Topslip

At a distance of 76 km from Coimbatore, 30 km from Pollachi and 550 km from Chennai, Topslip is a popular place located in the Annamalai mountain range in the Western Ghats in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. It lies at an altitude of 2554 feet and is famous for its wildlife sanctuary and national park that are in proximity.

Topslip is the Tiger Reserve Forest in small part of Annamalai Tiger Reserve, which is separated from the Nilgiri Hills by Palghat Gap in north. It got its name during British era, as lots of its timber sliped down to the plains below. Being a medical plant conservation area, it is famous for the elephant camp, wildlife safaris, pleasant weather and beautiful views of Annamalai Hills.

It is the best gateway for wonderful wildlife experience of the Indira Gandhi WLS. The unique teak forests, Bamboo forests, rich exotic species of plants and wild animals are the major attractions of Topslip. It is also a wonderful destination for bird watching. MT Stuart block is another attraction which is located 3 km from Topslip. It has an ancient forest bungalow along with the grave of Hugo Wood, a British officer with an environmental conscience who emphasized that a sapling must be planted for every tree that is chopped off.

Forest Department organizes elephant safaris and jeep rides into the sanctuary. A four hours trek around the forest along with a guide is also available here. Private vehicles are not allowed for the safaris. The Tourism Department has also identified several trekking routes starting at Top Slip and conducts guided trekking tours. Kolambumalai - 10 km, Ambuli watchtower - 6 km, Kozhikammuthy-12 km and Karian Shola - 4 km are the some of the trekking routes available here. All visitors to Topslip need a permit issued by the Wildlife Warden office of the Forest Department at Pollachi.

Sethumadai (5 km) is a good base station for Top Slip with better accommodation facilities. Basic Accommodation is available at Forest Rest House which has to be booked at Wildlife Warden Office in Pollachi.

Topslip is the only entry point to Parambikulam Wildlife Reserve Forest which comes under the state of Kerala. The nearest access point to Topslip would be Pollachi in Tamilnadu. There are only two buses from Pollachi to Topslip every day at 6 AM and 3 PM. The same bus returns to Pollachi at 8 AM and 6 PM.

Best time to visit Top Slip is from November to April.

National Park Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

Topslip Entry Fee: Rs.20 per person, Rs.50 for Camera, Rs.200 for Video Cam, Rs. 50 for light vehicle and Rs.100 for Heavy vehicle.

Jeep Safari Timings: 7 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 5 PM.
Jeep Safari Cost: Rs.120 per person for 45 min.

Elephant Safari Timings: 11 AM - 2 PM.
Elephant Safari Cost: Rs. 200 per person for 45 min.

Trek Timings: 7 AM - 2 PM.
Trek Cost: Rs.200 per person for 4 Hours.