Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Palakkad
Parambikulam is one of the premier Tiger Reserves of India and is endowed by nature in terms of species, habitat and ecosystem diversity, characterized by functional human-ecological affinities. It stood 7th in the country in terms of Management Effectiveness in the 2018 Assessment (among 50 Tiger Reserves in the country).
The area was declared a Tiger Reserve during 2010 at a total extent of 643.66 sq km, out of which an extent of 390.89 km2 has been declared as the core or critical tiger habitat and 252.77 km2 as the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve.
Parambikulam is a well-protected part of the Nelliampathy – Anamalai sub unit of the Western Ghats and is buffered by ecologically similar forests of other Forest Divisions and Protected Areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
STORY OF THE RESERVE
For a first time visitor to PKMTR, nature manifests itself into a diversity of ecological spaces producing multiple living signatures and their interactions within and without. Complex algorithms of ecological systems with concomitant inter play of energy and matter create a range of habitats associated with a host of life forms. Long term conservation of this complex and dynamic ecological system, symbolized by tiger, constitutes the contemporary rationale of management.
The effectiveness of PKMTR management today lies in ensuring long term survival of tiger and its prey and their habitats. However. It wasn’t so too long ago, as a matter of fact, it was very different than what it is today. The contemporaneous notion of conservation, being a value laden social construct, engenders values, meanings and resultant management practices that shift their course as per shifting cultural, socio-economic and political perspective of the human society.
Things to do at Parambikulam Reserve
Add some adventure to your life by trying your hand at horse riding and boating.
Bring a picnic basket to spend some quality time with your children.
Get photographed in some exclusive photos with a die-to-fall background of Nilgiri hills.
Enjoy a sip of Coonoor Tea to relish the actual taste of tea. It is something you wouldn’t want to miss on a Dolphin’s Nose Point.
Connectivity
Airways :
If you are travelling by air, Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport which is nearly 50 km away from the destination. Coimbatore Airport is well-served by both domestic and international tourists. From the airport, opt for a private or a shared taxi to get to this popular attraction.
Railways :
Approximately 33 km away is the Mettupalayam Railway Station and around 29 km away is the Ooty Railway Station. You can enjoy a train service at any of the stations. These 2 stations connect Ooty with the metro cities of India such as Kochi, Jaipur, Puri, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Kanyakumari and more. After arriving in Ooty, experience the further journey through Nilgiri Toy Train to have the best time of your life.
Road Ways :
Choose to travel by road if you want to feel the magic of Ooty on your way. There are several private and government-owned buses that operate daily for the convenience of tourists. You can also hire a private vehicle from one of the leading car rental companies in Ooty for hassle free commutation within the hill station. However, the entry of the vehicles up to the falls is not allowed, so one must need to trek to reach Catherine Falls.
Places To Visit Near Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
There are several options to explore nearby Aliyar apart from witnessing the views it beholds. You can take assistance from our team to plan your itinerary as per your holiday duration. The top 5 places to visit in Coonoor are:
1. Rallia Dam: Another equally fasciation attraction is Rallia Dam, where you can spot a wide variety of animals such as Bisons and Malabar Squirrels in the forest. It is a short drive away from Aliyar Dam.
2. Sim’s Park: Be sure to take a short stroll at Sim’s Park whenever you are on your Ooty tour. Nestled on the slope of the hill, the park offers 1000 plus species of colourful flowers and plants. It is just 6 km away from Dolphin’s Nose.
3. Government Botanical Park: Have a fun time with your family at Government Botanical Garden. Spreading over an area of 55 acres, the garden is mainly visited by people for educating their children about nature conservation.
4. Upper Bhavani Lake: Treat your eyes to picturesque views at Upper Bhavani Lake. An ideal spot for nature lovers, the Upper Bhavani Lake is just like heaven on earth. Unlike other attractions, it is a less-crowded place in Coonoor.
