Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Teak forest, reservoirs and tree-top stays on the Tamil Nadu border
A Parambikulam Tiger Reserve trip means 643.66 sq km of Palakkad forest, a teak over 350 years old, three reservoirs, tree-house stays and four tribal groups.
Overview
To reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve from the rest of Kerala you leave the state: the road to this 643.66 sq km forest runs through Tamil Nadu, passing the Anamalai area before it crosses back at the reserve boundary. The reserve is in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district, though part of its area is sometimes placed in Thrissur district. It suits wildlife and forest-stay travellers who accept fixed, forest-department arrangements, and most visitors aim for October to March.
The reserve sits between the Anaimalai and Nelliyampathi hills and holds three reservoirs, Parambikulam, Thunakkadavu and Peruvaripallam, which together cover about 20 sq km of water. The name is read as "reed" plus "waterhole", and the reserve was declared a tiger reserve on 19 February 2010 after earlier protection as a sanctuary.
The best-known single sight is Kannimara, a teak over 350 years old that stands inside a managed teak plantation. It takes about four adults to circle the trunk, and the tribal communities of the forest hold it sacred. Four such groups live inside the reserve, in six settlements: the Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar. Safaris and forest walks are guided by people from these communities, which gives the visit its human side.
Wildlife records include around 40 mammal species, about 250 birds, 47 fish and 124 butterflies. Walking trails carry names that hint at what you might meet: Bear Path, Pugmark, Kariyanshola and Elephant Song. Stays are run by the forest department, from tented camps to tree houses at Thunakkadavu that need advance booking, and no private lodging exists inside the reserve. Bamboo rafting and jeep safaris are also on offer.
Because everything depends on forest rules, book through the reserve's own site and confirm what is open for your dates, particularly in the monsoon months. The temperature range is gentle, roughly 15 to 32 C. For rail, Pollachi and Palakkad Junction are the nearest stations, and Coimbatore airport is the usual air link. Neighbouring Palakkad district sights are described on the Palakkad page.
Known for
Over 350 years old, inside a managed teak plantation
Quick facts
Temperatures run from about 15 to 32 C through the year, and the monsoon months of June to August are best avoided.
Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) (distance to be supplied)
Pollachi (Tamil Nadu) and Palakkad Junction (PGT) (distances to be supplied)
Access is through Tamil Nadu, via Pollachi and the Anamalai area (re-check); the road distance from Palakkad is given as 80 to 140 km by different pages, so it is to be supplied. Drive times (to be supplied).
Book your stay, safari and rafting through the reserve's own booking site well before travel, as places are limited and rules change
Plan the drive via Tamil Nadu, since the road into the reserve passes through the Anamalai area rather than Kerala's own roads
Expect no private lodging inside the reserve, so carry water, snacks and cash for small needs before you enter
Location
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