Sprawling over an area of about 285sq.km, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is
tucked away in the valley between the Nelliampathy ranges and the Annamalai
ranges. The sanctuary is located in Palakkad district of Kerala state.
Popularly known as 'Nature's own abode' this sanctuary attract tourists
to enjoy beauty of nature.
Parambikulam were in two broad administrative units
Sungam Forest Reserve and Parambikulam Forest Reserve, but owing to its
growing wildlife needs, it was expanded in 1962. The sanctuary was established
in 1985 with an area of 285sq.km. Previously it was known as Parambikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary and it became the 38th Tiger Reserve and second of
Kerala in 2010 February 19. The reserve contains around 20 Tigers, 51
species of Reptiles, 204 species of birds, 160 varieties of butterflies
and other species. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is rich in bird life, is
noteworthy for its rich tropical rain and teak forest. Some trees are
said to be over 400 years old. About 9,000 hectares of teak plantations
are found in Parambikulam. Besides its rich flora and fauna the sanctuary
contains three dams, and the dammed waters are home to a variety of endangered
species such as crocodiles, otter, turtles etc. The visitors can also
avail and enjoy the boating facilities provided at the dams where one
can observe the Gaur, Mugger crocodiles on the water's edge. Boating fee
Rs 200 for 5 persons or less for one hour; Rs 400 for a group of up to
8, plus 2 guides.
The sanctuary also offers good trekking also. Now the
forest department conducts treks at Parambikulam. There are three kinds
of organised treks offered by the Forest Department: a soft trek takes
you a distance of 6 km and costs Rs 50; a medium trek is 10 km long and
costs Rs 75 or Rs 100 (2-6 persons and guide)); and a hard trek is a 20-km
long walk through difficult terrain and costs Rs 200 (6-10 persons and
2 guides) or Rs 300 (10 persons and 3 guides). It is compulsory to be
accompanied by a guide on these treks, so trek costs are calculated including
the allotment of one tribal guide for every group of three persons. The
famous among the treks are Karimala Gopuram (1,438 m), followed by Vengoli
Peak (1,120 m). There is also a chance to see the Nilgiri tahr on these
hills. Treks through selected routes in the forest can be arranged with
overnight stay in watchtowers with the help of the local people.
Flora
The sanctuary has a vast marshy grasslands. Apart from the thickly wooded
stands of bamboo, rosewood and sandalwood, Parambikulam had an abundance
of teak tree. The prime attraction here is the oldest and Asia’s
largest teak tree, Kannimaram, which is 40m in height and 6.4m in breadth
(girth). It is located about 5 Km. from Thunakadavu (headquarters of Parambikulam
sanctuary). This place is considered to be a good place for spotting herbivores.The
hilly and rocky terrain gives a mystical touch to the sanctuary and it
is drained by several rivers, including Parambikulam, Sholayar and Thekkedy.
Fauna
The most protected ecological piece of Anamalai subunits of Western Ghats,
this virgin valley is the home of rare and exotica fauna and offers a
scintillating sight of rare wild animals. Mammals such as leopards, wild
dogs, sloths, wild boar, barking deer, spotted deer, langurs, porcupines
etc can be seen here. It also has one of the largest population of gaur
(also know as Indian bison) and mugger crocodiles have seen on the banks
of the reservoirs. The avian population comprise such as Common Kingfisher,
Ceylon frogmouth, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar grey Hornbills , Great
pied hornbills, Broad-billed roller, Black woodpecker, Darter, Little
cormorant, Quail, Kingfisher, Egret, Falcon, Owl, Nightjar, Drongo, Barbet
etc. Dr. Salim Ali, the world famous Ornithologist had found more than
100 species of birds at Parambikulam sanctuary. Parambikulam also has
a rich collection of reptiles including the Mugger crocodile, Pond terapin,
Cane turtle, Spectacled cobra, Python, Flying lizard, Turtle etc. For
providing a better view of the sanctuary, two watchtowers are located
at Anappadi, 8km from Thunakadavu, and Zungam, 5km from Thunakadavu.
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Wildlife 
