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| ANAMALAI(TOP
SLIP) |
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| ABOUT
ANAMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY |
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Also
known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, this park is situated
in the Western ghats. Located at a high altitude of 1400 metres
and spread over a large area of 960 square kilometers, the park
is well known for the endangered Nilagiri Tahr (mountain goat, also
called Ibex) and Lion Tailed macaque. The sanctuary is also home
to elephants, wild boar, Indian bison (Gaur), panthers and a variety
of deer. The park also has a few tigers. |
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This
is one of the most secluded sanctuaries in South India, primarily
due to restrictions placed on entry and stay by the forest officials.
Wildlife takes a priority over tourism here in the interest of conservation.
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GETTING
THERE |
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Top
Slip is approximately 65 kms from Coimbatore, the nearest large
city with excellent train and air connections. From Coimbatore,
one will have to travel by road to Top Slip through the town of
Pollachi (35 kms from Top Slip). |
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For
information on how to reach Coimbatore, please click
here. |
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ACCOMODATION |
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Accomodation
at Top Slip is run entirely by the wildlife department and consists
of dormitories and four basic lodges. For booking, one will have
to apply in advance to the Wildlife Warden’s office, Meenkarai
Road, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India (Tel : +91-4259-225356). As the
processing of the application takes about 10 days, it is advisable
to plan your trip well in advance. |
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Accomodation
is normally limited to one day and can be extended to a maximum
of 2-3 days on special request. Sometimes there is a screening process,
where applicants are interviewed before accomodation is granted.
Please check before hand about availability of catering facilities
at the lodges. |
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Another
option is to stay at Pollachi, which is a medium sized town offering
a few hotels. |
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| WHAT
TO DO |
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The
park is open from 6 am to 6 pm for visitors for safaris. Private
vehicles are not allowed in the park, and one must take the safari
trips conducted in the park vehicles. These operate between 8 am
and 5 pm and last about 90 minutes each trip, with a charge of Rs
40 per person. |
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One
can also go on a trek inside the park with an official guide. Treks
are allowed for a maximum of 4 hours for Rs 70 per person. |
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Bookings for the safaris or treks can be made at the Reception Centre
within the park. |
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The
best time to visit is between January and June. The winter months
can be a bit cool because of the altitiude. |
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