Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – Kerala
Spreading across 391sq.km in the Palakkad district, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is among the most famed and picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Tucked away between the Anamalali Hills and Nelliampathy Hills, this gorgeous wildlife abode was established in 1973, and is one of the strong contenders of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s title.
A natural home to the majestic tigers, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is probably the only wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that allows the local tribal people to conduct treks, wildlife safaris, and other wildlife activities for the visitors! Also, unlike other national parks and reserve forests, this stunning tiger reserve serves as a proud host to capacity building activities and games; it also encourages eco-tourism through its various initiatives.
A true paradise for the nature and wildlife lovers, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve houses some of the most exotic and endangered wildlife species. If you happen to visit this picturesque wildlife reserve during your Kerala trip, you can easily spot the Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopard, Elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Boar, and several others. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve also boasts of its diverse range of reptiles, 47 different species of fishes, 268 species of local and migratory birds, 124 species of butterflies, and 23 different species of amphibians.
How to Reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:
1By Road:
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located within a close proximity to a quaint town called Pollachi. Visitors can either avail regular buses from this town or hire local taxis to reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
2By Train:
Coimbatore Railway Station; at a distance of 96km, serves as the nearest railway station to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Visitors from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Rajkot, Bikaner, Mangalore, and several others can reach Coimbatore, and avail regional buses or private vehicles to reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
3By Air:
Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve; distance is around 110km. The airport is well-connected with regular flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, and other important cities. Upon arrival at Coimbatore Airport, visitors should take regular buses or hire private vehicles to reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
Best Time to Visit Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:
Post monsoon is the best time to visit Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Tourism in this wildlife reserve begins from August and continues till January. The temperature starts falling and is accompanied by clear atmosphere that highly favours wildlife spotting and other activities in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
Safari Timings in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:
If you are planning for a visit to the stunning Parambikulam Tiger Reserve during your Kerala trip, you must make it before 04:00PM to the main gate of the reserve. Though the park opens at 07:00AM and closes down at 06:00PM, entry closes at sharp 04:00PM!
Also, visitors should pay a fee of INR 150 for heavy vehicles and INR 50 for light vehicles to the reserve. Entry fee for Indian are INR 10 (INR 5 for infants) and INR 100 for international travellers. Also, if you are carrying a video camera, you have to pay a fee of INR 150, and INR 25 for still cameras.
