A Travel through the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala.

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• published: 27 Dec 2013
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Parambikulam Tiger Reserve situated in palakkad district of kerala is house for 39 species of mammals ,16 species of Amphibians, 268 species of birds, 61 species of Reptiles, 47 species of fish, 1049 species of insects and 124 species of Butterflies. During our visit, we were fortunate (because the tourist area is restricted to the buffer zone by law and wild lives are seldom seen there) to see a Leopard within 5m distance, Sambar Deers, Spotted Deers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Wild Boars, herd of Great Indian Gaurs, Bonnet Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Peacocks, Grey Headed Fish Eagle and many others. Our trip started at 15:30 hrs in the forest guard's vehicle after a brief description about the forest and their wild life and the precautions to be taken during the course of the trip. There were 3 forest guides with us explaining the different species and their habitat. During the inward trip we have seen only some spotted deers and wild boars. We have stopped at Parambikulam dam reservoir for a bamboo boat rafting and at the tribal area, where we enjoyed the tribal dance. During our outward trip at 20:30 hrs we have spotted Indian Gaurs, Sambar Deers and a Leopard near to our camp, scary isn't it?? On the next day morning we woke up at 5am to get ready for a morning trip to the reserve at 6 am. We went through the same course of the previous day in a hope to see more wild animals as they were seen more in the early morning and at evenings. Since it was little rainy in the morning we have seen only very few animals. Bear is seldom seen in the buffer zone and have heard many stories unwind by the forest guards regarding the gruesome bear attacks in the reserve area and their victims. We do really like the interpretation centre where Mr. Murugan, naturalist, explained about the various species in the Western Ghats and the importance of preserving them. We also visited Parambikulam dam, Thunakadavu Dam and has seen the Sarkarpathy tunnel from where water from Thunakadavu dam is transported to Aliyar dam in Tamil Nadu. It's a completely plastic free zone and the forest employees are very keen to maintain it in that way. We have returned to the human world with a wish to visit more places like this in future. Thanks to my wife for suggesting this wonderful place...