Sholayar Forest Reserve

Had a wonderful time with the forest officers and other forest guards. We went there as a group led by my friend Dr. Anita and i thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this trekking. Looking forward to going for it again with my couchsurfing friends.
You shouldn't miss it. It costs only 1000 rupees per person which includes water, snacks and lunch.

Best forest route ever
If you travel in morning or evening definitely you can see lot of elephants and wild animals
Last time i saw a famous elephants in sholayar ( KABALI)
And i got best experience

And main thing : don't disturb them and please keep the forest clean

Amazing. What an great experience... Will visit again and again 😍😍😍

Definitely worth a visit! The wilderness, soothing feel, and greenery are priceless. The best time to go is during the winter season. That's awesome!

Wow, really amazing. Best for travelers, you can explore forest, enjoy scenario roads, witness wildlife, watch Dam, listen to waterfall and more one of the best kerala reserve forest. If you want random place to spend with family or friends whole day. This might be best

Take a route via Valparai to Vazhachal to Kochi if you are coming from Chennai or Coimbatore. You will definitely enjoy the drive. The natural beauty will sooth your mind and will be a definite stress buster. You might be lucky to see few wild elephants (be vigilant not to disturb them)!

It's a once in lifetime experience. I got to see many wildlife. I saw a wild elephant foraging in the forest. It was superb. A must drive for avid birdwatchers .

Very good road for bike ride. Full of green and wild animals. If you start your journey by 6 o click it will be good for photography and sight seeing. By that time the whole area will be foggy. It's amazing if you reach valparai. Not so crowded, peaceful,windy,blue sky,g golden sunshine . 75 % of the road is good.so many places to take photos. Don't leave any food items on the road.it attract animals and causes accidents. After started our journey through the check post we saw many monkeys blocking the road don't get too close to them they will bite you. There are small ponds and waterfalls near most of the road turns. Don't visit this place while summer. It will be get too hot by 11 am. After the monsoon season august and the months after that is good

Nice reserved forest area of 50km, were we can see different varieties of animals and birds.

Nice place to go , prefer KSRTC bus from Chalakudi. Only 80 ₹ per person . Will see the forest 🌳 better than from inside the car . Good customer interaction by KSRTC STAFF .

Discovering Sholayar in Thrissur was a revelation! The landscape, with its rolling hills, deep gorges, and mist-clad mountains, is a virgin paradise. The Sholayar dam, surrounded by verdant grasslands and pristine streams, provides a serene escape into nature's lap. The unique natural setting is a haven for those seeking tranquility. A perfect spot to unwind and bask in the rich bounties of nature. Highly recommend for a refreshing sojourn! #NatureParadise #SholayarGem

Thick evergreen forest.
You can feel the pure air smell while riding through this forest for about 60km.

Best time is to enter vazhachal check post is by morning 6am to 7 am. Then you can surely meet some wild elephants group..

NB: please try to lower your car side window glass while driving...

One of the widest reserve forests in Kerala. Some places inside here needs special permissions from forest officials. Animals are rare to see, but elephants are plenty. You can see rivers and small waterfalls between every 2 or 3 kilometres.

very enjoying good place thick evergreens forest you can feel the pure air smell while riding through this forest for about 60km best time is to enter vazhachal check post is by morning yam to yam . then you can surely meet some wild elephants group ............
please try to lower your car side window glass while driving silent and peacefully place to go with both family's wild ones that are magnificent things to see

The Sholayar Reserve Forest, cradled within the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a testament to the raw, unbridled beauty of nature. This expansive forest reserve, enshrouded in mist and teeming with diverse ecosystems, stands as a sanctuary for biodiversity and an oasis for those seeking solace in the embrace of untouched wilderness.

The journey into Sholayar Reserve Forest is an enchanting exploration through winding roads surrounded by dense vegetation. As visitors delve deeper into the forest, the air becomes thick with the fragrance of endemic flora, creating an immersive experience that heightens the senses. The lush green canopy overhead harbors a multitude of plant species, some of which may be endemic to this unique habitat.

Sholayar Reserve Forest is home to a rich variety of wildlife, with the elusive presence of elephants, Indian gaurs, and leopards adding to the mystique of the wilderness. The reserve's diverse avian population includes vibrant species like the Malabar Trogon and the Great Hornbill, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The forest's undulating terrain and meandering streams contribute to the scenic beauty, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes. Streams cascade down hillsides, forming small waterfalls that add to the sensory symphony of the forest. The Sholayar Dam, an imposing structure within the reserve, provides not only a vital water source but also a scenic viewpoint that allows visitors to appreciate the expansive vistas of the forest.

Adventurers can explore the forest through trekking trails, unraveling the secrets of this pristine habitat step by step. Guided tours are available for those seeking a deeper understanding of the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts within Sholayar Reserve Forest.

In conclusion, Sholayar Reserve Forest beckons as a sanctuary of serenity and a treasure trove of biodiversity. Its untouched landscapes and thriving ecosystems create an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who venture into its depths, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike.

It is the one of best bike ride I have done till now. You can enter through either from Athirapilly(charpa forest check post- Kerala) or Mallakkapara forest check post(Tamil Nadu) by submitting a leeter to the forest range officer regarding the acknowlegment of the risks and your details. Forest ride is really beautiful and thrilling. We had seen one elephant close to 15 feet while riding. Two wheelers are allowed from 6am to 4pm. 4 wheelers from 6am-6pm. Do not try to take a break in the dense forest as it is not safe. If you are in two wheeler try to go in pack. Always look out other vehicles during the turns as the roads are very small and the turns are very much sharp.

The best tourist pace to vist nature lovers. Touristers can stay here because lot if resorts for them with low rate and they can enjoy the beauty of nature from the resort

This place is all about the ride. You can enjoy all the bits of nature in this ride. Sometimes even get surprised by the wild animals. When the weekend comes , take your bike and hit the road. You're going to enjoy the ride.

General public is not allowed. The entry is restricted. The evergreen forests are here with the enchanting beauty of the nature. The #selfiespot of the biodiversity. It is dangerous to enter the forests from the vehicles in the road. Elephants are dangerous in the territory.

Sholayar Reserve Forest, located in the Western Ghats of India, is a biodiverse haven spanning across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Encompassing the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, it stands as a crucial part of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This lush expanse boasts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the region.

The reserve is characterized by dense tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, housing a variety of plant species, including rare and endemic ones. Towering trees, vibrant orchids, and medicinal plants contribute to the ecosystem's ecological significance.

Notably, Sholayar Reserve Forest is a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian gaurs, and numerous bird species. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve within Sholayar plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Bengal tiger.

Besides its ecological importance, Sholayar is a treat for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. The forest offers mesmerizing landscapes, cascading waterfalls like Athirappilly Falls, and an opportunity to witness the harmony between nature and wildlife.

Conservation efforts and sustainable practices are crucial to safeguard this natural treasure, ensuring that Sholayar Reserve Forest continues to thrive as a sanctuary of biodiversity and a source of inspiration for those who seek communion with the untamed beauty of the Western Ghats.