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Introduction
Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park in Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Coimbatore & Tiruppur district, Indira Gandhi National Park (Topslip) in the Anamalai Hills is a famous Western Ghats tiger and elephant reserve.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Districts | Coimbatore & Tiruppur |
| Year of Notification | 1989 (National Park & Anamalai Tiger Reserve) |
| Total Area | 108 sq km core (958 sq km Tiger Reserve) |
| Landscape | Tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, teak plantations, and shola grasslands. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Amaravathi River, Aliyar River, and Parambikulam reservoir catchments |
| Nearest Airport | Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) – 85 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Pollachi Junction Railway Station (POY) – 35 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May |
Location
The national park lies in the Coimbatore & Tiruppur region of Tamil Nadu. 35 km from Pollachi via Topslip gateway.
History
Notified as Anamalai Sanctuary in 1976, National Park in 1989, and Tiger Reserve in 2007.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 108 sq km core (958 sq km Tiger Reserve), the park’s terrain features Tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, teak plantations, and shola grasslands.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, teak plantations, and shola grasslands.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Indian Leopard, Gaur (Bison), Nilgiri Langur, Sloth Bear, and King Cobra.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Frogmouth, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Broad-tailed Grassbird, and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park is sustained by: Amaravathi River, Aliyar River, and Parambikulam reservoir catchments.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Topslip Eco-Tourism (0 km), Valparai Tea Hill Station (40 km), Monkey Falls (20 km), Aliyar Dam (15 km).
Weather & Climate
Cool mountain climate (14°C to 30°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) – 85 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi Junction Railway Station (POY) – 35 km
- Road Connectivity: 35 km from Pollachi via Topslip gateway.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park is from October to May.
Accommodation
Tamil Nadu Forest Department Rest Houses at Topslip & Sethumadai.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Key elephant corridor connecting Western Ghats across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Visitor Tips
Book Forest Department elephant safaris and eco-treks at Topslip.
Did You Know?
- Popularly known as ‘Topslip’ as teak logs were rolled downhill (‘slipped’) from here during British era.
- Protects 6 indigenous hill tribes: Kadar, Malasar, Malaimalasar, Pulaiyar, Muduvar, and Eravalar.
- Home to all 4 endemic Western Ghats primates.
Last Updated: August 2026