Topslip-Parambikulam Road trip

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Tucked away in the valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 277 sq km, the Sanctuary, a haven of tranquil greenery boasts of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation and the world's tallest and oldest teak tree. The famous Kannimara teak tree, believed to be over 350 years old is about 5 km from Thunacadavu, and is one of Parambikulam's prime attractions.

For More information please visit:

http://www.ecotourismkeralam.org/parambikulam.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parambikulam_Wildlife_Sanctuary

Visitor information:

Even if situated in Palakkad district of Kerala, Parambikkulam is only accessible by road from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Palakkad to Pollachi is about 45 km; then Pollachi to Parambikkulam is about 65 km.

If you book a night stay package, you can take your own vehicle till Parambikulam dam otherwise we have to park our vehicle at the entrance, from there we can avail Eco tourism vehicle which will take a trip to Parambikulam covering Kannimara team, Thoonakadavu dam, Peruvaripallam dam etc. This will take approx. 3 hours.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:

Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Parambikulam, Ph: 04253-245005
District Tourist Promotion Council, Palakkad Ph: 0491-2538996

Route Map:

Route Map from Pollachi to Parambikulam reservoir

Early morning near Anamalai road
Entering Parambikulam Sanctury
Dense and Dark Forest
Cottages near Topslip
Another snap on Anamalai-Pollachi road
Parambikulam checkpost
Animals statue near checkpost
Here we are entering to Parambikulam Tiger reserve
TSTC bus coming from Parambikulam

Sarkarpathy Tunnel
Thunakadavu Dam
Parambikulam Forest department bus
Thunakadavu Dam
You can see variety of Animals all the way from Tamilnadu checkpost
Kannimara teak
Information board near Kannimara Teak
Kannimara Teak
Kannimara Teak
Kannimara Teak
Thunakadavu Dam hill view point
Thunakadavu Dam hill view


Bison near Kannimara Teak
Parambikulam Dam
Our own KSRTC bus starting to Palakkad from Parambikulam(the one and only KSRTC bus to this place)
Statue in Parambikulam town
Madan at travel information center
Parambikulam dam another view
Myself near Information center
Tree house
You can visit this hotel in Parambikulam(one of the 2 hotels in Parambikulam)
Myself and Madan


Myself, Vimal Madan and Antony @ Parambikulam Dam site

Travel in Nilgiri Montain heritage Train

Travel in Nilgiri Mountain heritage Train

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a railway in Tamil Nadu, India, built by the British in 1908, and was initially operated by the Madras Railway. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives NMR comes under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Salem Division. In July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the site then became known as "Mountain Railways of India." After it satisfied the necessary criteria, thus forcing abandonment of the modernisation plans. For the past several years diesel locomotives have taken over from steam on the section between Coonoor and Udhagamandalam. Local people and tourists have led a demand for steam locos to once again haul this section.The famous Hindi song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from the film "Dil Se" featuring Shahrukh Khan was shot on the roof top of NMR.

Train No:662 is the Mettupalayam to Ooty passenger train . Train No. 661 is the Ooty to Mettupalayam passenger. You can book ticket via irctc.co.in. If you dont have time to cover the entire distance there is single up and down trip available between Coonoor and ooty on a dily basis almost covering 18 kms.

Station codes:
Udagamandalam (UAM) [Ooty also called as Udagamandalam, ootacamund, Udhagai, Ootypattinam]
Mettupalaiyam (MTP)
Coonoor (ONR)

Find more info on Wiki Page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nilgiri_Mountain_Railway

Nilgiri Mountain train starts from Mettupalayam early morning 7 AM and reaches Ooty around 12 PM. The same train will return at 2 PM and reaches Mettupalayam Around 6 PM. Till Coonoor they use Coal and steam Engine then onwards Diesel Engine. For Tourist purpose they are running another trip between Ooty and Coonor on a daily basis. This trip Starts from Ooty at 9 AM and reach Coonor around 10.15 AM. This will return at 4:30 PM and reaches Ooty by 5:45 PM.

NB:Seats are very limited so better book through IRCTC site before.

Route Maps(Courtesy  various sources):

My self with wife @ Ooty Railway station
Udagamandalam railway station
Udagai or Ooty or Udagamandalam or Ootypattanam or Ootacamund

First Class coach
My Dad and Mom in First Class coach
Train ready for the trip
On the way near LovaDale
There are many tunnels inbetween

Through the Ketty Valley
This is Lovadale Station
We are passing LoveDale station
Love Dale Station Board

Ketti Station
Do u remember this place.....Location for Movies Kilukkam, DilSe, Daisy etc etc etc......
Passing through eucalyptus Forest
Wellington Station



Aravankadu Station
Reached Coonoor Station
Coonoor Station