Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a protected tiger reserve located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in the Western Ghats. Spread over 643.66 sq km, it is known for its rich biodiversity, teak plantations including the giant Kannimara Teak, and scenic reservoirs. Declared a tiger reserve in 2009, it offers wildlife safaris, trekking and eco-tourism experiences within undisturbed evergreen and deciduous forests.

Visitors can expect a forested landscape of evergreen and deciduous forests, valleys and reservoirs including Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam dams. The reserve offers guided jeep safaris, bamboo rafting, boating, trekking trails and tree-top stays. Wildlife sightings may include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sloth bears and diverse bird species. Facilities are eco-tourism focused with interpretation centre, watchtowers and tribal hamlet visits.

Originally established as Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in 1973, covering 285 sq km. In 2009 it was declared as Parambikulam Tiger Reserve with a total area of 643.66 sq km including core and buffer zones. It forms part of the Anamalai-Parambikulam landscape in the Western Ghats and is noted for scientific teak plantation history dating to the 19th century.

The reserve is inhabited by indigenous tribal communities including Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar who have traditionally lived in the forest. Their culture and sustainable practices are part of the eco-tourism experience, with guided visits to tribal hamlets.