Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Highlights

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is located in the Chittoor taluk of Palakkad district covering an area of 277.40 sq.km. Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary with its panoramic landscape, cascading waterfalls, meandering streams with extensive water spread over the reservoir, hills etc is one of the most eye-catching places in Kerala. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary lies in between the Anamalai hills and Nelliampathy hills and is one of the most protected ecological zones in the Western Ghats.

Surrounded by protected areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on both the sides, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to the total protection and minimal human interferences. Much of the sanctuary is part of Anamalai hills covered with peaks such as Karimala Gopuram (1,438m) in the southern boundary of the sanctuary, Vengoli malai (1,120m) in the eastern boundary and Puliyarapadam(1,010m ) in the west and Pandaravarai peak (1,290m) in the north.

Formed on the year 1973 the forest type of Parambikulam Tiger reserve includes West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests, Moist Deciduous Forests, Dry deciduous forests, Teak plantations and Shola forests. The sanctuary also possesses three man-made reservoirs named as Parambikulam, Thunakadavu & Peruvarippallam.

History of Parambikulam:

During the 19th century, the forests of Parambikulam were in two broad administrative units - the Sungam Forest Reserve and the Parambikulam Forest Reserve. Sungam Forest Reserve was initially declared as Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and later in 1973 Parambikulam was merged with the already notified sanctuary.

Flora & Fauna of Prambikulam:

1408 species of flowering plants which include 67 species of orchids, 80 species of the grass family and about 285 species of endemic, rare and endangered species. Haplothismia exannulata, a monotypic genus of Burmanniaceae rediscovered from the sanctuary after 1951.

There are 36 species of mammals, 268 species of birds, 61 species of reptiles, 16 species of amphibians, 47 species of fishes and 1049 species of insects found in the sanctuary. The common animals found are Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking deer, Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel, Sloth Bear and Wild dog. Common birds are Drongos, Bee-eaters, Treepies, Mynas, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, and birds of prey.

Common reptiles are pythons, cobras, pitvipers, tortoises etc. The rare species include Tiger, Lion-Tailed macaque, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Marten, Great Pied Hornbill, Peninsular Bay Owl, King Cobra, Flying Snake, Cane turtle

Read more: Meesapulimala Camping packages from Kerala Forest Department

Key Attractions of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Kannimara Teak is one of the worlds largest living teak tree (about 360 years old.) found in Parambikulam with an amazing girth of 7.02 m and height of 39.98 m. This tree was awarded "Maha Virksha puraskar" by Government of India during 1994-95. According to the local tribal belief, when this tree was tried to cut down, blood spurted out from the place of cut. And since then it is named as Kannimara(Virgin Tree) where ‘ Kanni’ means ‘Virgin’ and 'mara'm means 'tree' and is worshipped by the local tribes in Parambikulam.

Other attractions of Parambikulam includes:

  • Thuvaiar Waterfalls.
  • Wildlife Interpretation Centre
  • Wildlife Trekking
  • Nature Camps
  • Jungle Camping

Eco-tourism activities of Parambikulam:

Community-based ecotourism programmes are providing a major share of employment to the tribals living in the Reserve. Some of the most sort after Ecotourism Programmes are Tented Niche, Treetop hut, Bamboo rafting, Fullmoon census, Machan world, Thellikkal nights, Island Nest, etc. These Ecotourism programmes provide an excellent opportunity to the visitors to enjoy the beauty of the forest and at the same time contributing to the livelihood of the local tribals.

A visit to the Pramabikulam eco-shop will provide you with products that may help you to carry memories of your visit to the Tiger Reserve. Parambikulam Honey, Paper Bags, Souvenirs From Recycled Plastic Waste, Beeswax, Bamboo handicrafts and medicinal spices prepared in a scientific manner are sold through the Eco-shops. Other items like T-Shirts, Jackets, Hats, Caps, Pens, Keychains, etc. are also sold through eco-shops. The revenue generated from the Ecoshops helps in the empowerment of local tribes of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

Parambikulam Forest Stay Packages:

There are six-night stay options available in Parambikulam tiger reserve, which can be booked over the phone or by the official portal. The details of the packages are down below:

  • Tented Niche
  • Honey Comp
  • Tree Hut, Thunnakadavu
  • Treetop Hut, Parambikulam
  • Veetikunnu Island
  • Peruvari Island Nest

Complete details on Parambikulam forest stay packages can be found in our previous article: Parambikulam Forest Stay & Trekking Packages by Kerala Forest Department

Parambikulam Trekking Packages:

There are four trekking packages available at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. The packages details are down below:

  • Elephant Song Trekking Trail
  • Pugmark Trekking Trail
  • Bearpath Trekking Trail
  • Jungle Safari

Read more: Kerala Forest Trekking Packages by Kerala Forest Department

How to Reach Parambikulam Sanctuary:

Parambikulam is only accessible by the road from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Pollachi to Parambikkulam is about 65 km and Tamil Nadu STC have two bus trips between Pollachi and Parambikulam. Kerala SRTC also plies bus between Palakkad and Parambikulam.

How to Book Parambikulam Jungle Safari & Forest Stay Packages:

If you wish for a jungle safari, travelers have to step down at Anappady to purchase the tickets at Information center for getting the tickets or they can book the tickets from the official booking portal parambikulam.org.

Private vehicles are allowed inside the tiger reserve only if they have opted for jungle camping programmes inside the tiger reserve.

Read more:  Kerala Forest Camping Packages by Kerala Forest Department

Place Details:

Name: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Other Names: Nil
District: Palakkad, Kerala
Known for:  Flora & fauna, Wildlife Trekking & Camping
Best time to visit: October to March
Official Website: parambikulam.org
By Road:  100km from Palakkad, 84 km from Coimbatore, and 38 km from Pollachi.
Nearest Airport:
Nearest Railway Station: Coimbatore (84 km), Palakkad (100km.)
Contact Details: The Wild Life Warden,
Parambikulam Wildlife Division
Anappady, Via Pollachi, Palakkad
Phone: 04253 277233 Mobile:9447979102
E-mail: [email protected]

 

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