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Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam is situated south east of Palakkad town. Parambkulam is known for its wildlife sanctuary spanning in an area of 277 sq km. Though the sanctuary is in Kerala, the entry is from Tamil Nadu. Almost all types of wildlife are spotted here. Plus a host of tree branch kings and queens. A tree is yet another popular attraction here. It is a giant teak with 6.65 m girth and 50 m height. This 360 odd years old teak is a wild teak grew well before the teak plantations’ initiation took place in Kerala. In 1994-95 Government of India accorded Mahavriksha Puraskar (Giant Tree Award) to this abnormal tree.
With numerous hills and valleys Parambikulam is an exciting trekking hangout. Parambikulam Reservoir is a fine venue for boat cruising.
Parambikulam has hilly terrain with many peaks and valleys. The tallest peak is Karimala with 4718 ft altitude. The next is 3675 ft Vengoli peak. Other peaks rank below.
The Giant Teak
The 360-year young teak is affectionately called Kannimara Teak. Many people visit the place solely to see this giant of 6.57 m girth and 48.5 height. It has earned a prestigious position as the largest and the oldest teak tree in the world. Guinness Book authorities have probably failed to take note of this. This giant was here years before the teak plantations were born. The route to this tree in the sanctuary is a favoured area for wildlife watching. The government of India has bestowed Maharuksha Puraskar (Big Tree Credential) to this giant in 1994-95.
Trekking
With scores of peaks, valleys and hilly terrains, Parambikulam excels in trekking. The 4718 ft high Karimala Gopuram and 3675 ft high Vengoli Peak attract more trekkers as they have less tiresome climbing paths. The highly attractive Niligiri tahr, an endangered lot, is spotable in these hills.
The Forest Department in Parambikulam has set up seven eco-development committees with the intention of getting the benefits of growing tourism to the local tribal communities, named Muduvar, Kadar, Malamalasar and Malasar. Permission from Forest Information Centre at Annapadi is necessary for trekking. The service of a tribal guide is mandatory. One guide for trekkers upto 5, and two for more than 5. There is facility for night stay in camps and viewing from watchtowers. The treks and camps unravel unlimited opportunity to know closely the jungle and its inhabitants. About 270 species of birds found the area open up excellent opportunity for bird lovers.
The Dams
On the Parambiar River side in the sanctuary three dams, Parambikulam, Thanakkadavu and Peruvaripallam have excellent boating facilities. Row boats are available on hire.
Crocodiles homed in the dams used to sunning on the banks of the Reservoirs. The visitors get a cost-free chance to view the crocodiles on the banks.
PARAMBIKULAM FACELIFTED
Forest Department firmed up and Parambikulam (in Palakkad district) went greener.
Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is freed of the menace of plastic bottles and cattle.
The tourists of all hues and cries arriving in Parambikulam used to throw away the emptied mineral water bottles, running to hundreds every day, inside the sanctuary. The FD’s (Forest Department’s) ‘Parambikulam dhara’ has put a full stop to it. They used to tell the tourists in the past not to throw away the bottles, but no substitute solution was offered. DP itself now invented a solution to the satisfaction of all. As first step a tank got built in a tribal colony. Then water purified and bottled and canned.
The water bottles are sold at the entrance of the sanctuary at Rs 25 per bottle of one litre. The bottles are required to be returned when leaving the sanctuary for which refund of Rs 20 is given. The end result, the consumer gets a bottle of mineral water for a marginal cost of Rs 5. Fine is awaited for those who do not return the bottle. The water is available in 5/10-litre cans too.
The project is implemented by Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) constituted by Forest Development Agency. Eight EDCs function at present.
Quality is the master-stroke of Parambikulam dhara. The quality test conducted in labs confirms that total dissolved solid (tds) is only 13 per unit in Parambikulam dhara as against the tds of 20 to 23 per unit in the water of Siruvani nearby.
The next step was to solve the menace of cattle grazing. The tribes and locals owned about 500 cattle, were persuaded to sell off them on promises of alternate remunerative jobs. The jobs provided are as guides and takers of full moon census of the wildlife during the five days of full moon in a month. Further, they got coaching to explain to the tourists about the remnants of bridges, wagons and rails from Parambikulam to Chalakudy (in Thrissur district) and their historical significance and heritage. They were also trained to lead the tourists to trekking trails and dolmen trail. Their task also includes guidance to the tourists on “Parambi Cruise’, a boat ride in Parambikulam reservoir.
The EDCs service extended to augment the income of tribesmen and women who eke out a living by collecting honey from the forests. They tutored them to pack the honey hygienically in the bottles. The wax after extraction of honey used to throw away by the tribes. They were trained to make balm out of it. The tribes now market it as Parambikulam honey wax balm, useful for pains and headache.
To bring the tribes to cultural front, EDCs helped them form a cultural troupe called Tribal Symphony and trained them in tribe-related arts and performance.
The sanctuary has now seven tents with a common dining hall for tourists. Tourists can avail package tours which include accommodation, food, sight-seeing, bird watching etc. The famed ornithologist Salim Ali stayed for two years watching Hornbill. For those desiring eco-meditation, open space is provided by the EDCs.
Tourists arriving in Parambikulam are first taken to interpretation center. This over, the orientation centre facilitates a bird’s eye view of the sanctuary through slides. A gaur’s (artificial gaur) mouth gives narration both in English and Malayalam about the place and enjoyments in store with the conclusion of an emotional welcome tempting the visitors to get fast.
Yes, the waste-free, green-bathed Parambikulam is waiting for ……..
