Topslip

Topslip is located near Pollachi in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a part of the protected Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. Topslip is blessed with a gentle altitude, salubrious climate and a variety of flora and fauna. Its picturesque location and fabulous scenery has made it a popular location for several movie sequences. It stands majestically with Green Spread Mountains and forest all around. It is a Project Elephant sanctuary and a Project Tiger sanctuary. The local administrative control is with the Forest Range Officer under supervision from the Wildlife Warden at Pollachi.

Get in

All visitors to Topslip need a permit issued by the Wildlife Warden office of the Forest Department at Pollachi. Residents are exempt from permit. Visitors without a permit may be turned back at the check post. Wildlife Warden (Wildlife Warden Office, 178 Meenkarai Road, Pollachi, Ph: 04259-225356)

By air

Coimbatore airport is the nearest international airport to Topslip - approximately 97 km (via Pollachi). International flights to Singapore, Sharjah are available by Silk Air (A subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), Air Arabia and Sri Lankan Airlines. Domestic airlines fly to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other Indian cities.

By bus

There are only two buses from Pollachi to Topslip everyday. They leave Pollachi bus station at 6AM and 3PM The same bus returns to Pollachi at 8AM and 6PM.

By train

Coimbatore Junction is the nearest railway station - approximately 42 km. At present, all train services in Pollachi-Coimbatore; Pollachi - Palani, Dindigul; Pollachi - Palakkad sections are stopped due the Meter Gauge to Broad Gauge conversions. Hope the Broad Gauge work will be over by 2011.

Get around

By car

As there are only 2 buses per day, hiring taxis will be the viable option, especially if you are planning to get off now and then, take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Though there are lot of tourist taxis and buses, it may not be easy to get one during peak seasons. It is advisable to book your cab in advance and ask your tour guide or cab driver to pick you from Coimbatore Railway station, Airport, Bus terminus or Pollachi Bus Terminus.

Talk

Tamil is the most prevalent language but basic English is understood.

Do

Topslip is a place where one can do nothing and come away fresh! The more adventurous can go on forest treks hoping to spot anything from the Indian Bison, several varieties of deer, wild boar, wild elephants, Asiatic wild dogs, sloth bear and the elusive tiger. Most animals are nocturnal visitors and therefore a night ride arranged by the forest department is highly recommended. There is an elephant training camp which is worth a visit. Many tourists recommend the elephant safari as it meanders through the forest: lookout for the nilgiri langurs! Though wildcat sighting is rare. However, there is plenty of fauna. Topslip is an ornithologists delight: there are nearly 250 species of birds in the Karian Shola area, but be warned, the dreaded King Cobra is never far off!

  • Trekking
  • Van Safari
  • Elephant Safari

Eat
  • Forest Canteen provides very spartan food. You will be able to buy soft drinks and bottled water. No alcoholic beverages sold. Food is very limited. It is better to pack your food from Anamalai as food is prepared only in limited quantity in the forest canteen. Also, you may not find options to choose from.

Drink
  • Strictly banned

Sleep

There are no private lodges or accommodations. The Forest Department rents out limited self furnished and self-catering accommodation. Caretakers for these accommodation will be willing to act as chefs for a fee. All accommodation can be booked only at Pollachi at the Forest Office and cannot be claimed without prior booking.

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