Parambikulam Reservoir Safari

About this place

The Parambikulam Reservoir Safari is one of the flagship eco-tourism experiences offered inside the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Palakkad district, Kerala, providing visitors with an immersive journey through protected forests, tranquil reservoirs, wildlife habitats, and scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats. Organised by the Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation (PaTCoF) in association with the Kerala Forest Department, the safari is designed to promote responsible tourism while supporting wildlife conservation and the livelihoods of local tribal communities, who serve as trained guides and drivers during the programme. The safari follows a 53-kilometre route through the reserve and typically lasts around three hours, allowing visitors to experience the park's rich biodiversity and major natural attractions from specially designated vehicles. The journey usually begins from the eco-tourism reception centre at Anappady, with the first safari departing at 8:00 AM and the last scheduled trip generally leaving around 2:00 PM. Group bus safaris are normally operated when the required minimum number of participants is available, in accordance with reserve management policies. Along the route, visitors pass through dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests while stopping at some of the reserve's most notable landmarks, including the Thunacadavu Dam, panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Parambikulam Reservoir, scenic valleys, and the legendary Kannimara Teak, a giant teak tree estimated to be more than 500 years old and recognised as one of the largest and oldest living teak trees in Asia. The safari offers opportunities to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve, which forms part of the UNESCO-recognised Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, visitors may encounter animals such as gaur, sambar deer, spotted deer, Nilgiri langurs, Malabar giant squirrels, elephants, and numerous species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles depending on seasonal conditions and natural wildlife movement. The expansive Parambikulam and Thunacadavu reservoirs add to the scenic beauty of the safari, with calm waters surrounded by forested hills providing ideal habitats for birds and aquatic life. In addition to the vehicle safari, visitors can participate in boating and bamboo rafting programmes conducted on the reservoirs, with these guided activities typically lasting one to one-and-a-half hours and offering a quieter perspective of the reserve's natural environment. The safari appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers, families, students, and eco-tourists seeking to experience one of South India's most well-managed protected forests through sustainable tourism practices. Advance reservations for safari programmes and associated eco-tourism activities can be made through the official Parambikulam booking portal or directly at the Anappady Eco-tourism Reception Centre, subject to availability. As safari schedules, visitor capacity, entry fees, wildlife movement, boating operations, and eco-tourism programmes may vary depending on weather, conservation requirements, and Forest Department regulations, visitors are encouraged to verify the latest information before planning their visit to the Parambikulam Reservoir Safari.

🚆 Railway: Palakkad Junction Railway Station

✈️ Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

🚌 Bus: Pollachi Bus Stand / Parambikulam Eco Tourism Bus Point

🏨 Stay: Eco-tourism resorts, forest guest houses, and jungle stays available inside and around Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

✅ Notes: Parambikulam Reservoir Safari offers wildlife-focused boat safaris through forest reservoirs with chances to spot elephants, gaur, deer, crocodiles, and rich Western Ghats scenery inside the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.