Parambikulam does not operate one trek under four names. It operates four different guided programmes, and the useful choice is between their ground rather than their branding. All are inside the tiger reserve, all depend on the reserve saying yes that day, and none is an independent walk.

Bear Path: teak, bamboo and open ground

Bear Path is 4 km from Nalayiram Point to Anappady. The route starts in teak plantation, passes bamboo and reaches an open grassland pond used by birds. The bear in the name refers to signs and feeding ground described along the route; it is not a promise that a sloth bear will appear.

Elephant Song: the softer four kilometres

Elephant Song is also 4 km, through small evergreen patches, and the official description calls it a soft trek intended for all age groups. Read that comparatively: it is the gentler option in this set, not a paved family path, and it remains guided forest ground.

Kariyanshola: six kilometres and a raft

Kariyanshola leaves from Anappady, enters moist deciduous forest and reaches denser evergreen woodland after about four kilometres. The published circuit runs by Rock Point to Kariyanshola and back through teak. Bamboo rafting is part of the programme, groups are capped at ten, and the official advice specifically warns about leeches.

Pugmark: the long route

Pugmark is about 10 km from Peruvaripallam Earth Dam, passing the Kannimara teak and continuing towards Thunacadavu before returning to Anappady. It is the choice for somebody who wants the reserve’s plantation, water engineering and old forest in one day rather than a short loop.

Book the right thing
  • Ask for Bear Path, Elephant Song, Kariyanshola or Pugmark by name.
  • Confirm the current tariff and reporting point with Anappady: +91 94422 01690 or +91 94422 01691.
  • Approach through Pollachi and Sethumadai in Tamil Nadu; there is no visitor road across the protected hills from Palakkad.
  • Carry water and leech protection, and stay with the guide throughout.

Frequently asked questions

Which Parambikulam trail is shortest?

Bear Path and Elephant Song are both 4 km. Elephant Song is the one described by the operator as the softer route.

Which includes bamboo rafting?

Kariyanshola, the 6 km programme from Anappady.

Which reaches the Kannimara teak?

Pugmark, the roughly 10 km route starting at Peruvaripallam Earth Dam.