Anamalai Tiger Reserve’s (ATR) Butterfly Park at Aliyar on Pollachi-Valparai Road is buzzing with winged insects

The new butterfly park at Anamalai Tiger Reserve emphasises the need to conserve indigenous species

It is a nippy morning, so we bask in the sun at Anamalai Tiger Reserve’s (ATR) Butterfly Park at Aliyar on Pollachi-Valparai Road, a two hour drive from Coimbatore. Like us, hundreds of butterflies soak in the sunshine, — dark blue tiger, blue tiger, and common crows — all buzzing around the small, purple flowers of thael kodukku (Indian heliotrope). Further away, showy orange lantana blooms attract plain tiger butterflies, even as rows and rows of ornamental nithya kalyani with pink flowers, and yellow dahlias vie for their attention.

A stone pavement leads to the watchtower where visitors can enjoy a view of Aliyar Dam’s pristine blue water. Carved replicas of birds, butterflies, and reptiles, including an intimidating king cobra, are installed at the park to pique the interest of visitors. An artificial cascade draws children.