist-chambers, and systematically replant them across degraded river corridors, ensuring that this irreplaceable endemic species flourishes for future generations.

6. Best Time to Visit, Timings, Booking & Access

The best time to visit Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March. Following the monsoon rains, the reservoir is full, waterfalls flow vigorously, the forest foliage is vibrant emerald, and daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 26°C. The summer months (April to May) are warmer but offer increased wildlife sightings along the reservoir edges as animals gather to drink.

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