Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Intro:
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a protected wildlife reserve located in the Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in southern India. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 and is spread over an area of about 643.66 square kilometers. The reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, leopards, Indian bison, sloth bears, and many species of birds.
The reserve is managed by the Forest Department of the Government of Kerala and is known for its eco-tourism activities, including guided trekking, bamboo rafting, and jeep safaris. The reserve also offers facilities for camping, bird watching, and nature walks.
One of the unique features of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is the Anamalai Hills, which are a part of the Western Ghats and are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The hills are also home to many tribal communities, including the Kadar and the Muthuvan tribes, who have lived in the region for centuries and have a deep knowledge of the forest and its resources.
The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is committed to the conservation of wildlife and their habitats and has implemented many initiatives to protect the reserve's natural resources. These initiatives include community-based conservation programs, habitat restoration projects, and efforts to control poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Overall, the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a unique and important natural resource in India, and it offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of India's wildlife and natural habitats.
Attractions of parambikulam:
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a popular eco-tourism destination in southern India, known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the main attractions of Parambikulam:
- Wildlife: The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, Indian bison, sloth bears, and many species of birds. Visitors can spot these animals in their natural habitat on jeep safaris or guided nature walks.
- Trekking: The reserve has several trekking trails of varying difficulty levels, including short treks and overnight treks. Visitors can explore the reserve's forests, hills, and waterfalls while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
- Waterfalls: Parambikulam has several scenic waterfalls, including the popular Parambikulam Waterfalls and the Thuvaiar Waterfalls. These waterfalls are located in the midst of lush green forests and offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Reservoir: The Parambikulam Reservoir is a large water body located in the heart of the reserve. Visitors can go bamboo rafting on the reservoir or enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding forest.
- Tribal Villages: The reserve is also home to several tribal villages, including the Kadar and Muthuvan tribes. Visitors can learn about the unique culture and way of life of these tribes by visiting their villages and interacting with the locals.
Overall, Parambikulam offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of southern India in a sustainable and responsible way. Whether you're interested in wildlife, trekking, or just relaxing in nature, Parambikulam has something for everyone.
Kannimara teak:
Kanimara Teak is a rare and valuable species of teak tree found in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. The Kanimara Teak trees are known for their large size and high-quality wood, which is prized for its durability and strength. In fact, the Kanimara Teak is considered one of the best varieties of teak in the world.
Due to its high value, Kanimara Teak was heavily exploited in the past, leading to a decline in its population in the reserve. However, the Forest Department of Kerala has taken several measures to protect and conserve the Kanimara Teak in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
Today, visitors to the reserve can see some of the largest and oldest Kanimara Teak trees in the world, including the famous 'Kannimara' tree, which is estimated to be around 450 years old and is believed to be the largest living teak tree in the world. The Kannimara tree is over 48 meters tall and has a girth of over 6 meters.
The Forest Department of Kerala has also established a Kanimara Teak Museum in the reserve, which showcases the history and importance of the Kanimara Teak in the region. The museum displays various items made from Kanimara Teak wood, including furniture, carvings, and sculptures.
Overall, the Kanimara Teak is an important and unique feature of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and visitors to the reserve can experience the beauty and majesty of these magnificent trees while learning about their history and conservation.
Eco-tourism programs:
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve offers a range of eco-tourism programs designed to promote sustainable tourism and conservation of the reserve's natural resources. Here are some of the eco-tourism programs offered at the reserve:
- Guided Nature Walks: The reserve offers guided nature walks through the forest, where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the region and experience the beauty of the reserve's natural habitats.
- Trekking: The reserve has several trekking trails of varying difficulty levels, including short treks and overnight treks. Visitors can explore the reserve's forests, hills, and waterfalls while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
- Bamboo Rafting: The reserve offers bamboo rafting on the Parambikulam Reservoir, where visitors can spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding forest.
- Jungle Safari: The reserve offers jeep safaris through the forest, where visitors can spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Camping: The reserve offers camping facilities for visitors who want to experience the forest at night and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Tribal Village Visits: Visitors can also visit the tribal villages in and around the reserve and learn about the unique culture and way of life of the Kadar and Muthuvan tribes.
These eco-tourism programs are designed to promote responsible and sustainable tourism and provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the reserve while supporting conservation efforts. The reserve also works closely with local communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared with them and to promote sustainable livelihoods.
