Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Anappady, Kerala, is one of the 104 tiger reserves in India and shelters 25 tigers as per its last census. Thriving with abundant flora, fauna, and avifauna, this reserve is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers.
Whether you’re here on a romantic holiday, wildlife safari, jungle camping, or an adventurous trek, the Parambikulam forest won’t let you down!
Kerala is God’s Own Country not only for its backwaters and ancient temples but also for its abundant forest resources and the animals and birds it shelters.
It prides itself on its countless wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of them!
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Basic info
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1973 in the Sungam mountain range between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliyampathy Hills in Kerala and Karnataka. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2009 by the Government of India.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a well-protected ecological paradise located in the landscape of Nelliyampathy-Anamala of the Southern Western Ghats in India. It is a part of the Palakkad District of Kerala and one of the many rich biodiversity hotspots in the world that support diverse habitat types and endemism.
It is home to the four different tribes of Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Mala Malasar which are settled in six different colonies inside the protected reserve.
Many people belonging to these tribal communities have been employed by the Department of Forests and Wildlife in Kerala to work as certified guides inside the forest for travelers during treks and safaris. They also try to educate tourists about the forest since these tribals know this jungle and its wild creatures better than anyone.
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Parambikulam forest is a highly protected ecological spot of the Anamalai sub-unit of Western Ghats surrounded by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The rich habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supply makes it an optimal abode for flora and fauna as well as four indigenous tribes that are an integral part of this comprehensive harmonious ecosystem.
The biological richness, abundant flora and fauna, and boundless panoramic beauty make Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve one of the most exciting places to visit in the Western Ghats in Kerala.
Forest lovers and trekkers visit this place in large numbers and always end up falling in love with its serenity and charm.
Things to do at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
There are several tourist attractions to explore in the Parambikulam forest reserve. Tourists can explore natural sites without any restrictions.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve ecotourism packages are well-formatted to make nature lovers appreciate how precious nature and wildlife are.
Trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts who wish to take a trip to the enchanting Parambikulam forest and engage in the various activities offered there can book their tickets at the Parambikulam reserve’s official website.
Some of these activities include but aren’t limited to
- Jungle safari
- Camping
- Treehouse stay
- Treks and nature hikes
- Watchtower viewing
- Bicycle riding in the forest
- Tiger & bear trail treks
- Island visit
- Bamboo rafting
and so on.
Let’s look at some of the best Parambikulam Tiger Reserve activities in detail. Don’t forget to include them in your itinerary when you book either of our Kerala holiday packages!
1. Trekking
Do you like walking amid the untampered wilderness? The tranquil forest reserves of Parambikulam offer a variety of trekking trails to quench your thirst for hiking and trekking.
Along with trekking and nature walks, you can also see the Kannimara Teak, the largest teak tree in Asia located in Parambikulam. Fondly called the Kannimara Teak by locals, this 500-year-old teak is the largest living teak tree towering to a height of 47.5 meters (155.8 feet).
2. Bear Path Trail
The Bear Path Trail is a 4 km trekking route that starts from ‘Nalayiram Point’ and goes straight into the vast teak plantations. You will be able to witness the tracks and pugmarks of the Sloth Bear which resides in these jungles.
You’ll also get to see the feeding ground of the bear on the trail after about 500 meters. This trail at Seechali as well as the feeding ground is flanked on either side by lush teak plantations and bamboo groves.
You’ll also be welcomed by a pond on the open grassland on your way, adding a touch of exotic scenery to your trek! Visit in December when the foliage here is resplendent and brimming with life and when there are tons of colorful migratory birds swarming the place.
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2. Pugmark Trail
For a wanderlust, catching even a glimpse of a tiger’s pugmarks can be a dream come true!
The Pugmark Trail, stretching for about 10 km, starts from the Peruvaripallam Earth Dam. The trail runs through teak plantations till it reaches Anappady through Thunakadavu. You will be able to see the famed Kannimara Teak en route!
3. Elephant Song Trail
The elephant trail is an easy 4 km trekking trail suitable for all age groups. It stretches through the Western Ghats’s evergreen patches giving stunning views of greenery around!
Most people treat it as a trial trek before embarking on the other trekking trails in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Since it’s easy, many families and couples also prefer it over other trekking trails in Parambikulam.
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4. Karian Shola Trail
The Karian Shola Trail stretches from Anapaddy to the deciduous forests of Parambikulam in Palakkad. This 4-km trek takes you deep into this enchanting forest!
It’s delightful for trekkers and nature lovers to spot an array of animal species inside this forest, so more and more adventure enthusiasts and wildlife fanatics opt for this trek in Parambikulam nature reserve.
This trail includes highly sought-after experiences like bamboo rafting and trekking. A maximum of 10 persons in a group at a time are allowed to embark on this trek.
One must take extra precautions on this route as it’s notorious for its high leech population. Wear full-length lowers along with sturdy trekking shoes with socks on this trek. Don’t forget to carry first-aid to use in case of leech bites.
5. Peruvari Island Nest
Peruvari Island Nest Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It is a stay-over program inside the Perivaripallam Dam that provides tourists a great opportunity to camp on the top of a bamboo hut.
This activity comes with a fun session of sailing on bamboo rafts as one needs them to cross the river and access the dam. One guide and four boatmen accompany you during bamboo rafting, an activity that lasts about 30 minutes.
This package excludes food that is prepared at the dam itself by the guests, boatmen, and the guide. Four beds are made available for the guests.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy a safari inside the forest as part of their package after checking out. Check-in is at noon while check-out is at 10:30 AM.
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Treetop hut at Thunakadavu
Treetop huts are most frequented by couples who visit Parambikulam Tiger Park on their honeymoon. These are located near the Thunakadavu Reservoir inside the forest.
The view from these lovely treetop huts gives a mesmerizing view of Parambikulam’s serene waters as well as pleasant winds all day long. The package also includes three meals.
The Kannimara Cafe is located in front of the huts to serve you authentic Kerala fare among other delicacies right in the middle of a dense jungle. Check-in is at noon while check-out is at 10:30 AM.
Veettikunnu Island Hut
Veettikunnu is an island located on the Parambikulam reservoir. It is an ideal choice for peace seekers who wish to leave their chaotic lives behind to explore the silence of these dense forests.
It takes an hour and a half’s worth of rowing to reach this island along the reservoir. Five people can be accommodated in the camp at one time.
Four expert boatmen accompany you during your cruise to the island, while your guide stays with you till you check out the next day.
Honeycomb Complex
The Honeycomb Complex located in the reserve premises is specialized for night-stay packages.
Tribal Symphony tribal village tour, birdwatching, trekking, and bamboo rafting are some of the experiences that you can enjoy through this package. It also includes three meals and air-conditioned rooms.
Parambikulam National Park entry fee
One needs to acquire a permit from the Kerala Forest Department before entering the park. Entry into the park is strictly prohibited without a permit.
The fee structure for Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is as follows:
- Indian nationals: INR 15/- per person
- Foreign nationals: INR 200/- per person
- Children below 12: INR 5/- per person
- Video camera: INR 200/- per person
- Still camera: INR 25/- per person
- Heavy vehicle: INR 200/-
- Light vehicle: INR 50/-
- Miscellaneous: INR 25/- per person
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve safari packages
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is heaven for safari lovers!
Thrill seekers have the time of their lives during a safari in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, especially when they spot any of the tigers, peacocks, spotted deer, elephants, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, bison, and porcupines roaming around!
Resident and migratory bird species like drongos, bee-eaters, treepies, mynas, woodpeckers, kingfishers, Brahminy kites, and eagles can also be spotted here in abundance.
There are two types of safari packages available for guests at Parambikulam in Kerala.
Combo Package
The combo package offers guests a safari ride, trekking, and river rafting for a total of 3.5 hours. This exclusive combo package includes commute and lunch. The package is complimentary for children under the age of 10.
Jungle Safari
The jungle safari package is a one-day package that includes a safari inside the Parambikulam forest with the company of an experienced guide who knows the area. It typically costs about INR 200/- per head and is complimentary for children under the age of 10.
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How to reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
The famed tiger reserve is located in Kerala but it’s closer and more easily accessible through Tamil Nadu.
By Air:
Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu is the nearest airport followed by Cochin International Airport in Kerala located 89 km and 155 km away respectively.
By Rail:
Palakkad Junction in Kerala is the nearest railway station followed by Coimbatore Junction in Tamil Nadu located 79 km and 81 km away respectively.
By Road:
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located close to the quaint town of Pollachi in Tamil Nadu (40 km away) as well as the Palakkad town in Kerala (76 km away).
One can easily take a taxi, a state-run bus, or a private Volvo from these towns or other nearby cities like Coimbatore, Kochi, and Madurai to get to the sanctuary in Parambikulam.
Make sure you book your preferred activities in the park well in advance as they are available only on a first-come-first-serve basis and slots are limited for each day.
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We bet you’ve already started planning your visit to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve! Reach out to our team for making bookings and planning your trip so that you can focus on having the time of your life in this wild paradise while we take care of the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions About Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Which district is Parambikulam located in?
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-protected ecological region in the Nelliampathy-Anamalai landscape of the Palakkad district of Kerala.
How many tigers are in Parambikulam?
The 2022 census of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala revealed that there are currently 25 tigers in this region. Parambikulam is one of the premier tiger reserves in India.
What is the entry fee of Parambikulam?
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve entry fee is INR 50 for light vehicles and INR 200 for heavy vehicles. A three-hour safari ride costs INR 150 per head. A minimum of 20 visitors are required for a safari and prior permission from the Kerala Forest Department is mandatory.
Which month is best to visit Parambikulam?
The best time to visit Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is from September to January. The reserve is sometimes closed from February onwards owing to wildfires which turn these forests dry.
