Malabar Giant Squirrel Trail

About this place

The Malabar Giant Squirrel Trail is a general nature-watching experience centred on the forest landscape of Kulathupuzha in Kollam district, where the surrounding Western Ghats provide habitat for a rich variety of plant and animal life. Kulathupuzha forms part of a forested region recognised for its ecological importance, with the Kulathupuzha Range included within the Kerala portion of the Western Ghats World Heritage landscape. The area is also associated with Myristica swamp ecosystems, rare freshwater habitats found in parts of the southern Western Ghats and known for their distinctive vegetation and biodiversity. Among the wildlife found in Kerala’s forests is the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica), commonly known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Endemic to India, this arboreal mammal is particularly adapted to life in forest canopies and rarely descends to the ground. It is recognised by its long, bushy tail and contrasting reddish-brown and black markings, and is known for making agile leaps between trees. The species is relatively shy and can be difficult to observe, making wildlife watching an exercise in patience and careful observation rather than a guaranteed sighting activity. A squirrel-watching experience in the Kulathupuzha forest landscape can allow visitors to look for movement among the treetops, observe feeding or resting behaviour when conditions permit, and learn about the importance of mature forest habitats to canopy-dwelling wildlife. The wider Kulathupuzha region also offers opportunities to appreciate forest vegetation, birds and other elements of the Western Ghats ecosystem. Nearby attractions include the Kulathupuzha Forest Museum, which presents information on biodiversity and Kerala’s forestry heritage through educational exhibits, and the Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple situated alongside the Kallada River. Nature observation in this landscape is best approached with minimal disturbance: visitors should maintain silence, avoid feeding or attempting to attract animals, refrain from damaging vegetation, and remain within areas where access is authorised. Forest activities and trekking routes may be subject to permission and regulations established by the Kerala Forest Department. Rather than being presented as a scheduled wildlife event, the Malabar Giant Squirrel Trail is more appropriately understood as a general nature and wildlife experience inspired by the opportunity to observe one of the Western Ghats’ distinctive arboreal mammals. It combines patient wildlife watching with an appreciation of the forests, habitats and conservation values of Kulathupuzha, offering visitors a responsible way to engage with Kerala’s natural heritage.

🚆 Railway Thenmala Railway Station (~11 km)

✈️ Airport Trivandrum International Airport (~64 km)

🚌 Bus Kulathupuzha KSRTC bus stand, on the Thiruvananthapuram–Shencottah and Punalur routes

🏨 Stay Hotel Meenakshi, Kulathupuzha / Kottaram Homestay / Kandamath Heritage Resort

✅ Notes The Malabar Giant Squirrel Trail is a forest walk in Kulathupuzha Reserve Forest, near Shendurney, for daytime sightings of the Malabar giant squirrel in the tall canopy. Entry is through the forest department.