Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chittur taluk in the district of Palakkad, Kerala. The sanctuary, established in the year 1973, is a Protected area, spanning over 285 sq km. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Sungam range of hills between Nelliampathy Hills of Kerala and Anaimalai Hills of Tamil Nadu, on the grand Western Ghats, is being considered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to be selected as a World Heritage Site. There are 4 different native tribes that are found in the area, namely, Mala Malasar, Muduvar, Malasar and Kadar. The 4 tribes are settled in 6 colonies.
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a part of the Parambikkulam Tiger Reserve, which is around 390 sq km, in February 2010. The virgin location is a tribute to unharmed nature. There is a reservoir that contains several species of aquatic fauna, including crocodiles.
Geography of Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located 135 km from Palakkad town, with Latitude- 10degree 20`- 10degreee 26` N and Longitude- 76degree 35`- 76degree 50` E. The Sanctuary is encircled by Chalakudy Forest Division in the west, Vazhachal Forest Division in the south and Nemmara Forest Division in the north and is adjoining to the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The altitude varies from 300 m to 1438 m. the main peaks in Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary include, Puliyarapadam, with an elevation of 1010 m in the west, Vengoli Malai, with an elevation of 1120 m in the east, Pandaravarai, with an elevation of 1290 m in the north and Karimala, with an elevation of 1438 m in the south.
The sanctuary also contains 3 artificial reservoirs, namely Thunacadavu, Peruvaripallam and Parambikkulam. The 3 main rivers are Sholayar, Thekkedy and Parambikkulam.
Flora and Fauna of Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary contains several types of plants and tress that add to the natural beauty of the region. These include Sandalwood, Neem, Rosewood and Teak. The sanctuary contains a variety of animals which includes 39 species of mammals, 268 species of birds, 61 species of reptiles, 47 species of fish, 16 species of amphibians and 1049 species of bugs and insects. The mammals that are found here are Royal Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Marten, Small Travancore Flying Squirrel, Bonnet Macaques, Wild boar, Sambar and Gaur.
Amongst the reptiles available here, King Cobra, Travancore Wolf Snake, Travancore Tortoise, Indian Rock Python, Cochin Cane Turtle, Travancore Kukri Snake, Mugger Crocodile, Chameleon, South Indian Forest Ground Gecko, Keelback, Rat Snake and other types of snake are found in abundance. Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birds and bird watchers. Birds Like Grey-Headed Fish-Eagle, Peninsular Bay Owl, Darter, Little Cormorant, Great Hornbill, Broad-Billed Roller, Black Woodpecker, Great Pied Hornbill, Black-Capped Kingfisher, Great Pied Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant Stork and Black Eagle are present here.
The other animals include various types of fishes like Tilapia, Bral, Mooshu, Exyprius, Aral, Poochutti, Kollotty and amphibian species like Bronzed frog Rana Temporalis, Kerala Warty Frog Limnonectes Keralensis, Small Wrinkled Frog Nyctibatrachus Minor, Common Asiatic Toad Bufo melanostictus, Cricket Frog Limnonectes Limnocharis, Frog Rana Semipalmata and several more species of frogs and toads.
Tourism of Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. Prior permission is required for trekking in the forest. Boating facilities are also available t the artificial reservoirs. There are comfortable accommodations available for the convenience of the tourists.
Parambikkulam is accessible from Palakkad by road, via Pollachi. The distance from Palakkad to Pollachi is around 45 km and from Pollachi to Parambikkulam is 65 km. the nearest airport is at Coimbatore and the nearest railway station is at Pollachi.