Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Chittur taluk of Palakkad district that lies cocooned in Nature's arms. Sprawling over an area of 285 sq. kms, the forest is home to some of the rarest of species found on our mysterious planet.

Though evergreen forests dominate the landscape, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, montane grasslands and shola forests also constitute the lush green vegetation. The mosaic terrain has helped a wide range of flora and fauna to flourish in this region.

Featuring at the top of most trekkers' bucket list, this park is characterized by its two slopes and seven valleys. Vengolimala and Karimala Gopuram (tallest peak in the area), offer a glorious view of the valley, surrounded and serenaded by a multitude of endemic creatures.

The teak plantations are another major attraction that draws a large crowd here. It is the first scientifically managed teak plantation in the world and is home to the tallest and oldest teak tree (Kannimara). The Kannimara requires four adults to encompass its girth, and the indigenous tribal communities believe it is the abode of celestial beings.

There is an Interpretation Centre at Anappady to explain the sheer magnitude of the biodiversity of the place. About 36 species of mammals, 16 species of amphibians, 61 species of reptiles, 47 species of fish and 1049 species of insects have been documented here. The forest is also home to over 1400 species of plants. It includes more than 1300 flowering species, 70 species of orchids and some threatened species of medicinal plants such as wood turmeric, sarsaparilla, sundew and snake root.