Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur Sector

Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve is India's 51st tiger reserve located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, spanning Virudhunagar and Theni districts. The Srivilliputhur sector near Rajapalayam encompasses the former Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. Notified in 2021, it covers about 1,016 sq km of diverse forest, grasslands and hills, notable for grizzled giant squirrels, tigers, leopards, elephants and rich birdlife within a critical Western Ghats corridor.

Visitors to the Srivilliputhur sector can expect dense dry deciduous and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats with hilly terrain, valleys and streams. The area is known for sightings of the grizzled giant squirrel, along with tigers, leopards, elephants, Nilgiri tahr and diverse birds. Access is regulated through forest department check posts with guided jeep safaris, nature trails and watch towers at points like Shenbagathoppu. Facilities are basic and forest-oriented, focused on wildlife observation and nature walks.