Gaur Watching Walk

About this place

Gaur Watching Walk is best understood as a general wildlife-watching experience centred on Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam district. Situated in the southern Western Ghats, Shendurney is a protected forest landscape known for its rich biodiversity and varied tropical vegetation. The Kerala Tourism Department specifically lists bison, commonly known as gaur, among the wildlife found in the Thenmala–Shendurney forests, making the region a suitable setting for an experience focused on observing this large wild herbivore in its natural habitat. The gaur (Bos gaurus) is the largest wild bovine of the Indian subcontinent and is distinguished by its powerful build, massive head, curved horns and characteristic pale or whitish markings on the lower legs. According to the Kerala Forest Department, gaurs generally graze in open areas and may occur in small family groups, while spending time in forested areas when seeking shelter or when disturbed. A wildlife-watching walk in Shendurney can introduce visitors to the behaviour and ecology of the species while placing the animal within the wider forest ecosystem on which it depends. Patient observation is an important part of such an experience because gaurs are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Visitors may also encounter evidence of other forest wildlife and observe the diverse vegetation that characterises the sanctuary. Shendurney supports a range of mammals, including elephants, leopards, sambar, wild boar, langurs, deer and lion-tailed macaques, along with numerous bird, butterfly and other species. The sanctuary also contains ecologically significant habitats such as Myristica swamps, while the Kallada River and its associated reservoir contribute to the landscape and its biodiversity. Authorised ecotourism programmes in the Shendurney area include trekking, camping, birdwatching and other nature-based activities, providing opportunities to explore the forest under regulated conditions. A gaur-watching experience should emphasise responsible wildlife observation rather than close encounters or attempts to attract animals. Visitors should maintain a safe distance, remain quiet, avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife, and follow the instructions of forest officials or authorised guides. Photography should be undertaken without interfering with animal behaviour. The experience can also help visitors understand the importance of protected forests in conserving large mammals and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

🚆 Railway Thenmala Railway Station (nearest halt) / Punalur Railway Station (~21 km)

✈️ Airport Trivandrum International Airport (~74 km)

🚌 Bus Thenmala bus stop on the Kollam–Shencottah route; Punalur Bus Stand (~20 km)

🏨 Stay Thenmala Ecoresort / Thenmala Heritage / Shendurney forest camps (Rockwood, Idimuzhanganpara)

✅ Notes The Gaur Watching Walk is inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary near Thenmala, where gaur, the Indian bison, are seen along the forest trails, most often in the morning. Entry is through the forest department.