My India: Top Slip Sanctuary

Welcome Board at Topslip Sanctuary

Boundaries are seen clearly on a geographical map, but in reality areas could well overlap making actual boundary lines between regions redundant. This is the case with the Parambikulam Sanctuary in Kerala, the forest area of which on the other side is within the State of Tamil Nadu. Visitors to Parambikulam Sanctuary should know that the entry to this wildlife sanctuary is not on the Kerala side but on the Tamil Nadu side, at the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.

Board highlighting tourist spots

Sethumadai check post

The main entrance is located at the Sethumadai check post (Tamil Nadu Forest Dept.) near the entrance of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (see image on right).

Small Office

The sanctuary is also referred to as Top Slip sanctuary, Topslip being a small forest area within the sanctuary region. From there, you have to drive down a short distance to the Annapady checkpost (Kerala Forest Dept.). An annoying feature here is the absurdly small office. Barely enough head room, leave aside place to stand (see image on left).

What’s more, it could take quite some time for you to actually start on the safari since for each safari bus the minimum requirement of 15 passengers needs to be met. You are allowed to enter with your own private vehicle, but must park it in the designated parking spot. You cannot drive around inside the sanctuary in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember: you should give your vehicle number in order to book a safari. By the way, you have to pay camera fees too if you are planning to capture your trip for posterity.

Please do follow rules & regulations displayed prominently:

Rules

Food: The safari ticket does not include food. You can have a wholesome meal at the canteen on the premises. It is really good, served the traditional way on a plantain leaf.