Parambikulam Tour

A well-protected ecological region in the Nelliampathy – Anamalai landscape of the Southern Western Ghats, Parambikulam is a unique ecological tract that has an undulating topography and diverse ecosystems that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Despite a short distance, the trek passes through an enchanting natural world of beautiful evergreen forests with a mosaic of numerous endangered medicinal plants and orchids. The route for the Kariyanshola trail starts from Anappady – Rock point – Kariyanshola  –  Jungle Stream  –  Teak plantations and back to Anappady covering 6 km of pristine evergreen forests some tropical, some moist and dry-deciduous.

During the trek, you’ll experience the trail completely transforming into a whole new landscape – from dry-deciduous to tropical evergreen forests. With the change in landscape, you’ll also experience a pleasant change in micro-climate and bio-diversity. From birding and animal sighting in the dry-deciduous forests, you will be looking for frogs, reptiles and Lianas- the long-stemmed, woody vine trees that are tall and huge, in the moist, evergreen forest patches.

A short hike from the base will have you atop a hillock from where you can absorb spectacular sceneries and stunning views of mountain grasslands and peaks on the opposite side. As you further venture into the jungle, the trail becomes narrower with some brisk climbs here and there and you will be walking through bamboo thickets and tall evergreen trees, with their branches stretching over you like a giant umbrella.

A walk in these woods opens up a world of birds with long and short tails and loud, lingering songs. It’s an ecological paradise for those seeking precious sightings in the lap of Nature and be in the company of chirping birds and fluttering butterflies.

Probable Sighting highlights:

Home to the largest population of the Indian Gaur, trekking amidst these forests offers immense opportunities to sight wild animals like the endangered Sloth Bear, Indian Elephant and some sought-after bird species like the Great Indian Hornbill, SriLankan frogmouth, White-bellied tree pie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, etc..

Linger longer in Parambikulam:

If you can’t get enough of Parambikulam, there is an option to extend the day and linger longer in the lap of Nature.

Post the trek and a sumptuous lunch, you will drive to the picturesque Parambikulam reservoir for a boat ride on Bamboo rafts.

On a lucky day, you can spot Elephant herds, Gaurs and Spotted deers grazing on the reservoir banks. Also, mugger crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun. River terns, pratincoles and cormorants are a common sight here.

Your day will end with a wildlife safari in the Sungam range covering a forest track of 6.8 km leading to the Pride of Parambikulam – the Kannimara Teak, one of the oldest and largest ‘natural’ living teak trees in the world. The 450-year-old gentle giant rises up to 48.5 m with a girth of 6.57 m, it takes five people with arms outstretched to encircle it completely.