Anamalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Spanning approximately 958 square kilometers, the reserve encompasses tropical rainforests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, gaurs, and Nilgiri langurs. The reserve's terrain, characterized by rugged hills and valleys, is intersected by rivers like the Amaravati and Aliyar, enhancing its ecological significance. Anamalai Tiger Reserve is also recognized for its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices, attracting nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Tamil Nadu, South India
Gypsy / Jeep, Canter / Bus, Other (Elephant, Boat)
Pollachi Junction
Morning, Evening
Coimbatore International Airport
Asiatic Elephant, Mouse Deer, Gaur, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri langur
3,000 - 5,000 Average Safari Price *
3,000 - 5,000 Average Safari Price
Safari Price depends on operators and services and may exceed the average price shown
Currently Closed
Core Zone Open
Buffer Zone Open
Anamalai Tiger Reserve, nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India, is a vital ecological sanctuary spanning approximately 960 square kilometers. Established in 1976, the reserve is a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The landscape encompasses a variety of habitats, including dense tropical forests, grasslands, and rugged hills, creating a haven for numerous species.
The reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, with the Bengal tiger being one of its most iconic residents. Other notable inhabitants include Indian elephants, leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), and various species of deer. Birdwatchers will find the reserve particularly rewarding, as it hosts a diverse avian population, including rare species such as the Nilgiri tahr and the Malabar grey hornbill.
The Anamalai Tiger Reserve plays a critical role in conserving the Western Ghats' unique ecosystems, which are known for their high levels of endemism. The reserve's management focuses on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement to ensure the protection of its wildlife and natural resources.
Visitors to the reserve can explore its scenic beauty through guided treks and safaris, offering opportunities to experience the rich flora and fauna up close. The reserve also supports various research and conservation programs aimed at safeguarding its delicate ecosystems and promoting sustainable tourism.
Around 2500 species of angiosperms are found in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, with several species of Balsam, Crotalaria, Orchids and Kurinchi. The reserve is rich in wild relatives of cultivated species like mango, jackfruit, wild plantain (Musa species), ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), pepper (Piper longum), cardamom, solaipuli, nutmeg, cinnamom, amla (Phillanthus emblicus), jasmine (Jasminum species), drumstick, yams, rice, strawberries and wild guava.
The reserve supports several species of endangered wild animals. There are 70 species of fishes, more than 70 species of amphibians, 120 species of reptiles, 300 species of birds and 80 species of mammals. The important mammals include: Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus), Sambar (Rusa unicolor), Spotted deer (Axis axis) Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac), Mouse deer (Tragulus nigricans), Gaur (Bos garus), Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), Lion Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), Nilgiri langur (Trchypithecus johnii) and Common langur (Semnopithecus entellus). Other common wild animals include: Wild pig (Sus scrofa) and Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). In general, the wild animals of the reserve include: Jackal (Canis aureus), Wild dog (Cuon alpines), Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Tiger (Panthera tigirs), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Small clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea), Nilgiri marten (Martes gwatkinsii), Small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), common Palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), Brown palm civet (Paradoxurus jerdoni), Grey mangoose (Herpestes edwardsii), Ruddy mangoose (Herpestes smithii), Indian Brown mangoose (Herpestes fuscus), Stripe-necked mangoose (Herpestes vitticollis), Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Black naped hare (Lepus nigricollis), several species of rodents and bats
By Air: Nearest Airports: The nearest major airports are Coimbatore International Airport (in Tamil Nadu) and Cochin International Airport (in Kerala). From Coimbatore: Anamalai Tiger Reserve is approximately 90 kilometers from Coimbatore. You can hire a taxi or use private transport to drive towards Pollachi town. From Pollachi, follow the road towards Valparai, which is the gateway to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The journey from Coimbatore to Valparai takes about 3-4 hours by road.
By Train: Nearest Railway Stations: The nearest railway stations are Pollachi (in Tamil Nadu) and Palakkad (in Kerala). From Pollachi or Palakkad: From Pollachi, you can take a taxi or local bus towards Valparai. From Palakkad, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Pollachi first and then proceed towards Valparai. The road journey from Pollachi to Valparai takes about 1.5-2 hours.
By Road: From Coimbatore or Palakkad: Drive towards Pollachi town, which acts as the main transit point. From Pollachi, follow the road towards Valparai, passing through picturesque tea estates, dense forests, and winding roads. Valparai serves as the entry point to Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The road journey from Coimbatore to Valparai is approximately 90 kilometers and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.