Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Anamalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s richest biodiversity landscapes. Formerly known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, it was declared a tiger reserve in 2007 under Project Tiger. The reserve is characterised by evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola-grassland ecosystems and extensive river catchments that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.

Quick Facts

State: Tamil Nadu
District: Coimbatore & Tiruppur
Year Notified as Tiger Reserve: 2007
Total Area: Approximately 1,479.87 sq km
Core Area: Approximately 958.59 sq km
Buffer Area: Approximately 521.28 sq km
Forest Type: Tropical Evergreen, Semi-evergreen, Moist & Dry Deciduous, Shola-Grassland
Best Time to Visit: October to May

Location

Situated in the southern Western Ghats adjoining Kerala’s Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park and other protected forests. [Insert Map of India showing the location of Anamalai Tiger Reserve here.]

History

The forests have been protected since the early twentieth century. The sanctuary was later named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Recognition as a tiger reserve strengthened habitat protection, scientific monitoring and landscape-level conservation.

Landscape & Habitat

The reserve includes rugged mountains, deep valleys, reservoirs, rivers, waterfalls and forests ranging from dry deciduous woodland to high-elevation sholas. Elevation varies from about 300 metres to over 2,500 metres, creating diverse habitats.

Flora & Fauna

Important mammals include Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Dhole, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Mouse Deer. Birdlife includes Great Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher and numerous endemic Western Ghats species. King Cobra, Indian Rock Python and many amphibians occur here.

Other Attractions

Top Slip, Aliyar Dam, Amaravathi Reservoir, trekking routes (where permitted), interpretation centres and scenic viewpoints.

Weather

Summer: 20–35°C. Monsoon: Heavy rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoons. Winter: 15–28°C with pleasant conditions.

How to Reach

Air: Coimbatore International Airport. Rail: Pollachi and Coimbatore. Road: Well connected via Pollachi and Sethumadai.

Best Time to Visit

October to May offers favourable weather and good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Accommodation

Forest Department Rest Houses and Tamil Nadu Tourism accommodation, subject to availability and prior permission.

Conservation Highlights

The reserve forms part of a globally significant elephant and tiger landscape in the Western Ghats and protects several endemic and endangered species through habitat management, anti-poaching operations and scientific monitoring.

Visitor Tips

Carry binoculars, avoid bright clothing, do not litter, respect wildlife, and follow Forest Department guidelines during safaris.

Did You Know?

• Anamalai is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Western Ghats.
• It supports one of the largest elephant populations in southern India.
• The reserve protects several endemic species found nowhere else.

Last Updated

July 2026