Sprawling over an area of about 285sq.km., Parambikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary is tucked away in the valley between the Nelliampathy
ranges and the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is 110 kms
away from Palakkad via Pollachi. Home of rare and exotica fauna, it offers
a scintillating sight of rare wild animals like leopards, wild dogs, sloths,
wild boar, barking deer, spotted deer, langurs, porcupines etc. It also
has one of the largest population of gaur (also know as Indian bison).
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). The hilly and rocky terrain
that gives a mystical touch to the sanctuary are drained by several rivers,
including Parambikulam, Sholayar and Thekkedy.
For providing a better view of the sanctuary, two watch
towers are located at Anappadi, 8km from Thunakadavu, and Zungam, 5km
from Thunakadavu. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir. The
best season to visit the sanctuary is from September to May.
