Anaimalai Tiger Reserve National Park
Western Ghats tiger reserve protecting biodiversity and tigers
Protected area on the Western Ghats spanning Kerala and Tamil Nadu with tigers, elephants and montane forests. Visitors take guided safaris, trek hill trails and visit nearby plantations.
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve at a Glance#
About Anaimalai Tiger Reserve#
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve is a protected area in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats in southern India, covering montane and forested terrain across state boundaries. The reserve is designated to protect tigers and other wildlife within this biodiversity-rich landscape.
The area has a history of forest protection and was later brought under formal conservation designations to safeguard tiger populations and forest ecosystems. Conservation management focuses on habitat protection, anti-poaching and maintaining landscape connectivity for wide-ranging species.
The reserve lies in the Anaimalai Hills on the border region between Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats. It occupies rugged terrain of hills and valleys and is accessed from regional towns and forested approach roads.
- Biodiversity: Forms part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and protects populations of large mammals such as tiger and Asian elephant within montane and lowland forest habitats.
How to Get to Anaimalai Tiger Reserve#
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve straddles areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats. Access points differ by zone; Palakkad or Pollachi commonly serve as gateways. Use official forest department booking channels or accredited operators for safaris and transport.
Tips for Visiting Anaimalai Tiger Reserve#
- Book safaris through the forest department or accredited tour operators - permits and regulated entry are standard.
- Mornings and late afternoons are best for tiger and large-mammal sightings; mid-day is quiet.
- Check whether the reserve's buffer zones straddle Kerala/Tamil Nadu boundaries - logistics often require coordination across state lines.
Best Time to Visit Anaimalai Tiger Reserve#
Safaris are best in the dry months when animals are easier to locate. Monsoon months can close some zones and make forest travel difficult.
Weather & Climate near Anaimalai Tiger Reserve#
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1702 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 14° - 24° | 19° | 20 mm | some cloud | 70% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Ideal | 16° - 26° | 21° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 1.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Ideal | 17° - 28° | 23° | 27 mm | some cloud | 58% | 1.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 19° - 29° | 24° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Very Good | 19° - 29° | 24° | 129 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 245 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.6h |
| July | Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 357 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Good | 18° - 25° | 21° | 227 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Very Good | 18° - 25° | 22° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 18° - 25° | 21° | 219 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 17° - 24° | 20° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
| December | Very Good | 15° - 24° | 19° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |