Periyar–Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve

Periyar–Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve is one of Tamil Nadu’s major elephant conservation landscapes in the southern Western Ghats. The reserve protects an extensive forest belt stretching from the Periyar landscape on the Kerala border to the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai region of Tamil Nadu. It forms an important ecological bridge between Kerala’s Periyar Elephant Reserve and the forests of southern Tamil Nadu, safeguarding one of the state’s most significant elephant populations.

Location

The reserve extends across Theni, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu along the Kerala border.

Brief History

The reserve was officially notified on 19 September 2003 under Project Elephant through G.O.(Ms.) No.151 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. It was established to conserve elephant habitats and strengthen habitat connectivity across the southern Western Ghats.

Description

• State: Tamil Nadu
• Notification: 19 September 2003
• Total Area: 1,249.1 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
• Region: Southern Western Ghats

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

• Grizzled Giant Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
• Theni Forest Division
• Tirunelveli Forest Division
• Reserve Forests adjoining the Periyar landscape

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve supports remarkable habitat diversity ranging from tropical evergreen forests to dry thorn forests. Important forest types include tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, riparian forests, teak forests, dry deciduous forests, thorn forests, reed brakes and grasslands. This diversity provides year-round forage and shelter for elephants and many other wildlife species.

Flora

Major vegetation includes Cullenia, Mesua, Hopea, Rosewood, Teak, Bamboo, Cane, Sandalwood, Terminalia and numerous endemic medicinal plants of the southern Western Ghats.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Dhole (Wild Dog)
• Sloth Bear
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Mouse Deer
• Nilgiri Langur
• Grizzled Giant Squirrel
• Lion-tailed Macaque (selected evergreen forests)
• Great Hornbill
• Malabar Grey Hornbill
• Over 250 bird species

Elephant Conservation

The reserve protects one of the principal elephant corridors in the southern Western Ghats. It enables movement of elephants between Kerala’s Periyar forests and the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai landscape, ensuring long-term genetic exchange among southern elephant populations.

Weather

• Summer: 22–36°C
• Winter: 12–24°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 1,200–2,500 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to March offers the most pleasant weather for wildlife viewing and trekking.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airports: Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram
• Nearest Railway Stations: Madurai, Tenkasi and Virudhunagar
• By Road: Easily accessible via Theni, Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur and Tenkasi.

Where to Stay

• Tamil Nadu Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior booking)
• Government eco-tourism accommodation in the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai landscape

Nearby Attractions

• Grizzled Giant Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
• Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve
• Meghamalai
• Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
• Vaigai Dam

Did You Know?

The reserve links the elephant habitats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and includes the globally important Grizzled Giant Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the last strongholds of this endangered mammal.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Periyar–Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026