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Nilambur Elephant Reserve
Nilambur Elephant Reserve is one of Kerala’s four notified Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant. Located in the northern Western Ghats, it protects an extensive network of reserve forests and the iconic Silent Valley National Park. The reserve forms a crucial ecological link between the Wayanad Elephant Reserve in Kerala and the Nilgiri and Coimbatore Elephant Reserves in Tamil Nadu, making it one of the most significant elephant landscapes in southern India. citeturn0search12
Location
The reserve extends across Malappuram, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts of Kerala in the northern Western Ghats. It encompasses portions of Silent Valley National Park together with adjoining reserve forests. citeturn0search12
Brief History
Nilambur Elephant Reserve was officially notified on 2 April 2002 by the Government of Kerala under Project Elephant through G.O.(P) No. 19/2002/F&WLD. It was established to conserve elephant habitats and maintain landscape connectivity across the Western Ghats. citeturn0search12
Description
- State: Kerala
- Notification Date: 2 April 2002
- Total Area: 1,419 sq km
- Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
- Elevation: 3–2,574 metres above mean sea level
- Forest Cover: Approximately 82%
Protected Areas & Forest Divisions
- Silent Valley National Park (89.52 sq km)
- Palakkad Forest Division
- Mannarkkad Forest Division
- Nilambur North Forest Division
- Nilambur South Forest Division
- Kozhikode Forest Division
- South Wayanad Forest Division
Landscape & Forest Types
The reserve contains a remarkable diversity of forest ecosystems ranging from tropical evergreen forests to montane shola forests. Important forest types include:
- Southern Hilltop Tropical Evergreen Forest
- West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forest
- West Coast Semi-evergreen Forest
- Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
- Moist Teak Forest
- Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
- Wet Bamboo Brakes
- Southern Montane Wet Temperate (Shola) Forest
Flora
The reserve supports extensive stands of Rosewood, Teak, Cullenia, Mesua, Hopea, Palaquium, Bamboo, Canes, wild cardamom, orchids, medicinal plants and numerous endemic Western Ghats species.
Fauna
- Asian Elephant
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Dhole (Wild Dog)
- Gaur
- Sloth Bear
- Sambar
- Mouse Deer
- Nilgiri Langur
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Malabar Giant Squirrel
- Great Hornbill
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Over 300 bird species
Elephant Conservation
Nilambur Elephant Reserve forms one of the most important wildlife corridors in the Western Ghats. It enables elephant movement between Kerala’s Wayanad landscape and the Nilgiri–Coimbatore elephant habitats of Tamil Nadu, ensuring long-term genetic connectivity among southern India’s elephant populations.
Weather
- Summer: 20–35°C
- Winter: 15–25°C
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 2,500 mm
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather and the best opportunities for wildlife observation.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airports: Calicut (Kozhikode) International Airport and Coimbatore International Airport
- Nearest Railway Stations: Nilambur Road, Palakkad Junction and Kozhikode
- By Road: Easily accessible via Nilambur, Mannarkkad, Palakkad and Kozhikode.
Where to Stay
- Kerala Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior booking)
- Government-operated eco-tourism accommodation near Silent Valley National Park
Nearby Attractions
- Silent Valley National Park
- Nilambur Teak Museum
- Conolly’s Plot
- Western Ghats trekking routes
- Wayanad Elephant Reserve
Did You Know?
Nilambur Elephant Reserve directly connects with the Wayanad Elephant Reserve in Kerala and the Nilgiri and Coimbatore Elephant Reserves in Tamil Nadu, creating one of the largest continuous elephant landscapes in the Western Ghats.
Image Placeholders
[Featured Image]
[Map showing Nilambur Elephant Reserve in India]
Last Updated: August 2026