Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a protected area in the Anaimalai hills of the Western Ghats, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It covers dense tropical forest, open grassland strips, and patches of shola woodland tucked between higher grassland areas.
The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2007. Before that, large parts of the forest had been cleared during the 19th century for tea and coffee plantations, shrinking the original forest cover considerably.
The name Anamalai means "elephant hills" in Tamil, a reference to the large herds that still roam the area today. Visitors walking along forest paths often spot these animals near the tree line in the early hours of the morning.
The months from August to February offer cooler and drier conditions, making them the most comfortable for a visit. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the best times to spot wildlife, as animals are more active away from the midday heat.
The Chinnar stream runs along part of the reserve and marks the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, separating two neighboring protected areas. At certain spots along its banks, animals can sometimes be seen crossing from one side to the other in the early morning.
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