Have you ever thought about how our world will look when all the endangered animal species become extinct? The world’s wildlife faces insurmountable pressure from poaching, deforestation and overgrazing, not to mention the irreversible impact humankind continues to wreak on it. Indeed, in this modern and overpopulated world, the need for wildlife sanctuaries has become a necessity for us.
If you’re a nature enthusiast who is keen to help, then consider visiting India which is home to all kinds of exotic and endemic wildlife, many of which are in danger of extinction.There are hundreds of wildlife sanctuaries here, reflecting the importance that the country places on nature and wildlife conservation. Many are near Coimbatore making it the ideal stepping stone to explore India’s many wildlife sanctuaries. With this in mind, here’s 7 IDEAL wildlife sanctuaries in Coimbatore.
MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, also a declared tiger reserve, is one of the most important sanctuaries in India. It was the first sanctuary in South India which was set up in the year 1940. This place has hundreds of species of animals and is home to several endangered and vulnerable ones including the elusive Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard and the critically endangered India white-rumped vulture. It also has one of the largest elephant populations with approximately 600 roaming the reserve.
CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Day excursions from Coimbatore to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are readily available. Located in the rain shower region in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary benefits from a diverse eco system that supports an abundance of wildlife. It’s home to the Great Grizzled Squirrel of India of which there are less than 200 on the planet. Make it a point to visit the nearby Sandalwood forest where you can watch herds of elephants roaming the forest.
ANNAMALAI INDRA GANDHI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Made up of tropical jungle, shola forest and many miles of grassland, this vast reserve is spread across approximately 958 -sq-km and is around 40km south of Coimbatore. From striking lion-tailed macaques which are one of the smallest and most endangered of the macaque species of monkey, to beautiful peacocks and spotted deer, here you’re bound to see all types of wildlife. Make a point to visit the Amaravathi Crocodile Farm, which began in 1976 when the mugger crocodiles were close to annihilation.
PEECHI-VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Have you ever wondered where do the popular wildlife channels like Discovery, National Geography etc. go to film the animals? ‘Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary’ is the answer to the question. The place is spread across 125 square kilometres and surrounded by dense tropical forests.
PARAMBIKULAM TIGER RESERVE
Owing to its magnificent flora and fauna, this place is a biodiversity hotspot. Under consideration by UNESCO, it’s one of the most scenic places in the Western Ghats. Many trekking loving tourists come to this place every year as you can follow a trail through the tropical evergreen forests.
SILENT VALLEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This famous place is divided into four parts Nilikkal, Sairandhri, Poochipara and Walakkad and only Sariandhri open for tourists. This sanctuary is counted among all the smallest sanctuaries in India. Due to its smaller size, the place has become very time efficient and quite a popular place for those tourists who want to cut down on travelling hours.
CHIMMONY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This beautiful sanctuary was established in the year 1958 and spread over 100 square kilometres. This is one of the most prevalent weekend destinations among professional photographers. You will find many tourists carrying their professional cameras and video recorder to shoot the spectacular scenic beauty of the place.
