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Parambikulam National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty, boasting diverse flora and fauna amidst serene lakes and verdant landscapes. It promises a tranquil retreat into the heart of South India’s wilderness. Encircled by other protected wildlife sanctuaries, this 643.66 sq km lush greenery area is among the country’s most well-preserved ecological parks. The stunning landscape is a haven for diverse endemic flora and fauna, including the elusive tiger, the fierce leopard, the majestic Indian elephant, and freshwater crocodiles.
Quick Details About Parambikulam National Park
Elevation: 300 to 1438 m above sea level
Parambikulam National Park Timings: 7 AM-3 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Parambikulam National Park can be found in the Chittur taluk of Palakkad district 100 kilometres from Palakkad. The rugged hill ranges in this region reach 300 to 1438 metres above sea level, providing a climate with temperatures varying between 15 and 32 degrees Celsius.
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How To Reach Parambikulam National Park
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists can reach Parambikulam National Park by air, train, and road.
By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (100 km) and Cochin International Airport (150 km) are the nearest airports. You can take a taxi or a bus from either airport.
By Train: The nearest stations are Pollachi (65 km from Coimbatore) or Palakkad (100 km from Cochin). From there, you can take a taxi or bus.
By Road: From Coimbatore (100 km) or Palakkad (100 km), drive via Pollachi or Palakkad-Chittur route to Parambikulam.
Things To Do
Here’s a list of Parambikulam National Park activities that cater to various interests of tourists:
1. Wildlife Safari
Photo: Mumdas sahab / Wikimedia Commons
There are two rather exciting experiences in the Parambikulam National Park. The elephant safari ploughing through the dense forests of Palakkad and the jungle safari, wherein guides and naturalists take you through, step by step. On the elephant safaris, one travels along routes that a regular used vehicle cannot manage, offering a different perspective of the sanctuary and one of the best things to see in Palakkad. Various habitats, from thick forests to open grasslands, are covered during the jungle safari.
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2. Boat Ride On Parambikulam Reservoir
Photo: Ashaanandr / Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy a serene boat ride on the beautiful Parambikulam Reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery. The lake’s pristine waters reflect the surrounding vegetation and tropical trees, providing a stunning scene. Travellers can enjoy bird watching around the surrounding areas and participate in boating activities on calm waters. This activity offers serene views and the chance to spot wildlife like elephants along the reservoir banks.
3. Nature Walks and Trekking
Photo: Varada Phadkay / Wikimedia Commons
For those craving closer encounters with nature, trekking in Parambikulam National Park is an activity one must surely indulge in. Guided walks along nature trails bring one up close and personal with the beauty of diverse flora and fauna. Besides the walks on forest paths and the sounds of the jungle, the visitors learn about the delicate ecosystems that support this vast biodiversity in Palakkad. You can also take Parambikulam National Park photos while exploring the terrains.
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Places To Visit Around Parambikulam National Park
1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Photo: Paṭippaṟivillāta / Wikimedia Commons
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala near the Tamil Nadu border, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It encompasses dense forests, grassy hills, and several rivers and reservoirs. The reserve is home to various wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), and numerous bird species. Eco-tourism accommodations such as tree houses and bamboo huts provide a unique opportunity to stay close to nature.
Things To Do: Wildlife safaris, guided nature walks, trekking, and boat rides on the reservoir
2. Thunakadavu Dam
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Thunakadavu Dam, located in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, offers a picturesque setting surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The dam, a source of hydroelectric power, also serves as a scenic spot for boating with idyllic views. Tucked against the picturesque Western Ghats, it provides fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and beautiful sceneries where tourists and hikers can explore and relax while taking in the expansive views.
Things To Do: Boat rides on the reservoir, taking in serene views of the water and its natural surroundings.
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3. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sathidevimmadhavam / Wikimedia Commons
Adjacent to the tiger reserve, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is expanding its conservation efforts across a larger area. The place is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Travellers and adventure seekers can enjoy the expansive views surrounding this location and take in the gorgeous scenery around this unique location. Accommodation options within the sanctuary provide eco-friendly stays amidst the pristine wilderness, enhancing the experience of being immersed in nature.
4. Bear Path Trail
Photo: Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The four-kilometre hiking track passes through extensive teak plantations and starts at “Nalayiram Point.” It’s possible to come across footprints featuring a sloth bear’s pugmarks. Travellers and adventure seekers can enjoy the expansive views surrounding this location and take in the gorgeous scenery around this unique location. The sloth bear feeding site is 500 metres into the trail. Travellers can see bamboo groves and teak plantations on both sides of the route.
Things To Do: Trekking and sightseeing
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5. Pugmark Trail
Photo: Adya1996 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife should visit the Pugmark Trail. The likelihood of seeing a tiger up close is far higher here. It is a long, serene trek for beginners, with a distance of ten kilometres and a first-hand experience of walking through a forest. The trekking trail is near the Peruvaripallam Earth Dam, and along the route, you come across the 460-year-old Kannimara teak, the oldest giant teak in the world.
Things To Do: Wildlife sightings and trekking
6. Kannimara Teak
Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
One of the sanctuary’s top attractions is the massive Kannimara Teak tree. It’s one of the biggest and oldest teak trees in the world, believed to be around 360 years old. This ancient tree dates back to a time before teak plantations were common, a true relic of the original teak forests. One of the oldest and tallest teak trees in the world, Kannimara is the centrepiece of the sanctuary and the first teak plantation ever to be managed scientifically.
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7. Elephant Song Trekking Trail
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Elephant Song Trekking Trail is a long, serene trek for beginners, with a distance of six kilometres and a first-hand experience of walking through a forest. The trekking trail starts from Anappady and ends at the Anapaddy check post. Travellers and adventure seekers can enjoy the expansive views surrounding this location and take in the gorgeous scenery around this unique location. Part of the trek passes through Karian Shola Evergreen Forest which is a part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Stay at different accommodations near Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary such as the Misty Valley Hill Resorts, Costvilla Resorts, Akshaya Bungalow by Sparsa, Wintel Wild, and Mango Village. You can also stay at comfortable lodgings and budget guest houses near this national park.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Jacklee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When visiting Parambikulam National Park, you can enjoy local delicacies in the following restaurants Noorjehan’s Open Grill, Meen Chatti, Annalakshmi Grand Pure Veg, Arabian Arbeque Fire Grill, Dhaba Cafe and Kadal, and Adhi Bhavan.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
Visiting Parambikulam National Park is fairly cheap. The gate pass is ₹200 for adults and ₹100 for children, but this amount can vary if you want to do other programs such as guided safaris, boating on Parambikulam Dam and staying at tree houses or forest lodges.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking through dense woods and uneven terrains.
- Carry water, snacks and other basic needs because the park has limited facilities, especially on long trails.
- Carry a cap and sunglasses, and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun during open safari rides or hikes.
- Have some antiseptic lotion and salt with you since leeches are all over the path, particularly during the monsoon period.
- The best time to visit Parambikulam is the early morning hours when wildlife is most active, and the dry season from November to April gives the most pleasant weather.
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Parambikulam National Park resonates with much more than a mere visual experience. It offers an enthralling trek, rich tapestry and culture, and a chance to witness the pristine beauty. From heart-pumping hikes to exploring serene picnic spots, Palakkad has it all. So what are you waiting for? For a perfectly planned trip to Parambikulam National Park, book with TripXL and make memories for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: kv naushad / Shutterstock
