Topslip

A vantage point in the Western Ghats located at an altitude of about 800 feet in the Anamalai mountain range, Topslip is the point that serves as an entry to the Parambikulam National Park. A forest preserve, this range is home to 250 species of birds of 49 families and is rich in other biodiversity and bison and elephant sightings are common. If you are wondering about the story behind the place’s name, it is said that during the British period, a lot of its timber slipped down to the plains below giving it the name Topslip! This place also has an elephant camp called Kozhikamuthi, which is said to have the best collection of trained elephants or kumki elephants. You can even see the elephants being fed at specific times. As part of its elephant conservation effort, the Forest Department also celebrates the World Elephant Day in August here and events like drawing, public speaking and essay writing contests are conducted for tribal students. Topslip is also a national park and a medical plant conservation area apart from its wildlife. If you want an elephant ride, you would need to book it in advance and again this is done only at specific times, so make enquiries and set out. There are many interesting accommodation options like tree houses and bungalows available within the sanctuary, if you want to get up close with the wild!