Nestled in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries. And skirting these exotic destinations are some of the most delightful trails in the country. Some of them adventurously exciting, others enchanting in equal measure. All washed in the spice-scented air of endless acres of plantations.. tea, coffee, cardamom, vanilla,  pepper,  oranges, mangoes....

PALGHAT

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Between the Anamalai Ranges of Taminadu and the Nelliampathy Ranges of Kerala on the Western Ghats is the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Situated in the Palakkad district, it was originally a small tract of reserve forest with an area of about 48 sq. kms. However owing to the growing wildlife need, it was expanded in 1962 and today covers an area of 258 sq. kms.

Ideally suited to the growth of teak, the tract encouraged large scale teak plantations through artificial regeneration in the early 1920's. This was abandoned when a full fledged wildlife department was formed in 1985.

Several streams originate from these hills and flows towards the Chalakudy river. The terrain is mostly undulating with a valley in the basin. The Karimala Gopuram is the highest peak in this region and standing at 1444m

The sanctuary is accessible by road from the Tamil Nadu side of the border. Buses ply between Pollachi and Parambikulam.

Accomodation

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There is a forest rest house at Thunacadavu. The Parambikulam Project also provides accommodation. There are several cheap hotels at Pollachi and Coimbatore also.

Silent Valley National Park

The Silent Valley National Park , around 90 Kms in all was the subject of a state wide environmental agitation , to save the virgin evergreen forests from destruction, due to a dam proposed within it.

The Park attained international attention then and now forms part of al larger Nilgiri Biosphere reserve. The park is home to more than 100 species of butterflies and birds. Other wildlife includes the Nilgiri Tahr, the rare and endangered Lion Tailed Macaque, leopards, tigers and elephants.

To get to the Park, one has to take the road from Palakkad, 80 kms away.Regular buses are available to Mukkali, 20 kms from the Park. Visitors are allowed only in a few places, near the site proposed for the dam earlier. Facilities are rudimentary and limited. Recommended only for those willing to rough it out. .

Accomodation

For More Hotel/Resort Reservations click Palghat accomodation

Forest Department Rest House at Mukkali.