Location and Overview of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the third-largest tiger reserve in the state.It was declared a tiger reserve in 2011, and since then, it has gained recognition as one of the most vital and ecologically diverse regions in southern India.
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India. The reserve is situated at the merging point of both the Western and Eastern Ghats, covering an area of 1,408.6 km².
Home for the Majestic Tiger:
One of the primary reasons for the reserve’s establishment was to protect and conserve the tiger population. The reserve is home to a significant number of Bengal tigers, a critically endangered species. These magnificent creatures roam freely in this natural haven, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat.
Conservation of the Tiger:
The tiger population in the reserve increased from 25 individuals in 2011 to 80 individuals in 2018. In recognition of its remarkable growth in tiger population, the reserve was honored with the prestigious TX2 award by the World Wide Fund in collaboration with wildlife conservation agencies in 2022.
Visiting hours of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:
The visiting hours for the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve are as follows:
- Morning Batch: 7:30 am to 10:00 am
- Afternoon Batch: 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
How to reach Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:
The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport (103.2 km away). From where the taxi can be hired to reach the reserve.The nearest railway station is the Erode Railway station (90.8 km away).Bus, Taxis and rental cars can be used to reach the sanctuary if travelled by Road.
Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary – Virudhunagar
Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary
The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary is located mostly in Virudhunagar district and partly in Madurai district. The sanctuary is bounded by Andipatti hills to the north, Tirunelveli district to the south, Srivilliputhur and Rajapalayam towns to the east and Theni district to the west. This sanctuary shares borders with Periyar Tiger Reserve on the South western side, Megamalai Reserve Forest on the North western side and Sivagiri Reserve Forest on to the Southern side.
The sanctuary was established in the year 1988 with an aim to protect the vulnerable giant squirrel. It covers an area of 485 square kilometres in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats.
The Sanctuary – Nature’s Treasure Trove
The sanctuary and its surroundings are abounding with natural beauty with serene valleys and high hills with a number of peaks reaching upto 5,900 feet.
The rivers Periyar, Naragaiar, Pachaiar, Mangar, Kovilar and Pairakudraiar run through the sanctuary providing water in the region for vegetation and wildlife. The Pilavakkal and Koilar Dam are found at the foothills of the sanctuary that attract a large number of tourists to have a divine experience watching the wildlife and birds. Sanctuary offers its visitors a venturesome experience through trekking and can be visited throughout the year.
The place is ideal for nature walks, bird watching, jungle safaris, trekking and to enjoy the serene ambience of the woods.Tourists can avail accommodation at the Forest Guest House at Mudungiar, Pudupatti and Mudaliaroothu or at the PWD Rest House at Srivilliputhur. Transportation and guides are also provided by the forest officials.
Flora and Fauna
The sanctuary has some of the rare and endemic species. In addition to grizzled giant squirrels, other animals spotted here are elephants, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Tahrs, gaur etc. Some of the rare migratory birds, over more than 275 species of birds, numerous reptiles and over 220 species of butterflies can be seen in the sanctuary. The Grizzled Squirrel (Ratufa Macroura) is the crown jewel of this verdant retreat.
Several water sources help the sustenance of ecology by feeding the dense vegetation and flora in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is inhabited by rich and varied fauna owing to the diverse forest formations. The forest that comprises of the sanctuary is a terrestrial combination of tropical evergreen forest, semi evergreen forest, dry deciduous forest, moist mixed deciduous forest, grasslands and cultivated land.
Useful Information for Tourists
The Sanctuary is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The fee details are as below:
- Entry Fee (below the age of 5 years) : Free
- Entry fee (from the age of 5 to 12 years) : Rs. 10/-
- Entry Fee (for adults) : Rs.15/-
- Parking Fee : Rs. 15/-
- Still Camera Fee : Rs. 25/-
- Video Camera Fee : Rs. 150/-
How to reach Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary can be reached via road, the outskirts of the sanctuary are connected by national Highways NH 41, 44 and 186. The sanctuary is located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Virudhunagar town from where TNSRTC buses can be availed. Srivilliputhur Railway Station (5 kilometres away) and Virudhunagar Railway Station (15 kilometres away) are the nearest railway stations to the sanctuary. Madurai houses the closest airport to the sanctuary (around 100 kilometres away).
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve / Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, the second-largest protected area in the state of Tamil Nadu, is located in the southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari District.
The reserve covering a core area of nearly 895 square kilometres and a total extent of 1602 square kilometres (including the buffer/forest zone area) was created in the year 1988 by combining Kalakkad Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Image Attribution : Daniel Panesar
More about the reserve
Rivers, Dams & Waterfalls – The reservoirs, waterfalls, dams and other water bodies attract tourists in huge numbers. The reserve has 14 rivers originating from it and so it is also referred to as the ‘River Sanctuary’. The rivers flow into three main watersheds namely Thamirabharani, Manimuthar and Upper Kodayar. The reserve also hosts 11 dams that include Karaiyar Dam, Kodumudiyar Dam, Servalar Dam, Papanasam – Upper and lower dam, Manimuthar Dam, Kadananathi Dam and Ramanathi Dam. The major waterfalls in the reserve are Banathirtham Falls near Karaiyar Dam, Agasthiyar Falls, Manimuthar Falls and Kalakkad Thalayanai.
Agriculture & Hydel Projects – Agriculture is the main occupation in the buffer area of the reserve, the irrigation of which is facilitated by the rivers originating from the reserve. The water from the rivers is also used for three hydroelectric power stations in the Tiger reserve.
Biological Values – The wide variation in climatic and topographical features of the reserve supports a variety of wildlife and floristic compositions. The place is rich in biodiversity and unique vegetation suitable for endemic flora, fauna and avian species. Bird watching, trekking and boat rides are other highlights of the Tiger Reserve. Trekking trails are to be experienced at the designated places with permission from the forest authorities.
Flora & Fauna – The reserve has a rich flora that includes endemic plants, reptiles, fishes, amphibians, birds and mammal species. The wildlife in the reserve includes tiger, leopard, elephant, guar, chital, Nilgiri tahr, giant squirrel and many other endemic and rare species of animals.
Human Settlement – The oldest race of inhabitants in the forest area are the Kanis or Malaiarasans. They are engaged in land cultivation and also employed as Forest Guards and Watchers and Anti-poaching watchers by the Forest Department. Their expert knowledge of the forest and the wild habitats is inimitable.
Religious Significance & Aesthetic Value
Apart from the biological values of the reserve, the place is also visited by a number of pilgrims. The places of religious importance include the Gorakhnathar Temple and a Durgah beside the temple, Sorimuthuayyanar Koil and Nambi Kovil.
About 35 square kilometres of area at the side of the eastern foothills of the reserve is attributed for tourism. The moist evergreen forest surroundings of the reserve are a thrilling experience for photographers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ideal time to visit Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
The best season to visit Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is between October and March, before summer sets in when the climate becomes humid. The reserve is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days.
Activity Rates
- Guided trekking for about 2 hours is available at a rate of Rs. 200 per person (maximum of 10 persons) and Rs. 1250 per trek (minimum of 5 persons).
- Guided view for 1 hour of Agasthiyar Peak, Nagapothigai, Iyanthalai Pothigai and Pandiyan Kottai is available at a rate of Rs. 25 per person (maximum of 15 persons) and Rs. 200 per trek (minimum of 5 persons) in a slot.
- Guided visits for about 1.5 hours of Pandiyan Kottai is available at a rate of Rs. 25 per person.
How to reach Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
The Reserve is at a distance of 10 kilometres from Ambasamudram. Regular buses are available to Mundanthurai from Tirunelveli which is 50 kilometres away. The nearest rail head is at Cheranmahadevi (20 kilometres away) and Tirunelveli Junction (around 62 kilometres away). The nearest airports are at Madurai (20 kilometres away) and Thiruvananthapuram (140 kilometres).
Epilogue
The high mountains, lush green meadows, secluded valleys, dense rain forests thundering waterfalls and the diverse and unique flora and fauna makes the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve a treasure trove for the visitors. Explore the breathtaking scenery of the place and the world of wildlife keeping in my mind of all the don’ts that would annoy its residents and pollute the reserve.
Official Government Website: http://kmtr.co.in. Please check this website for Accommodation and activities inside the tiger reserve.
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.
- 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).
Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai National Park is a part of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located at a distance of 150 kilometres from Coimbatore, in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and shares its borders with the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The Western Ghats in Nilgiris covering an area of 6000 square kilometres including the whole of Madumalai National Park is under consideration for selection as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Madumalai has a varied mixture of beautiful landscapes, open grasslands, swamps, exotic flora and fauna and rare species of birds. A pure bliss can be felt by tourists especially by avid wildlife lovers.
Image Attribution : Jaseem Hamza
Major Tourist Attractions in Mudumalai
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai National Park was declared as a Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary derives its name from the word “Mudumalai” which means “situated on the first hill”. The sanctuary is divided into five ranges – Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota. The contour of the sanctuary includes the three types of forests in the sanctuary – tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous and southern tropical dry thorn. Some of the rare fauna found here are the grey langur, bonnet macaque, Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, guar, hyena, sloth bear and species of reptiles and birds. Theppakadu is the entry point to the Sanctuary which has an information center.
Kalhatti Waterfalls, Mudumalai
An ideal destination for trekking at Mudumalai would be Kalhatti Waterfalls. It is on the Ooty-Mysore route and is 13 kilometres from Ooty. The falls is located on the slopes of Kalhatti Mountains at around 2000 metres from sea level. Feel the pulsating experience of trekking together with the natural beauty of the area.
Theppakadu Elephant Camp
The camp derives its name from ‘Theppam’ meaning ‘pond’ and ‘kaadu’ meaning ‘forest’. A small camp since 1910 was declared an elephant camp in 1972. Elephants are trained and housed at the camp. Elephant shows are held on every Saturday and Sunday. Elephant race and soccer performed by the elephants are quite entertaining.
Mudumalai Museum
A Museum is located near the Elephant feeding camp. It provides a glimpse of the animals of the former years in their preserved form. It is a place worth a visit to observe the former dwellers of the forest.
Moyar River
Moyar River, originating from the town of Moyar along the Masinagudi-Ooty Road is one of the tributaries of the Bhavani River. Moyar River separates Mudumalai Sanctuary and Bandipur (Karnataka). It is a noted spot where many animals come to drink water along the banks of the river. The Moyar River Gorge also known as the Moyar Canyon is a massive gorge dug out of the Moyar River. The river water plunges into the Canyon from a great height giving origin to the Moyar Falls.
Things to do in Mudhumalai
Tourists can explore the adjacent forest ranges to Mudumalai – Bandipur National Park (in Karnataka) and Wayanad Sanctuary (in Kerala). Some of the other enthralling activities to keep the tourists engaged are
- Canter and jeep safari
- Bird watching
- Camping amidst the pristine surroundings
- Nature trails and photography
- Trekking to Mayor Gorge
- Village tour
- Elephant Camp tour and Elephant safari
- Watch tower and water hole visit
Ideal time to visit Mudumalai
Mudumalai is an year-round destination but the best time to visit between the months of February to June. Vehicle Safari duration is for 1 hour –6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
How to reach Mudumalai
Mudumalai is connected via road to Gudalur (3 kilometres), Ooty (41 kilometres) and Mysore (84 kilometres).Taxi services are also available from Ooty to Mudumalai. The nearest railway station is Ooty station (40 kilometres) and the closest broad gauge station is Coimbatore Railway Station (116 kilometres). The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport (123 kilometres). Accommodation is available at forest rest houses, guest houses at Masinagudi, kargudi, Theppakadu and Abhayaranyam.
Topslip is located near Pollachi in the state of Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a part of the protected Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Image Attribution : Niraksharan
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
From the check post to top slip takes around 45 min. There is a forest office that manages the safari into the forest. You have to pay Rs. 200 per head for a Three-hours safari in a back-breaking, rundown vehicle. We should wait for safari pickup. There are a canteen and eco shop which are useful during the waiting time.
Private vehicles are allowed inside with prior approval from the forest department and you can see few elephants, bison, deer, wild boars, monkeys etc.
This place is more greenish and best for Natural Sightseeing. but not able to spot more animals. To enjoy climate and nature we can visit Topslip Tiger Forest.
Tigers are not seen here as they are very rare. You can take your binoculars along for a good view of animals from a distance.
For more details please check following website:
https://www.parambikulam.org/
Nilgiris Biosphere Nature Park is located at Anaikatti, that is about 32kms from Coimbatore city.
In order to preserve the flora and fauna of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, this was started by the Coimbatore Zoological Park Society (CZPS) and in short, this park is known as NBNP.
It was established in the year 1975.There are over 480 species of 25,000 plants of which 85 species are found only in NBR. It is interesting that nearly 30% of these 85 species are endangered in the wild.
It is a place where tourists come to known about the heritage of the flora and fauna of Nilgiris.
The park has been awarded the Gerald Durrell Memorial Award and has been very much recognized by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) Lucknow, India, and Botanical Garden Conservation International (BGCI) UK.
It is open on all days between 9 AM to 5 PM except on Tuesdays as it is closed on all Tuesdays.
Towards the south of Chennai City, say about 40kms away, resides the “Crocodile Park” or the “Madras Crocodile Bank Trust” where you can come across a variety of Crocodiles and alligators.
It is amazing to see a separate place, especially for these reptiles.
Official website of Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: madrascrocodilebank.org
Image Attribute : Andy Hay
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the largest zoo in the country as far as its area is concerned.It is also known as Vandaloor Zoo and is located in Vandalur, which is the southwestern part of Chennai.
This zoo is officially the first-ever zoological park that attracted many people and kids. Founded in the year 1855, it covers up a large area of about 1300 acres of land.
It is a house of more than 2000 species of flora and fauna, more than 1000 wild animals, and about 46 endangered species, etc. There are separate rescue and rehabilitation center for animals and birds.A perfect place for flora and fauna and also a perfect spot for a picnic or a day’s outing with family and friends.
Apart from providing an enjoyable outing for families, the zoo is deeply committed to education and conservation. It conducts various educational programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns to promote wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity. The zoo also collaborates with research institutions for the conservation and breeding of endangered species.
Vandalur Zoo Timings:
- Zoo Holiday on every Tuesday.
- Zoo Timing: 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Vandalur Zoo Website:
Official website of Arignar Anna Zoological Park: Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Guindy National Park is located at the name says, at Guindy area, close to Raj Bhavan.
This is the smallest National park in our country. Though being the smallest National Park, it does accommodate a variety species that can be admired.
Generally, this is the place where school children are gathered for local field trips. Here children get to learn a lot about different animals, birds, reptiles etc.
There are about 14 species of mammals, 60 varieties of butterflies and insects, 130 varied birds, about 2000 Deers, 24 jackals, 400 black bugs etc.
A picnic spot where a day can be meaningfully spent. It is open on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Image attribute : abhidg