Lying adjacent to the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, the 285 sq km stretch of forest known as the Parambikulam Sanctuary is one of Kerala’s premier wildlife reserves, Parambikulam lies in the Annamalai Hills, south of the Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats. Parambikulam is Kerala’s third largest wildlife sanctuary. It was once home to southern India’s finest stands of teak; most of these, however, have now been replaced by teak plantations. The sanctuary is also home to Kerala’s largest population of gaur.
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was managed under two distinct administrative units in the 19th century. Initially, the forests were exploited for timber and it was only in 1921 that teak plantation was introduced in the land.
The British colonizers had achieved a major breakthrough in the region with the introduction of the tram service in 1907. This led to extraction of timber from the woods and its transportation to the cities. However, post India’s independence, the process was brought to a hault. Year 1962 witnessed the initiation of a plan for the Teak plantations. By 1973, the area was reorganized and declared the Parambikulam Sanctuary.
Parambikulam has many things to do that will keep the naturalist occupied. From exploring the woods to sighting the tallest teak tree there is, and taking long drives within the park in the hope of spotting the varied wildlife here, and also spotting many species of birds, Parambikulam will definitely enthrall a wildlife enthusiasts or avid bird watcher. Come and answer the call of the wild here in Parambikulam