Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife.

It is the home ground for different races of indigenous people who are as well an integral part of the prevailing harmonious ecosystem. The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplies make it an abode for wildlife and thereby for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature

 Western Ghats is one of the world’s 34 bio diversity hotspots. While considering the abundance of Wildlife and the adorable beauty of Nature, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is perhaps the most attractive piece of wilderness in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. Thus it is popularly revered as ‘Nature’s own abode’.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a well protected ecological portion in the Nelliampathy - Anamalai landscape of the Southern Western Ghats in India. It is located in the Palakkad District of Kerala. It is one of the biodiversity hot spot in the world supports diverse habitat types and endemism. Considering its biological richness, abundance of wildlife and landscape beauty makes Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is one of the most attractive places in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. It was declared as Tiger Reserve during 2009 with total area of 643.66 Sq.Kms, which includes core area of 390.89 and 252.77 Sq Km Buffer areas.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, which also includes the erstwhile 'Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary', is a 391 square kilometers (151.0 sq mi) protected area in Chittur taluk in Palakkad district of Kerala state, South India. The wildlife sanctuary, which had an area of 285 square kilometers (110 sq mi), was established in 1973. It is in the Sungam range of hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as part of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve on February 19, 2010. 

Including the buffer zone, the tiger reserve has a span of 643.66 km2. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is the home of four different tribes of indigenous peoples including the Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar settled in six colonies. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve implements the Participatory Forest Management Scheme (PFMS). People from tribal colonies inside the reserve are engaged as guides for treks and safaris, and are provided employment through various eco-tourism initiatives. The tiger reserve hosts many capacity building training programmes conducted by Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation in association with various organisations.

Area:  285 sq. km.

Location:

·       Longitude: 76º 35’- 76º 50’ E,

·       Latitude: 10º 20’ – 10º 26’ N

Boundaries:

·       North: Nemmara Forest Division

·       South: Vazhachal Forest Division

·       East: Tamil Nadu

·       West: Chalakudy Forest Division 

Geography

The sanctuary is located between Longitude: 76° 35’- 76° 50’ E, and Latitude: 10° 20’ – 10° 26’ N. It is 135 kilometers (84 mi) from Palakkad town and adjacent to the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary to the east in Tamil Nadu. It is bordered to the north by Nemmara Forest Division, to the south by Vazhachal Forest Division and the west by Chalakudy Forest Division. The sanctuary has a hornblende, biotite, gneiss and charnockite geology.

Altitude ranges between 300 m and 1438 m. There is a 600 m elevation opening through the Nelliampathy hills from Anamalai hills on the northern boundary of the sanctuary at Thoothampara. Major peaks in the sanctuary are Karimala (1438 m) in the southern boundary of the sanctuary, Pandaravarai (1290 m) in the north, Kuchimudi, Vengoli Malai (1120 m) in the eastern boundary and Puliyarapadam (1010 m) in the west.

The sanctuary has three man-made reservoirs; Parambikulam, Thunacadavu (Thunakadavu) and Peruvaripallam, with a combined area of 20.66 km2. The Thuvaiar waterfalls empty into one of the reservoirs. There are 7 major valleys and 3 major rivers, the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy. The Karappara River and Kuriarkutty River also drain the area.

The sanctuary lies in between the Anamalai hills and Nelliampathy hills. From the south western perspective, where, Parambikulam Ar and Sholayar meet at a point where the elevation is 473m (the second lowest point in the sanctuary), to form Chalakkudy river, the sanctuary appears as a completely tilted drainage basin that drains to this point, except for a little portion in the north, where the drainage is towards east.

Climate

·       The sanctuary exhibits wet tropical climate.

·       Temperature varies from 15°c to 32°c.

·       March is the hottest month and January, the coolest month.
Total rainfall varies between 1400mm and 2300mm.

·       July is the wettest month and January the driest.

·       Sanctuary is blessed with rain during both South West and North East monsoons.

History

During the 19th century, the forests of Parambikulam were in two broad administrative unit’s viz., Sungam Forest Reserve and Parambikulam Forest Reserve. Porter, in 1886 wrote the first ever plan to manage the Sungam Forest Reserve. Heavy exploitation of forests for valuable timber started then.

Teak planting began in Parambikulam during 1921 and in 1983 was the last plantation raised. Sungam Forest Reserve was administratively the Sungam Range of erstwhile Nemmara Forest Division and Parambikulam Forest Reserve was the Parambikulam Range. One of the major milestones was the introduction of the tram way in 1907. It was designed to exploit the forests and remove valuable timber to Chalakkudy where from it could be transported by road.

However, the Special Financial Committee abolished it in 1951. Based on P.Narayanan Nair's plan, a special Teak Plantation Division was constituted from Parambikulam Forest Reserve in 1962. By then the Sungam Forest Reserve was declared as Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (30 sq. miles) under the administrative control of State Wildlife Preservation Officer, Peermedu. Later in 1973, the Teak Plantation Division was dissolved and merged with the already notified sanctuary and a total area of 271 sq. km under the dual control of DFO, TP division and DFO, Nemmara.

The tiger reserve has remnants of the Cochin State Forest Tramway, which was used to ship wood from the Parambikulam forests to the nearby harbor at Kochi, and from there to different locations of the world.

Fauna

The sanctuary has a rich diversity of animal life including: Mammals 39 species, Amphibians 16 sp., Birds 268 sp., Reptiles 61 sp., Fish 47 sp., Insects 1049 sp. and Butterflies 124 sp. This sanctuary is also referred to as the "state capital for the massive gaur" by wildlife experts.

Mammals: 

Important mammals include: lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahr, elephants, Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, wild boar, sambar, bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, sloth bears, Nilgiri marten small Travancore flying squirrel and gaur.

Reptiles:  

Reptiles of very high importance in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary include: king cobra, Kerala shield tail, Travancore kukri snake, Travancore wolf snake, Cochin cane turtle, Travancore tortoise, Indian day gecko and Western Ghats flying lizard. Other important reptiles are Indian rock python, Malabar pit viper, Travancore tortoise, South Indian forest ground gecko, South Indian rock lizard, mountain skink, mugger crocodile, varanus, Pond terapin, chameleon and the snakes spectacled cobra, krait, green keelback, olivaceous keelback, western rat snake and vine snake.

Fishes: 

47 species of fish are recorded in the Sanctuary of which seven species are listed as endangered and 17 are endemic to Western Ghats.

Birds: 

268 bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary. 134 species are listed as rare and 18 species are endemic to Western Ghats. Some endemic birds of this sanctuary are Lesser adjutant stork, grey-headed fish-eagle, peninsular bay owl, broad-billed roller and great pied hornbill. Other birds include: darter, little cormorant, black eagle, black-capped kingfisher, great Indian hornbill, and black woodpecker. 

Butterflies: 

There are 124 species of butterflies recorded in the sanctuary of which 34 are rare and endemic.

Amphibians: 

There are 23 amphibian species living in the sanctuary include: ridged toad Bufo parietalis, common Asiatic toad Bufo melanostictus, large wrinkled frog Nyctibatrachus major, small wrinkled frog Nyctibatrachus minor, Rana tigerina, Verrucose frog Rana keralensis, Rana cyanophlyctis, Boulenger's Indian frog Rana leptodactyla, Rana limnocharis, Beddome's leaping frog Rana beddomii, South Indian frog Rana semipalmata, bicoloureol frog Rana curtipes, bronzed frog Rana temporalis, reddish burrowing frog Tomopterna rufescens, Parambikulam wart frog Tomopterna parambikulamana, white-nosed bush frog Philautus leucorhinus, white-spotted bush frog Philautus chalazodes, Kerala warty frog Limnonectes keralensis, Indian skipper frog Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, cricket frog Limnonectes limnocharis, Beddome's leaping frog Indirana beddomii, short webbed leaping frog Indirana brachytarsus and the common frog Micrixalus fuscus.

Flora

The sanctuary has a variety of trees mainly teak, neem, sandal wood and rosewood. Even the oldest ever teak tree, Kannimara Teak exists here. It is about 450 years old and has a girth of 6.8 metres (22 ft) and a height of 49.5 metres (162 ft). It won the Mahavriksha Puraskar given by the Indian Government.

Zonation

For effective management of the sanctuary, the area has been divided into three major zones viz., core zone, buffer zone and tourism zone. The zones are made based on the parameters such as biodiversity indices, improvement in vegetation profile and ease of management.

There are three zones namely

·       Core Zone

·       Buffer Zone

·       Tourism Zone

Core Zone:

The objective of management of the core zone is to preserve it as undisturbed natural habitat.

Activities permitted

·       Total protection against all forms of biotic interferences shall be ensured.

· Only scientific studies and research activities with proper sanction without destructive sampling techniques shall be permitted.

·       Fuel wood collection and NWFP collection are prohibited.

Buffer Zone:

Buffer zone will be managed for improving the habitat with rigid protection and for restoring naturalness to the teak plantations so that they support better floral and faunal diversity. After achieving the desired level of diversity, the area shall be upgraded into core zone.

Activities permitted

·       Improving natural regeneration status in the degraded natural moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests by augmentation.

·       Meeting of Fuel wood requirements of local tribal population

·       Collection of small quantities of NWFP for sustaining the tribal hamlets.

Tourism Zone:

This zone is to provide educative experience regarding nature and wildlife conservation to the discerning tourists. Also to provide livelihood opportunities to the dependent tribal communities through Ecotourism activities organized by local tribal community based Eco Development Committees.

Visitor information

Parambikulam provides visitors with a number of opportunities for nature education. An experienced forest guide accompanies one during trekking, for which the visitors can contact the information centre. There are also opportunities for bamboo rafting that are powered by oarsmen. The reservoirs are sources of drinking water, and power boating are not encouraged. While the local inhabitants are allowed to boat and fish on the lake, visitors are not allowed to boat by themselves on the reservoir. The Kannimara Thekku Teak Tree, which is said to be Asia's largest, is located at Thunakadavu. A variety of accommodation, such as tree-top houses and accommodations inside islands are available, and these needed to be booked in advance. The details are made available at the official website of the reserve. A visitor is expected to contact the information centre of the forest department directly and the forest department have not authorized any private travel agents for taking bookings on behalf of forest department. Safari vehicles managed by Forest Development Agency (FDA), operates safari vehicles that takes a visitor for a safari of the tiger reserve. Private vehicles are allowed inside the tiger reserve only if they have overnight booking inside the tiger reserve. Two-wheeled vehicles are not given permission to enter the tiger reserve.

Parambikulam is accessible by road from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. There is a Kerala SRTC bus plying between Palakkad and Parambikulam. Tamil Nadu STC makes two bus trips between Pollachi and Parambikulam. Pollachi to Parambikkulam is about 65 km. Those who are traveling by bus and plans to go for a vehicle safari inside the tiger reserve should get down at Anappady, and visit the Information Centre at Anappady for purchasing tickets. The nearest railway station is at Pollachi and the nearest airport is at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, about 40 km from Pollachi.

Attractions

Kannimara Teak:

Kannimara Teak is one of the world’s largest living teak trees found in Parambikulam with amazing girth of 7.02 m and height of 39.98 m. This tree was awarded Maha Virksha Puraskar during 1994-95.

According to the local tribal belief here when this tree was tried to cut down in the past, the blood spurted out from the place of cut. This tree was being since then worshipped by the local tribes in Parambikulam as "Virgin tree". Thus the name Kannimara is given as the word ‘Kanni’ means ‘Virgin’. This tree has been awarded ‘Mahavriksha Puraskar’ by the Government of India.

It is located at a distance of seven kilometers from Thunakadavu & considered to be the oldest and largest teak tree in the world. & it is believed to be more than 350 years old. To encircle this awesome tree that stands majestically in the forest, four persons with their hands outstretched will be needed.

The tribal folk in the area worship the tree considering it the abode of celestial beings.

Modern Nature Interpretation Centre:

The modern interpretation centre at Anappady is equipped with "state-of-art" audio visual facilities. It has interactive three dimensional models of bio-diversity hotspots, of the world, western Ghat, Kerala and Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary.

It has three series of modern quiz machine for evaluating your wildlife knowledge.

It also has one tiger cell which is the repository of information on this charismatic cat-the tiger.

In the audio visual section one can come across different and interesting bio- acoustics and feel the sound of forest and wildlife

The medicinal plants section will take you into the wonderful world of rare and endangered medicinal plants of Western Ghats and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Parambikulam Dam:

Parambikulam Dam is an embankment dam on the Parambikulam River, located in the Palakkad district in the Western Ghats of  Kerala, India, ranks number one in India as well as in the top ten embankment dams in the world in volume in the year 2000.

This Dam was built by Thiru. Kamarajar The dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu but the ownership rests with Kerala, Per the agreement with Tamil Nadu, Kerala was supposed to receive 7.25 TMC feet of water per year from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project of which the Parambikulam Dam is a part.

In 2004, Kerala did not receive any water after February 10, resulting in the drying up of paddy in thousands of acres in Chittur taluk. Since this agreement has still not been met as of July 2006, Kerala Water Resources Minister has called for a review of the project agreement.

On 17 October 2012, Kerala and Tamil Nadu reached an accord on Parambikulam-Aliyar water.

Karimala Gopuram Peak:

This peak lies on the southern boundary of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also located on the border of Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala and is the highest peak in Thrissur district.

Thunakadavu Dam:

The Chalakudy River forms the Thunakadavu reservoir. An adjacent canal also flows from this river to the reservoir. This reservoir is mainly formed to initiate fishing business. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located near this reservoir and is visited by hundreds of tourists round the year. 

Lake Thunakadavu:

Thunakadavu is the beautiful lake formed by the Parambikulam dam. The whole sight of the lake with its crystal clear water surrounded by lush green forests with otters playing along the banks will be very soothing. In fact it would be so beautiful and inviting that you may think about going for a swim in it. But it is inhibited with a number of crocodiles who quite surely will not be playing the role of friendly hosts if you decided to take the dip. But don’t lose heart for you can explore the beauty of the lake by taking boat cruises. A jungle Jeep must be hired in order to access this remotely situated lake.

Peruvaripallam Dam:

Peruvaripallam Dam is an earth-filled embankment dam on the Peruvaripallam River in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The dam's reservoir is connected to the nearby Thunacadavu Reservoir to the south by an open cut channel. It is part of the Parambikulam Aliyar (Irrigation) Project. The Parambikulam Dam is located to the south.

Dolmens (Muniyara):

Dolmens are the traditional cemeteries of tribal head men of Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary. The Dolmens found in the forest of Parambikulam Sanctuary is believed to be 300 years old according the local tribes.

These Dolmens are beautifully erected with the help of flat stones and it is really an archeological marvel and traditional tribal heritage.

Salim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre:

The Salim Ali Bird interpretation centre at Kuriarty offers opportunity for bird enthusiasts to learn and study the birds of Western Ghats in general.

The gallery provides a wonderful listing of birds ranging from common birds of India, birds of Western Ghats, birds of kerala and birds of Parambikulam.

Salim Ali Gallery:

The Gallery is a repository of hundreds of photographs of Dr. Salim Ali, father of Ornithology in India, ranging from his childhood.

Tram way:

These timber lines were laid for logging in the Parambikulam forests and to transport timber to Chalakudy. The Tramway had a total length of around 49.5 miles. Truly this Tramway is called the Cochin State Forest Tramway. Parambikulam Tramway was set up by Maharaja of Cochin to transport teak from Parambikulam to Chalakkudy and to Cochin harbor. Wellington Island was created using the money from this Tramway.

After running successfully for nearly 50 years and creating history by making Cochin a present day commercial harbour and trading centre, The Cochin State Forest Tramway was abolished in 1951 on the basis of special finance committee report.

Though Cochin State Forest Tramway is an history now but one can cherish those glorious period of Cochin State Forest Tramway by witnessing some of the remnants in the form of broken iron bridges semi rusted wagons, Rail Trails, wheels, workshops, water tanks, wells etc.

Under Department of Cochin State Forest Tramway, the place offers eco friendly trekking packages along the past tramway routes. Apart from peeping into history, the tramway route has varieties of bird and animal life. The 49.5 miles trekking route through lush greenery of Western Ghats is nothing more than a walk through history and nature. 

Parambikulam Tramway was divided into three parts.

1.    21 mile long Chalakkudy to Anapatham route

2.    Kavalai to Pothupara

3.    Komalpara to Chinnar

A trekking group is accompanied by an armed staff and three trained naturalists. Usually, trekking will start at 10 am. Food items are served on the route. 

Shola Forests:

Shola forests are unique montane vegetation occupying temperate habitats in tropical latitude and are commonly restricted to valley and depressions especially along the folds of hills. Karimala hills of this sanctuary have some resembling characteristics of this type. The forest restricted to Karimala hills, is not a true shola, according to forest type description, but it shows important characters of shola plants i.e., stunted short baled highly branched trees, clothed with mosses and other epiphytes. Woody climbers are few. There is no stratification for trees and leaves are mostly small.

Trees: Cinnamomum sulphuratum, Euonymus indicus, Ligustrum robustum (rox burghii), Mesua indica, Symplocos cochinchinensis, etc.

The species growing in this type of forests are given below.

Epiphytes (Orchids): Lycopodium phlegmaria, Bulbophyllum fusco-purpureum, Bulbophyllum tremulum, Eria clavicaulis, Eria reticulate, Oberonia denticulata, Oberonia lindleyana, Dendrobium chlorops, Dendrobium nutans, D.viridiflora etc.

Ground Vegetation:   Impatiens parasitica, Peperomia tetraphylla and other species of palatable grasses are in abundance.

One can witness this type of forests while trekking to the Karimala Gopuram through High Range Hiking (Hard trek) package.

Vanashree EcoShop:

Orientation Centre:

Activities

Bamboo Rafting:

A unique rowing experience cruising on the century old locally designed bamboo rafts through the vast reservoirs of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. During the rafting one can witness the magnificent gift of nature. Also one will have an opportunity to unearth the history of Parambikulam Dam. Bamboo rafting is available in both Parambikulam and Peruvaripallam dam managed by the Kadas and Sungam EDC boatmen.

Tribal Symphony:

This programme is performed by the women EDC members representing from Kadas and Earth dam colony. This is performed in the open stage at Parambikulam centre for thirty minutes.

Jungle Safari:

A jungle safari which will quench one’s desire to witness all important wildlife’s in the park. A 3 ½ hour jungle safari will reveal the inner secrets of Parambikulam to outside world. This unique safari programme is offered for the Day visitors between 7.00 am and 3.00 pm daily by FDA operated Safari vehicles. One trained tribal naturalist will accompany the jungle safari from Anappady, and he will describe the features enroute. Free drinking water is provided in the vehicle. The visitors can experience Orientation Centre, viewpoints like lake view, Dam view, valley view points, and engineering marvels like Parambikulam dam, Thunacadavu dam, Earth dam and assemblage of tribal culture (Tribal Heritage Centre) and World famous largest teak on planet earth – the Kannimara teak.

The day visitors can reach up to Information Centre Anappady by their own vehicle from there Jungle Safari will start by the FDA operated vehicles. No private vehicles of day visitors will be allowed inside the park. Rs. 150/person (above 5 years old) is the Jungle Safari Rate and maximum of 20 persons per vehicle.

Besides this, Jungle Camps will be available in Parambikulam Forest.

Kannimara Safari:

Kannimara Teak is really a visual splendor which will please not only our eyes but also expand out chest out in pride witnessing the largest living Teak on mother earth. It has an unbelievable girth of 6.5 meters and it needs at least 5 adult persons to encircle the trunk with their stretched arms. Be a party to this natural history and heritage.

Boat Cruises, View Points and watch Towers: 

There are two watchtowers one at Anappady, 8km from Thunakadavu, and other at Chungam, 5km from Thunakadavu.

Take soothing boat cruises along the Parambikulam Lake. (No swims please if you value your life because the crocodiles definitely would not).

Climb up the Anappady and Chungam watchtowers and have a bird’s eye view of the lush Greenery of the Scenario. 

Two View Points are available namely Valley View Point & Dam View Point.

Trekking:

With scores of peaks, valleys and hilly terrains, Parambikulam outshine in trekking. The highly eye-catching Nilgiri tahr, an endangered lot, is spottable in these hills.

Trekking in Parambikulam is an immensely enjoyable Affair. You Must take a trip to be acquainted with VIPs like Elephant Gangs, Gaur herds, Malabar Squirrels, Nilgiri Langur, a Variety of snakes and birds….Mind you , they are very anti-autograph .So no point in getting closer to them.

Threats

Fires in the forest - In April 2007 a wild fire in parts of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Nelliampathy forests destroyed hundreds of acres of forest tracts and plantations. One of the reasons for the fires was the lack of pre-monsoon rain in the area. The area used to get rain in during January, February, March and April. In 2007, there was only 4 mm rain in January and after that there was no rain. Nelliampathy was facing an unprecedented drought during that summer. The temperature reached 34oC in April when the average high is usually 26oC.

Waste generation due to tourist visit - Some tourists throw away plastic material, aluminum cans, biscuit wrappers etc. inside the reserve, instead of putting them in waste bins. The staffs of the tiger reserve engage in picking up these waste materials on a daily basis. Some of these plastic wastes are recycled to make key chains, which are sold at the eco shops located inside the tiger reserve. These key-chains are referred to as "Pugmark key chains".

Demand for expanding the tourism zone - There is pressure from multiple quarters to expand the tourism activities that is currently conducted in the buffer zone of the tiger reserve. This also results in demand for building new roads inside the tiger reserve, which is not an ecologically friendly option.

Quarrying in nearby areas - Demand for construction material such as granite has resulted in the destruction of hills and hillocks in the peripheral regions such as Nelliampathy. A ban on quarrying has been sought in regions such as Muthalamada, Chuliar and Seetharkund.

Sustainability Practices

As part of a study to ascertain the visitor management strategy at Parambikulam, a study report by KFRI in 2002 indicated limited tourism with community participation. While questions have been raised about the effectiveness of Eco-Development-Committees (EDCs) in promoting sustainable development at Parambikulam, there have also been indications that ecotourism has provided benefits to the local population.

The tiger reserve strives towards ecotourism initiatives that cause minimum harm to the environment. The tiger reserve also promotes the usage of solar energy.

Accommodation Facilities

Parambikulam with its panoramic landscape, meandering streams, extensive water spread of the reservoir, cascading waterfalls, rolling hills and valleys and a wealth of biodiversity, is one of the most captivating place on earth.

Well kept and hygienic facilities available to accommodate the discerning tourist are given below:

S.No	Facilities Name & Location	Bed Capacity
1	Tented Homes at Anappady	14 beds (7 tents)
2	Veettikunnu Island Inn	6 beds
3	Treetop Hut, Thunacadavu	2
4	Treetop Hut, Parambikulam	2
5	Elephant valley home, Parambikulam	6 beds
6	Bison valley Home, Parambikulam	6
7	Sambar Machan (Kuriarkutty)	5 Nos.
8	Peacock Machan (Vengoli)	5 Nos.
9	Cheetal Machan (Anakkal)	5 Nos.
10	Thellikkal IB	8 beds
11	LTM House	6 beds
12	Bay Owl Shed (Bagapallam)	5 Nos
13	Tahr shed (Vengoli)	5 Nos
14	Cane Turtle Shed (Thuthanpara)	5 Nos.
15	Tiger Hall, Parambikulam	20 Nos
16	Masheer Dormitory, Anappady	40 Nos.
14	Salim Ali Study centre	10 Nos
	Total	150 Beds

Note: For booking in the above facilities, the Tourist Information Centres at Anappady and Parambikulam managed by Tribal Eco-development Committees shall be approached. Booking will be made on 'first-come-first-serve' basis and on availability.

For booking in any of the above facilities, please contact:

Ecocare Centre,

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary,

Anappady, Thunakadavu (PO),

Pollachi (Via), Palakkad, Kerala – 678 661

Phone: 04253 – 245025

Email: wildlifewarden@parambikulam.org

For any other information Contact:

Wildlife Warden

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary,

Anappady, Thunakadavu (PO),

Parambikulam – 678 661,

Palakkad Dist., Kerala State

Phone: 04253 – 245005

Email: wildlifewarden@parambikulam.org

Imp, Interesting & Useful Facts

·   The oldest and highest teak tree ‘Kannimara Teak’ is situated here

· Although Parambikulam is a part of Kerala, it can only be accessed through Pollachi in Tamil Nadu.

·  This entire region of Parambikulam along with the Western Ghats mountain range and Anamalai Hills, are an UNESCO World Heritage Site

· Parambikulam has the distinction of being the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation in the world.

·    The Cochin State Forest Tramway constructed in the middle of Parambikulam forest was built by the Cochin Maharajas to transport teak from Parambikulam to Cochin Harbour. It was an engineering marvel in itself

·      Try river boating in the exquisite rivers, flowing in the center of Parambikulam Reserve

·      Contact forest authorities for eco-tourism tour to take a walk a walk inside the deep pristine forest  of Parambikulam

·    Go for a trek from the Parambikulam Dam to Muthuvarachal and monitor the wildlife of the forest. Visit Anakkal Vayal, which is popularly known as ‘dining table of Parambikulam Tigers’ to spot the tigers

·   Do wildlife spotting and boating in the deep forest or on the river to watch wildlife from a safe distance

·       Trek along the now defunct Cochin State Forest Tramway, which was set up in 1905 by the Cochin Maharajas to transport teak from Parambikulam to Cochin Harbour

·       Experience jungle safari in the wilderness

·       Climate: The temperature varies from 15°c to 32°c

·       Be silent in order to spot animals.

·       Avoid colorful clothes

·       Do not disturb or tease animals.

·       Avoid electronic gadgets in the sanctuary.

·  Alcohol consumption and smoking is prohibited inside the sanctuary. 

·   Carry a road map, first aid kit, drinking water and don't leave anything other than footprints in the jungle.

·       Be careful during boat rides. Don’t do anything that will rock the boat or endanger lives. Always follow the instructions of the staffs and the Naturalists accompanying you.

·       Please avoid Plastics, make this a Plastic Free zone.
REMEMBER, Under the Wildlife Protection Act, one can be penalized up to amount of Rs. 25,000/- and an imprisonment up to seven years for the wildlife offence. Please you don’t add your name in the list. 

·   Malayalam and Tamil are spoken but Basic English is understood.

· Toilet facilities are available at three locations - near Parambikulam check-post, near the Information Centre at Anappady, and at Parambikulam town.

·  The forest department has not authorized any private tour operators or travel agents to take booking or conduct tours on behalf of the forest department.

·       Purchase of souvenirs (wood crafted materials, key-chains made from recycled plastic, t-shirts, caps, jackets, organic pepper, paper bags etc.)

·  Tree Saplings can be purchased from a nursery located at Parambikulam town.

Best Time to Visit

The region has intense monsoon climate.  The average temperature of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve lies between 20 to 27 degree Celsius, however the minimum temperature is 15 degree Celsius and the maximum goes up to 32 degree Celsius. The hottest month is March while the coldest month is January, which is also the driest. Rains are caused during south west as well as north east monsoons and July is the wettest month. The total annual rainfall is between 1400 mm to 2300 mm. The best time to visit this reserve is between November and February.

Eat Out

For the day visitors, Vengoli Cafe, located inside the reserve, provides eating options. While the name sounds exotic, the menu here is limited. The cafe provides Idli and Dosa for breakfast, meals for lunch, and chappathi for dinner. Some Kerala favorite snacks such as pazhampori are available in addition to the usual packaged snacks such as biscuits. This restaurant is located near the information centre at Anappady.

There are few eateries at Parambikulam. They also provide some eating options, menu being limited.

Mobile Networks

BSNL is the only network that works here and rest simply do not work. Please be aware that none of your data cards like Tata photon/Reliance net connect, etc will work. There is some payphones available in the tea shops and in your accommodation.

Park Timings

·       Visiting Hours: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm

·       Entry to sanctuary closed at 4 pm

Park Fees

·       Entrance fee: 

Ø Adults: Rs. 10 |

Ø Children and Students: Rs. 5 |

Ø Foreigners: Rs. 100 |

Ø Still camera: Rs.  25 |

Ø Video Camera, Non-professional: Rs. 150

·       Trekking fee: Rs. 6000(with food and the group includes 5        persons).

·       Vehicle fee: Heavy: Rs. 150| Light: Rs. 50

·   A 3 hour van Safari will cost Rs. 150 per head. Van Safari is possible only when there are 20 people. If not you must buy the tickets for 20 people (Rs. 3000) and share it.

Connectivity

Pollachi, Palakkad and Coimbatore are the nearest towns. From Palakkad and Coimbatore, you must go via Pollachi and Top slip to enter Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

By Air:

Coimbatore airport is the nearest international airport to Parambikulam - approximately 100 km (via Pollachi and Topslip). International flights to Singapore, Sharjah are available by Silk Air (A subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), Air Arabia and Srilankan Airlines. Domestic airlines fly to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other Indian cities.

By Bus:

There are only three bus trips to/ from Parambikulam on a daily basis. Two TNSTC buses start from Pollachi, and one KSRTC bus start from Palakkad. TNSTC bus starts from Pollachi at approximately 6.15 AM and 3.15 PM.

KSRTC bus start from Palakkad at approximately 8.00 A.M. KSRTC bus touches Kozhinjampara and Pollachi enroute. The KSRTC bus starts the return journey from Parambikulam at approximately 12.30 PM, while the TNSTC buses start their return journey at approximately 8.45 AM and 5.45 PM.

These timings are tentative, and it is best to confirm these timings from the bus stations before one finalizes the journey. Those who are traveling by bus and plans to go for a vehicle safari inside the tiger reserve should get down at Anappady, and visit the Information Centre at Anappady for purchasing tickets.

By Train:

Coimbatore Junction (85 km) and Palakkad Junction (100 km) are the nearest railway stations. At present, all train services in Pollachi-Coimbatore; Pollachi - Palani, Dindigul; Pollachi - Palakkad sections are stopped due the Meter Gauge to Broad Gauge conversions. Hope the Broad Gauge work will be over soon. After that, visitors will have direct train services until Pollachi. Pollachi is the nearest town located at a distance of 39km from the sanctuary.

Get around:

For the day visitor, there are park-managed vehicles that take a visitor on a park safari. Private vehicles are allowed inside the reserve only if they have a prior booking for an overnight stay.

By Car:

As there are only 2 buses per day, hiring taxis will be the viable option, if you want to cover both Topslip and Parambikulam on the same day. Though there are lots of tourist taxis from Pollachi, it may not be easy to get one during peak seasons or when film shootings happen around the town. It is therefore advisable to book your cab in advance and ask your tour guide or cab driver to pick you from Coimbatore Railway station, Airport, Bus terminus or Pollachi Bus Terminus.