Parambikulam National Park
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is ensconced between the Anamalai Hills and Nelliampathy hills.
Karimala Gopuram (1,438 m) lies on the southern boundary of the sanctuary, Vengoli malai (1,120 m) is on the eastern boundary, Puliyarapadam (1,010 m) in the west, and Pandaravarai peak (1,290 m) is in the north.
The natural vegetation growing in this sanctuary are west coast tropical evergreen forests, west coast tropical semi-evergreen forests, southern moist mixed deciduous forest, southern moist mixed deciduous forest, southern dry mixed deciduous forests, moist bamboo brakes, reed brakes.
Sanctuary's altitude ranges between 300 m and 1438 m and there are seven major valleys and three major river systems. Apart from the natural streams, there are three man-made reservoirs, Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Peruvaripallam.
Due to the mixed and diverse vegetation, the sanctuary supports a large population of wildlife, including some of the rare and endangered species. There are around 39 species of mammals found in the sanctuary, 16 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 47 fish, and insects 1049.
The sanctuary is also known for its butterflies and birds population. It harbours around 268 species of birds and 124 species of butterflies.
There are two watch towers that give a panoramic view of the sanctuary. One tower is at Anappadi and the other tower is at Zungam. From the watch tower, you can spot the Indian Wildlife in their natural habitat.
Major Attractions
Boat Ride and Jeep Safari: You can explore and discover the wilderness and its inhabitants by boat or jeep.
Flora: Palai, punna, nangu, vediplavu, kalpine, aini, vellapine, Kambakam, vellagil, pathiri, nedunar, vetti, kara, nasagam, marotti, kurukutti, cheru, mullialvu, antidesma, calamus, glycosmis, lxora species, and more.
Fauna: Mammals: Bonnet macaque, liontailed macaque, nilgiri langur, loris, tiger, leopar, jungle cat, civet, mongoose, fox, bear, elephant, gaur, nilgiri tahr, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, pangolin etc.
Reptiles: Crocodile, varanus, pond terapin, cane turtle, gecko skink, chameleon,snakes like king cobra, spectacled cobra, krait, viper, python,green keel back, rat snake, vine snake etc.
Fishes: Aral, bral, vattudi, thilopia, noori, mooshu, poochutti, kollotty, exyprius,taral, etc.
Avian-Fauna: Darter, little cormorant, black eagle, lesser adjutant stork, black capped kingfisher, great Indian hornbill, broad billed roller, black woodpecker, and more.
Exact Location: Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala.
Area: 285 sq. km
Route: The town closest to Parambikulam is Pollachi, which has the nearest railhead. Pollachi is well connected with Coimbatore and Palakkad. The nearest airport is in Coimbatore. From Pollachi, there are two buses daily, at 10 am and 5 pm, to the sanctuary.
Important towns in Kerala- such as Kochi, Thrissur, Nenmarra and Kollangodu- are well connected by road to Parambikulam.
Best Time to Visit: The sanctuary is open throughout the year, but it is better to avoid visiting the sanctuary during the monsoon season.
Things to keep in mind
- Visitors are allowed into Parambikulam only between 7 am and 6 pm
- Touring within the sanctuary is possible by boat or jeep
- No vehicles can leave the park after 6.30 pm
- Permits are required and the same are issued by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) at Thiruvananthpuram, the Field Director, Project Tiger at Kottayam, and the Divisional Forest Officer at Parambikulam.
