Wildlife Sanctuary in Coimbatore

Wildlife Sanctuary in Coimbatore

The beautiful city of Coimbatore is well known not only for its industries but for its flora, fauna, and wildlife. The city is blessed with rich bio-diversity and the salubrious climate of the destination is loved by nature enthusiasts and travelers. 

Coimbatore and its surrounding areas near the Western Ghats are considered as the treasure land for most tourists as the region boasts of flora and fauna. It is important to know that the Coimbatore Forest Division forms a compact and continuous block lying in the north-western part of the Coimbatore district. 

If you are interested to experience some thrilling moments, then step into the wildlife sanctuary in Coimbatore with your friends and family.

 
Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Western Ghats near Pollachi, the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest and well-preserved sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. This popular wildlife sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats. Recently, the sanctuary was renamed the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary which has been extended to a total area of 1000 sq km. 

Flora & Fauna

The floral diversity in this sanctuary has over 2000 species of which 200 species contain medicinal value. Apart from its rich diversity of trees, the sanctuary has 100 species of orchids, ferns, palms, grasses, etc.

The forest types of this region include tropical wet evergreen forest, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, Dry Savannah Forest, Southern Bamboo Forest, and much more.

Further, the wildlife sanctuary supports a large number of faunal populations and some of the animals that exist in the region include elephants, spotted deer, Sambar, mouse deer, Nilgiris Langur, Malabar Giant squirrel, Civet, Porcupine, Jackal, Wild dog, lion-tailed macaque.  

This large wildlife sanctuary has a reservoir named Amaravathi in which a lot of crocodiles can be found. The Annamalai Tiger Reserve is considered to be the major biodiversity hotspot with six tribes living in the region. The indigenous groups that live in the destination are Kaadars, Malasars, Pulaiyars, Malai Malasars, and Mudhuvars. 

Birds in Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Around 250 species of birds are identified in the park that includes jungle fowl, spurfowl, Indian peafowl, barbets, drongos, fish eagle, kingfishers, falcons, owls, kits, and nightjars.  

Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide range of tourist attraction spots enabling the tourists to experience the scenic beauty in a pleasant environment. 

Some of the nearby locations include Grass Hills, groves, Karianshola, teak forests, dams, and reservoirs. 

Area

Wildlife Sanctuary - 958 sq.km.

National Park - 117.10 sq.km.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is from December to April. 

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore, 75 km away

Nearest railway station: Pollachi, 35 km away

Annamalai Tiger Reserve

The Steering Committee of Project Tiger has approved the Project Tiger of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 2008. For this project, a cost of Rs 235.47 lakhs has been approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for construction purposes. Later, the sanctuary was named Project Tiger Sanctuary in which a large number of tigers are protected in this area.

Kozhikamudhi Elephant Camp

The elephants were trained and used in Anamalai for timber operations during the earlier period. In 1976, the forest authorities started the elephant camp which became a popular tourist attraction for tourists and leisure lovers.  

The elephant camp had 20 kumki elephants and also they conduct an annual celebration of Pongal for the elephants. Moreover, the elephant was given bananas, sugarcane during the Pongal festival season. 

Quick Facts

Established: 1976

Area: 958

Governing Body: Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Administrative Ranges: 6

Major Reservoirs: Parambikulam Reservoir, Aliyur Reservoir, Thirumurthi Reservoir

Address

Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Timber Depot

Meenkarai Road

Pollachi - 642 001

Phone Number: + 91 4259 25356

Timings: Open 6.30am to 6.30pm