Well forested places surrounded by dense jungles and nestled between hills is an ideal destination for most nature loving tourists. We all love to escape the humdrum of city life and retire to a peaceful spot far away from the hustle-bustle with our loved ones when on vacation. One such ideal holiday destination is the serene and breathtakingly beautiful village of Anaikatti.

The word Anaikatti literally translates to a ‘group of elephants’, and as the name promises, is a natural habitat of elephants owing to its prime location in the midst of dense forests and water bodies. It is a small village nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats on the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border and happens to be the entry point into Kerala from Tamil Nadu. It is about 431 metres above sea level and makes for the ideal destination for wildlife lovers.

Activities for the wildling inside you

Trips to the Tribal Areas

The tribes of Anaikatti are a vital part of its culture and history. The Muduga, Irula and Kurumba tribes make up the majority of Anaikatti’s tribal population and are known for their vivid and unique cultures. They populate some areas of the village and make for a wonderful day trip for tourists interested in learning more about their culture, lifestyle and traditions. Immerse yourself in a life vastly different from your own and give your kids the opportunity to learn first-hand crafts like basket weaving and fishing with the tribes of Anaikatti by entering a tribal village.

Trekking

There are numerous trekking trails that dot the hills of Anaikatti, and you can get a trekking experience tailored to your needs. If you are a trek lover, a hard trail might be your choice, but your family of amateur trekkers may prefer to opt for an easier trail. These treks wind their way through the surrounding woods and your guide will be able to identify and point out rare species of flora and fauna en route.

Safaris

The meadows in Anaikatti make for a great picnic location where you will have the chance to meet and interact with farmers and local cultivators and learn about cropping cycles, seasons, and local crop trends. Guests are also allowed to visit the local farms and tribal villages close to this.

In addition to this, the night safari is another popular attraction. The trips cover about 15 kilometres of track and involve guests travelling in jeeps to the nearby tribal villages and forests. Anaikatti has a wide range of nocturnal wildlife including Elephants, Bisons, Leopards, Otters and much more, and you might get a live sighting of this if you’re lucky.

Other places to visit in and around Anaikatti for nature lovers

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve


An initiative by the Coimbatore Zoological Park Society, this reserve was established in 1986 as a marker of the wildlife preservation in the Western Ghats. The park now has hundreds of species of plants, birds, reptiles and other non-invertebrates. It’ll give you and your family a wildlife adventure that you will be sure to remember in the years to come.

Velliangiri Hills

velliangiri-mountains

Also known as Thenkailayam – the Kailash of the South. The hill has a shrine to Lord Shiva at the top, and devotees travel every year to climb up the hill and pay their tributes to the lord. The hill is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that falls on the borders of Coimbatore.

Siruvani and Kodiveri Waterfalls

waterfalls

The Siruvani dam was constructed by the Kerala government in order to supply drinking water to the population of Coimbatore. The waterfall that is a result of this dam is a sight to behold as the waters gush onto the rocks below with a tumult. There are rare species of birds and insects found in this area owing to an ideal temperature that the water results in.

Likewise, the Kodiveri falls created as a result of the Kodiveri dam is about 75 kilometres from Coimbatore and makes for a breathtaking picnic spot along the Bhavani River.

Anamudi Shola National Park

130 kilometres from Anaikatti, the Anamudi Shola Park presents a rare opportunity to witness endangered species of the panther, spotted gazal, Hanuman langur, and Sloth Bear. One could perhaps take up accommodation there for a night and experience life in the forests with an early morning safari through the depths of the park.

The monsoons (July-November) are the best time to visit Anaikuati. The lush greenery and scenic hills make Anaikatti a sight to behold in the rains. The monsoons also make for the perfect climate for the wildlife to leave the sanctuary of their dens and may present you with the perfect chance to see them in their natural state. Visit the tribal villages and educate yourself in addition to exploring new found areas and cultures. Grab your cameras, and pack light as you head off on a trip to one of Sterling’s most loved resorts at Anaikatti and awaken the nature lover inside you.