The reserve is part of the Western Ghats, one of the world's eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve is home to the rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
The park serves as a critical catchment area for several perennial rivers including the Aliyar and Sholayar.
The area is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of over 300 avian species.
The Anamalai Tiger Reserve Entry Checkpost serves as the primary gateway into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Located on State Highway 78, this site functions as a mandatory administrative registration point for vehicles and visitors entering the protected forest zone. It facilitates forest department surveillance and records transit details to regulate traffic within the sensitive ecological corridor. The reserve spans over 958 square kilometers across the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its high biodiversity. Travelers must present identification documents and vehicle registration at this post to obtain entry permits. The surrounding landscape consists of mixed deciduous and evergreen forests housing significant populations of tigers, elephants, and leopards. It acts as the buffer zone interface between human-inhabited areas and the core conservation zone. Limited infrastructure exists at the checkpost itself, serving primarily as a security and conservation oversight point.
The forest department signage and the dense, misty canopy backdrop visible from the entrance gate.
Carry physical copies of government-issued identification cards for all passengers.
Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel before reaching the checkpost as there are no fueling stations once inside the reserve.
Strictly adhere to the designated road speed limits and do not exit your vehicle after passing the checkpost.
Do not attempt to feed animals or stop your vehicle on forest roads to interact with wildlife, as these are prohibited acts carrying heavy fines.
Entry may be restricted during extreme monsoon conditions or high-risk fire seasons; always check with the Pollachi Forest Range office for current access status.
Plastic use is strictly prohibited within the reserve; dispose of all waste before the checkpost. Maintaining absolute silence and keeping vehicle noise to a minimum is mandatory to avoid disturbing wildlife.
