Anamalai Tiger Reserve: A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Anamalai Tiger Reserve was originally called the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (established in the year 1976) and later on renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. It is located near Pollachi at an altitude of 1,400 metres at the Top Slip, covering an area of 958 sq. kms.
A 30 kilometres wide gap in the Western Ghats mountain range, called the Palghat Gap, between the Nilgiri Hills to the north and the Anamalai Hills to the South forms a major communication route between the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. The Reserve is carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of The Anamalais. The administration of the Reserve falls under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
Image Attribution : Jaseem Hamza
Things to do & see in Anamalai Tiger Reserve
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- The deep forest is a habitat of varieties of exotic and endemic fauna – Elephant, Panther, Tiger, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Thar are some of the animals that can be spotted.
- Explore the natural bounties through an amazing trekking experience. Check out our essential trekking gear guide for a safe trekking experience.
- The Sanctuary is an abode of over 800 species of flora and around 250 species of birds.
- Shola trees, grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs add beauty to Anamalai Hills.
- Photograph the wildness of the forest in all its glory.
- Enjoy purchasing souvenirs at the Eco-Shop in Top Slip.
- Tourists have accommodation option inside the park at Top Slip. Alternately, there are also several forest guest houses available at Amaravathi, Sethumadai and Varagaliar near to Anamalai.
- The Reserve Park timings are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The park is open on all days. The checkpost timings are 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. The entry fees at check post to be paid by private vehicles are as follows:
| Entree Fee | Ticket Cost(INR) |
|---|---|
| Per head | Rs. 30 |
| Per Child (5 to 10 yrs of age) | Rs. 10 |
| Still Camera | Rs. 80 |
| Video Camera | Rs. 300 |
| Light Motor Vehicles | Rs. 100 |
| Heavy Motor Vehicles | Rs. 200 |
| Van | Rs. 150 |
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- The Safari ride at the Reserve Forest is a major attraction. Forest Department vans and four wheelers are available for the ride. Elephant Safari at Top Slip is a favourite among tourists for a pleasant jungle ride, details of which are as follows:
| Safari Timings | Entry Fee(INR) | Safari Duration | Ticket Cost(INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. | Rs.30 per head | 45 mins | Rs. 800 per ride |
Ideal time to visit Anamalai Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit Anamalai Tiger Reserve would be between the months of December to April.
How to reach Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Direct buses are available to Anamalai Tiger Reserve from Coimbatore and Pollachi. The nearest railway station is at Pollachi (35 kilometres) and nearest Airport is Coimbatore International Airport (75 kilometres).