Eravikulam National Park - Munnar

Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is a 97 sq. km. wildlife park which has the largest population of the endangered nilgiri tahr. The Park is located in the Kannan Devan Hills of the western ghats in Kerala state, India. The Park is set in an elevation of 2000 meters above mean sea level. It’s a rolling plateau of grasslands, shrubs and dense forests with Anamudi (2690 m) as its highest peak.

Turner’s valley is the lowest point in the region and it seems like it splits the park roughly in a half from northwest to southeast. The region is a tropical forest and is primarily a shola-grassland ecosystem. The tahr is the most popular inhabitant of this region but the Park is also home to the nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter etc. There is an abundance of orchids and balsams that bloom under the tropical sun. The neelakurunji, which is a flower that blooms once in 12 years is found in this region. This unspoiled biosphere is paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure tourists with its vast greenbelts and varied species of wildlife. You can relish its beauty in the tiny details like the colors of the balsam flowers. Or you can be amazed at the big picture – the awe-inspiring spectacle of rolling, green hills. Either which way, you’ll wish your trip to Eraviculam would never end.

History of Eravikulam National Park:
The Rajamalai and Eravikulam region was owed by the North Travancore Land Planting Society before independence. Later, it was taken over by the Kannan Deven Hill Produce Corporation. It was used as a private hunting ground during the earlier days. The Rajamalai region was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1936, but the present sanctuary was established only in 1975. Eraviculam gained national park status in 1978.
Special attractions in and around Eravikulam National Park:

* Fauna: The main attraction in the Park is the endangered niligiri tahr. The park has the largest known population of tahrs in the world. The park is also home to sambar deer, golden jackal, jungle cat, wild dog, dhole, leopard, tiger, nilgiri langur, stripe-necked mongoose and other animals. You can tour the park to spot a few wild animals with a little luck. For the serious bird watchers, there are 132 species of birds to observe.
* Flora: The flora is mainly grasslands, shrubs and forests. The antibacterial Eupatorium glandulosum is found here.
* Anamudi: Anamudi (2,695 m) the highest peak in south India and located within the park area. You can actually go trekking up the peak. But the thrills are definitely for the faint-hearted.

Best Time to Visit Eravikulam National Park:
October to March

Location of Eravikulam National Park:
State: Kerala
District: Idukki
Distance from Kochi– 148 km; Coimbatore-175 km; Munnar – 13 Km

How to reach Eravikulam National Park:
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport – 148 km; Coimbatore Airport – 175 km
Nearest railway stations: Aluva - 120 km from Munnar; Coimbatore - 165 Km
Directions by road from nearby cities: Munnar, the nearest town is connected by buses from Kerala and Tamilnadu

The park operates mini-vans that offer a tour to the visitors. Outside vehicles are not allowed. A small entry fee is collected. The park remains closed for 45 days from February 1st, onwards during the calving season
Climatic Conditions:
January-March is dry. Heavy rainfall during the monsoons. Temperatures go below freezing point in winter.

Clothing:
Cottons around the year, rainwear during monsoons

Tourist places near Eravikulam National Park:
Munnar, Devikulam, Niligris, Top Station

Connectivity-

Nearest Town- Munnar is 13 lm away.

By Air- Kochi Airport located 148 Km away and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) 175 Km away.

By Rail- The nearest railway station is Aluva that is 120 Km away from Munnar in Kerala. Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu lies about 165 km away.

By Road-The only road where motors can ply inside the park passes through Rajamala to the Rajamallay tea estate. However the park is more accessible by foot along footpaths and trails. Buses are available from Munnar.