Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a large protected area in the Western Ghats featuring dense tropical forests, shola woodlands, and open grasslands. The landscape comprises forested hillsides with flowing streams, tall vegetation, and open clearings that support diverse plant and animal populations.
The area was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and formally upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2007. During the 1800s, much of the forest was cleared for tea and coffee plantations, as well as timber extraction, before protection measures were implemented to preserve the remaining forest.
The name Anamalai comes from the hills that surround the reserve. Local communities such as the Kadars and Eravallans have lived here for generations, and their traditions remain connected to the forests and wildlife that define this land.
The best time to visit is from August to February when weather is cooler and drier. Early morning or late afternoon visits are most rewarding as animals are more active, and visitors should bring water, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, and a hat for protection.
The reserve is bordered by the Chinnar stream, which forms the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and visitors can often watch animals crossing the water during early morning or evening hours. This natural waterway marks a notable geographic feature that separates two distinct protected regions.
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