TamilNadu in Olden Days – Paintings and Pictures From British Library

Tamil Nadu/India is the cradle of Dravidian culture. It has a very rich history dating back to thousands of years. Several anthropologists and historians consider that human activity in this area began as early as 300, 000 years ago. Its official language is Tamil and it has been in use in inscriptions and literature for more than 2000 years. Tamil Nadu is the eleventh largest state by area and the seventh most populous state in India. Now Tamil Nadu is one of the most industrialized states in India with a high Human Development index. 

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Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National park in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

About Indira Gandhi Wildlife

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the largest sanctuary in Tamilnadu. The climatic conditions in this sanctuary are very pleasant and equable warm during the months of January to October and cool during the months of November & December. This climatic condition attracts rich flora and fauna. It is maintained and protected by Ministry of Environment and Forests and Tamil Nadu Forest Department. This Sanctuary is named after our former prime minister of India Indhira Gandhi. Area covered by this sanctuary is 108 Square Km. In Tamil Anai means elephant, so this sanctuary is well know as Anaimalai wildlife sanctuary as it has lots of elephants. This sanctuary is also maintained by
UNESCO world heritage site. The rainfall measured here measured here ranges between 500-5000mm. This sanctuary preserves endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species.

Anilmals in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home for endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species. Endangered species like Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Asiatic wild dog Nilgiri tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are taken care in this sanctuary. Vulnurable species are the species that belongs to previous stage of endangered species. Such species in this sanctuary are Brown Mongoose, Gaur, Malabar Spiny Dormouse,Nilgiri langur, Rusty-spotted cat, Sambar Deer, Sloth bear and Smooth-coated Otter. Near threatened animals involves Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Leopard and Indian Pangolin which has very low risk but conservation of these animals are needed. The other animals in this sanctuary are Golden jackal, Leopard cat,Jungle cat, Spotted deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Common langur, Bonnet macaque, Asian Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Striped-necked Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Grey Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Crested Porcupine,Indian Pangolin, Indian porcupine and Three-striped Palm Squirrel. It is found that more than 150 species of animals are found in this sanctuary.

Plants in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

There are more than 2000 species of plants available in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary among them it is estimated that 500 species of plants have medicinal value. Trees found in this sanctuary as per the information provided by Tamilnadu forest department are Hopea parviflora, Mesua ferrea, Calophyllum tomentosum, Vateria indica, Cullenia excelsa and Mangifera indica, Machilus macrantha, Alstonia scholaris, Evodia meliaefolia,Ailanthus & Malabaricum and Eucalyptus grandis. Rare plant species of coniferous forest Podocarpus wallichianus is found abundant in this region. Different types of forest such as Evergreen forest, grassland, deciduous, thorn forest and marshes are found in this sanctuary.

Reptiles in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many reptiles in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. Poisonous snakes, frog species and lizard species are found in abundant in this sanctuary. Snake, frog and lizard species found in this sanctuary are Toads, Spotted Leaping Frog & Leith's Leaping Frog, Black Torrent Frogs, tree frogs, Pythons, Cobras, Kraits, Vipers,Grass Snakes, Forest Cane Turtles, Travancore Tortoises, Flapshell Turtless, Star Tortoises, Flying lizards, Chameleons and Forest Lizards. Apart from these you can find many species of beautiful butterfly.

Birds in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

Birds makes the sanctuary beautiful. This sanctuary contains more than 250 bird species. Frogmouth, Red-winged crested cuckoo are the rare species of birds found in this sanctuary. Other common bird species in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary found in this sanctuary are cormorants, ducks, teal, darter, partridge, quail, jungle fowl, spurfowl, Indian peafowl,parakeets, hornbills, barbets, drongos, orioles, shrikes, warblers, Old World flycatchers,woodpeckers, chloropsis, trogons, kingfishers, storks, egrets, fish eagle, hawk eagles, harriers,falcons, kites, owls and nightjars. This is best sanctuary for bird lovers.

Information for the tourist

This sanctuary has moderate climate and rich diversity. This is the best sanctuary in Tamilnadu where you can see endangered species. In future this species will extinct soon. One can assure this is the best place for Animals, plants, birds and reptile lovers. From the month of December to April the climate will be so pleasing and it is considered as the best time. The climatic condition of this sanctuary ranges from 4 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. It is best to avoid rainy days.
Open Timing : 6Am to 6 Pm.

Fees:
Entry: Rs 100/-
Camera: Rs 25/-
Video Camera: Rs 50/-
Car: Rs 50/-

Contact information
The Wildlife Warden,
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park,
176, Meenkarai Road,Pollachi,
Coimbatore 642001,Tamil Nadu.
Tel : (04259) 25356

How to reach Indhira Gandhi wildlife Sanctuary

By Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, situated at a distance of around 75 km.
By rail: Pollachi is the nearest railway station. It is at a distance of 35 km from the wildlife sanctuary. You can also use Coimbatore junction situated at a distance of around 75 km.

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