Located at a distance of 89 kilometers from Palakkad, Parambikulam would allow you to enjoy the goodness of both the worlds of valleys of Anamalai Ranges in Tamilnadu and Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala, which makes it a popular tourist destination. It is interesting to note that though the sanctuary is in Kerala, it is accessed from Tamil Nadu. Bestowed with natural beauty, the wooded forests and the lush green surroundings offer ample scope for you to see a range a wild animals up close including sambhars, wild boars and panthers among others. Parambikulam has one of the largest populations of bison.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, considered as a world heritage site by UNESCO has a diverse topography including bamboo forests and patches of sandalwood, rosewood and teak forests, interspersed with grasslands and marshy areas. Though the erstwhile original teak forests in Parambikulam has been replaced by teak plantations now, the famous Kannimari teak tree, the largest in Asia still remains tall as a remainder of its glorious past!
Parambikulam Sanctuary is one of the best protected sanctuaries in South India which ensures minimal human interferences for the wild life population thriving here. Parambikulam tourism includes various leisure activities like boating at the reservoir at the Parambikulam Sanctuary. Another must see spot is Top slip, which is located 300 meters above the sea level on the Anamalai mountain ranges. A perfect place to spot spotted deer and bison these grass lands fall under the Indira Gandhi National Park in the Coimbatore District of Tamilnadu. But the Palaghat pass between Nilgiris and Anamalai ranges makes it the only entry point in Kerala to Parambikulam Wild Life Reserve Forest.
Parambikulam vacations can be as diverse and exciting as you wish them to be. Parambikulam makes an excellent trekking spot thanks to its many peaks and hills. The Karimala Gopuram and Vengoli Peak where one can spot the endangered Nilgiri tahr are quite popular among trekkers. Permission from Forest Information Centre at Annapadi should be taken for trekking, which will be under the supervision of a tribal guide. Elephant safari is another interesting option to explore the sanctuary.
Some of the other must do activities in any parambikulam holidays include trekking to dolmens, the thoovanam water falls, and camping activity in Vasyappara among many others. Parambikulam is also a haven for bird watchers as it is home to over 250 species of birds including many indigenous birds like the Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl and jungle myna among others. There are many accommodation options available at the sanctuary including a tree house well within the reserve forest in Thanakkadavu , which would ensure a life time experience for sure. There are also two watchtowers one each at Anappadi and Zungam.
No matter whether you are on weekend trip, an adventure holiday or on a short holiday to break free from the mundane and the hectic life styles Parambikulam holidays would make sure that go back with loads of happy moments and memories and a strong urge to be back soon!
