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Anamalai Elephant Reserve
Anamalai Elephant Reserve is one of the most important elephant conservation landscapes in the southern Western Ghats. Notified under Project Elephant, the reserve protects extensive forests surrounding the Anamalai Hills and forms a critical ecological link between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Together with adjoining protected areas, it supports one of the largest free-ranging elephant populations in southern India.
Location
The reserve is located primarily in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu, extending into the Anamalai Hills along the Kerala border.
Brief History
Anamalai Elephant Reserve was officially notified on 19 September 2003 under Project Elephant to conserve elephant habitats, secure wildlife corridors and strengthen landscape-level conservation in the central Western Ghats.
Description
- State: Tamil Nadu
- Notification Date: 19 September 2003
- Total Area: 1,457.13 sq km
- Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
- Elevation: Approximately 300–2,513 metres above mean sea level
Protected Areas & Forest Divisions
- Anamalai Tiger Reserve (formerly Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park)
- Pollachi Forest Division
- Valparai Forest Range
- Manomboly Forest Range
- Ulandi Forest Range
Landscape & Forest Types
The reserve encompasses tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, montane shola forests, high-altitude grasslands, bamboo brakes and riverine forests. Numerous rivers originating in the Anamalai Hills, including tributaries of the Aliyar and Amaravathi systems, provide perennial water for wildlife.
Flora
Important tree species include Teak, Rosewood, Cullenia, Mesua, Hopea, Palaquium, Terminalia, Bamboo, Cane and a remarkable diversity of orchids, ferns and medicinal plants endemic to the Western Ghats.
Fauna
- Asian Elephant
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Dhole (Wild Dog)
- Gaur
- Sloth Bear
- Sambar
- Mouse Deer
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Grizzled Giant Squirrel
- Great Hornbill
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- More than 300 bird species
Elephant Conservation
Anamalai Elephant Reserve forms a vital link between the elephant landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is connected to the Anamudi Elephant Reserve in Kerala, the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve, enabling seasonal elephant movement across the central Western Ghats.
Weather
- Summer: 20–34°C
- Winter: 10–24°C
- Average Annual Rainfall: 1,500–5,000 mm depending on elevation and slope.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the ideal period for wildlife viewing and eco-tourism.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
- Nearest Railway Stations: Pollachi Junction and Coimbatore Junction
- By Road: Easily accessible via Pollachi, Valparai, Top Slip and Aliyar.
Where to Stay
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior reservation)
- Government-operated eco-tourism accommodation at Top Slip and Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Nearby Attractions
- Anamalai Tiger Reserve
- Top Slip
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
- Valparai
- Aliyar Dam
- Monkey Falls
Did You Know?
Anamalai Elephant Reserve lies within the UNESCO-recognised Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and supports one of southern India’s largest continuous elephant habitats through its connectivity with Kerala’s protected forests.
Image Placeholders
[Featured Image]
[Map showing Anamalai Elephant Reserve in India]
Last Updated: August 2026