TOPSLIP

Topslip is located above the 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a small place in Indira Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary that lies in the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu at the southern part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Separated from the Nilgiri Hills by the Palghat Gap on the north, the Park is contiguous to the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to its west and to the Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Chinnar Wild life sanctuary.


Park details and tips
1. Private vehicles can drive in the park. Top Slip is best enjoyed if a car is in hand at all times.

2. It is possible to walk around the park. You must have a Park Guide with you and you are allowed to walk in the park for a maximum of four hours for INR 70 per person.

3. There is provision for a conducted bus ride from the Park Reception Office and riding elephants may also be available.

4. Local food and refreshments are available at the facility run at the Tourist Complex, Top slip.

5. Ticks and leeches can be a serious menace, specially in the summer months. Carry protection and stick to tracks.

5a. Many lone male elephants at Top Slip are known rogues, travel on foot with a guide.

6. Accommodation in the Park is very basic and it is best to carry sleeping bags and emergency supplies.

7. A booking at a particular guesthouse may not assure you of accommodation at it. The final allocation decision is left to the Department staff at Top Slip.

8. A provision shop functions near the reception area and reasonably stocked for necessities.

9. Tourism seems to be low priority at this Park - be prepared for inadequate support from Forest Department staff.

10.Top Slip can have hordes of noisy holidaymakers, specially during winter holidays - beware!

11. The only surefire way to see birds like Wynaad Laughingthrush, Sri Lanka Frogmouth and Oriental bay Owl is with the assistance of local guides. Tell them that you want to see these birds.

Where to stay
There are Forest Rest Houses at Topslip Varagaliar, Amaravathi, Sethumadai. The Ambuli Illam Guesthouse, at Topslip, 2 km from the reception center, is the best place to stay. It has a restaurant. We stayed at the Mt. Stuart Resthouse which was beautifully located but without electricity, food and water. The Public Works Department (PWD) Rest houses at Udumalpet and Amaravathi, Electricity Board (TNEB) Rest House at Attakatti. Accommodation is usually limited to only one or two nights at a location. Alternatively, one could stay at Pollachi or Coimbatore where there are several places to stay and do day trips to Top Slip.

Contact


The Wildlife Warden
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary,
178, Meenkarai Road,
Pollachi - 642 001.
Tel: 04259 238360.