Anaimalai Tourism Guide

Location Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary sits astride the Anaimalai Hills on the Tamil Nadu- Kerala border, 56km from Pollachi.

Looking at the Ulandy Range from a distance one can only wonder at nature’s extraordinary generosity in crafting these forests on the eastern slopes of the western Ghats. The foliage is in shades varying from jade to emerald. Get closer and you can see the leaves rustling in the wind. The rustling arouses myriad birds, whose soft calls waft gently over the valleys.

You’re in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary spread over nearly 1000 sq km on the Tamil Nadu Kerala border and stomping ground of the elephant. The sanctuary has one proverbial foot in tamil Nadu in Anaimalai and the other in Parambikkulam in Kerala. So an added bonus is you’ll get to enjoy the piquant delights of the three jewels of Parambikkulam the Parambikkulam, Thoonakkadavu and Peruvaripalam dams.

The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, better known as Anamalai Sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, panthers, spotted deer, wild boars and civet cats, among other fauna. The adjacent Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary offers a slew of enticing jungle safaris, dam visits and cruises.

Anaimalai Sanctuary

The road from Pollachi brings you to the Sethumadai Checkpost which allows you entry into the Anaimalai Sanctuary. Pay your entry fee then drive 7km down the road to Top Slip the headquarters of the Ulandy Range. Top slip is about 35km south-west of Pollachi. The Top Slip at the base of the hill checks reservation slips and guides visitors to the forest rest houses scattered around its precincts. Park your car here and pick up info about the park. You can also book and start your jeep safaris to Top Slip, Karian Shola, Mt Stuart Block, Kolikamuthi Elephant Camp and the Varagaliar Elephant Camp from here.

Top Slip’s highlight though are the evergreen patches of forest at very low elevations, which harbour some extremely rare species of fauna including the Nilgri langur and the lion tailed macaque.

At the Karian Shola the heart of the evergreen part of Top slip, you’ll find that most wondrous of birds the Malabar pied hombill, Tamil Nadu’s flagship species.

About 3km to the west of Top Slip is Mt Stuart Block a good place to sight bears whose droppings and pug marks you can see even near an ancient forest department bungalow.

In Case you’ve reached Anaimalai by private vehicle, these are not allowed inside the sanctuary. You’ll have to leave your vehicle at the Top Slip Reception Centre or at your forest rest house. Trips into the forest areas can only be made in the Forest Department jeeps.

Kolikamuthi Elephant Camp

About 7km out of Top Slip, past Mt Stuart Block this camp is home to nearly 50 Malasar tibal families. The Malasars are expert elephant handlers. Entry is by forest jeep only. Contact the Wildlife Warden, Indira Gandhi Sanctuary 365/1 Meenkarai Road, Pollachi. Entry Fee Rs 25.

Route from: NH7 to Toppur, SH to Bhavani NH47 to Coimbatore, NH209 to Pollachi state roads to Top Slip via Sethumadai.

Air: Nearest airport is at Coimbatore (75 kms ) from the park.

Rail: Nearest Railway station is Pollachi 35 kms away. There are trains from here to Coimbatore and Dindigul.

Road: Pollachi is a large town well connected to the main cities in Tamil Nadu. There are regular buses from Coimbatore (40 km) and Palani to Pollachi. There are buses available to the park from Pollachi (35km) and back. Taxis and jeeps are also available at Pollachi.

Entry: If you are visiting the park for the day you can go from Top Slip to Parambikulam (Entry fees). There is Kerala forest checkpost is the entry point to Parambikulam. In case you plan to Parambikulam, accommodation must be booked in advance at the:

Contact: The Wildlife Warden Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, 178, Meenkarai Road, Pollachi – 642 001. Tel: 04259 222-5356.