Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (celebrated internationally as Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and one of India's most ecologically protected biodiversity hotspots), tucked into the Anamalai Hills and Sungam range of the Western Ghats just 90 km south of Palakkad town and 40 km from Pollachi in Kerala, is one of South India's premier tiger reserves and model community based eco tourism sanctuaries.

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1973 and elevated to the prestigious status of India's 38th Tiger Reserve in February 2010, this 643.66 square-kilometer wilderness spans three interconnected river reservoirs (Parambikulam, Thunacadavu, and Peruvaripallam dams) interconnected by an underground tunnel, surrounded by evergreen rainforests, moist deciduous woods, and montane grasslands (Shola grasslands) that shelter over 250 bird species and 39 mammal species.

It's the home of the world famous 'Kannimara Teak' (the world's oldest and largest living wild teak tree, standing over 460 years old with a massive 7.15 meter girth and 39.98 meter height, awarded the prestigious Mahavriksha Puraskar by the Government of India), guided forest department jungle safari van drives, peaceful bamboo rafting on the placid waters of Parambikulam reservoir, the famous Thunacadavu Tree Top Huts and island tented camps managed by indigenous Kadar tribal eco guides, and thriving wild populations of Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, Nilgiri tahrs, and gaurs (Indian bison).

It represents a rich wildlife and conservation sanctuary where sustainable indigenous tribal stewardship, pristine Western Ghats reservoir ecology, thrilling jungle safaris, and raw Anamalai mountain wilderness unite in Palakkad district.

Accessed via the Sethumadai Topslip corridor from Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, it sits 90 km from Palakkad town, 85 km from Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), and 40 km from Pollachi Railway Station (POY), easily accessible by guided eco tourism safari vans and private vehicles with forest permits.

The 460 Year-Old 'Kannimara Teak' (Mahavriksha)

Located in the Thunakadavu range, the colossal Kannimara Teak is venerated by local Kadar tribes as a living forest deity whose bark bled sap when early loggers attempted to axe it.

Its massive trunk requires five grown adults joining hands to encircle it, standing as an lasting symbol of India's ancient primeval forest wealth.

Truth is, gazing up at the colossal canopy of this 460 year-old living forest giant while listening to rustling leaves fills you with deep ecological humility.

Bengal Tigers, Gaurs & The Three Dam Reservoirs

Rich Mammalian Population: Parambikulam holds a healthy density of Bengal tigers, Asian wild elephants, Indian leopards, Nilgiri langurs, and massive herds of Indian gaurs grazing on reservoir meadows.

The Three Interconnected Lakes: Parambikulam, Thunacadavu, and Peruvaripallam reservoirs create endless scenic bays flanked by mist shrouded mountain peaks.

Community Eco Tourism: Bamboo Rafting & Tree Top Stays

Tribal Eco Development: Managed by Kadar and Malasar indigenous communities, tourism revenue directly supports tribal welfare and forest conservation.

Bamboo Rafting & Tented Camps: Visitors can glide silently across reservoir waters on traditional bamboo rafts, embark on guided jungle nature walks, and stay overnight in tree top cottages perched above the water.

After exploring the wild trails of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, visit the adjoining Topslip Forest in Tamil Nadu, tour the historic Palakkad Fort, or visit the scenic Malampuzha Dam and gardens.