Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala

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The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest National Parks in Kerala, known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. Set in a lush green valley between the Annamalai mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy mountain ranges of Kerala, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 285 sq km comprising of highly undulating hills drained by many beautiful rivers such as the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkady. The vegetation of the sanctuary comprises of scattered patches of grassland and thickly forested region with verdant stands of bamboos, sandalwoods, rosewoods and teak, including the famous Kannimari teak, known to be the tallest in Asia. The tree is one of the prime attractions for visitors in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. The region is also home to many hill tribes like Malayars, Kudos and Muthuvaas.

The many streams and rivulets flowing down the gently sloping terrain lend a distinct charm to the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. The river Chalakudi meanders gently through the sanctuary, to be joined by many of these streams. The highest peak is the Karimala Gopuram, towering above the valley at a height of 1444 meters. Three artificial lakes at the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary are a haven for fish and water birds.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Attractions

Both in terms of animal species and vegetation, the wildlife sanctuary offers good opportunities for nature lovers and explorers. Be ready to spot major animal species like Bonnet macaques, bear, elephants, tigers, leopards, wildcat, civets, barking deer, wild boar and fox find shelter in the evergreen, deciduous forests and bamboo groves of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is also home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. The smaller mammals include mongoose, pangolin and squirrels. The lakeside and river banks are home to the crocodile, terrapin, cane turtle, aral, noori, exyprius and many other kinds of fish. Also found here are the cormorants, kingfisher and darters that prey on the fish. The treetops shelter eagles, woodpeckers, broad billed rollers and Indian hornbill. The moist soil and dark fissures are home to the cobra, krait, viper, krait, vine snake, and python.

A total of 39 species of mammals, 268 species of birds and 61 species of reptiles inhabit the forests of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. Snuggled up in a valley amidst the ranges of the Anamali and Nelliyampathy hills, the wildlife sanctuary offers excellent options of boating along the reservoir as well as trekking opportunities across the forest terrain. .

The sanctuary is also home to a variety of bird species including a number of endemic ones that are found only in the Western Ghats region. Commonly spotted bird in Parambikulam are grey headed fish eagle, darter, little cormorant, Peninsular bay owl, great pied hornbill, black woodpecker and black capped kingfisher among others.

Different reptile species can also be spotted in the park. Travancore kukri snake, Cochin cane turtle, Malabar pit viper, South Indian rock lizard, spectacled cobra, krait, Western Ghats flying lizard, mountain skink and the Travancore tortoise are some of the reptiles found in the sanctuary.

Things to Do Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
There is a reservoir named Parambikulam Reservoir, located within the confines of the sanctuary. Boat cruises are frequently on offer. Take your family and kids on the cruise and enjoy exploring the wildlife riches of the sanctuary and watching different wildlife species at close quarters.

Adventure lovers can look forward to set out on scenic treks inside the wildlife sanctuary. But before you actually start on your trekking tour, do remember to acquire permission for the same from the officials of the forest department.

For a genuine taste of wildlife adventure, travelers can also decide to book their stay in the tree house, that stands in the Reserve Forest area at Thoonakkadavu. It is advisable to book your stay here in advance to avoid any hassle.

Parambikulam Accommodation
There is a forest rest house at Thunacadavu. The parambikulam Project also provides accommodation. There are several hotels in Pollachi and Coimbatore.

Reaching there: Parambikkulam is accessible by a road from Pollachi in Tamilnadu. Palakkad-Pollachi is about 45 km by road and Pollachi-Parambikkulam is about 65 km by road.
Nearest railway station: Pollachi about 65 km
Nearest airport: Coimbatore in Tamilnadu state, about 55 km from Palakkad.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Map

Kerala, India

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