A home to the largest population of Tahrs in the world, Eravikulam National Park also shelters Tigers , Atlas Moth, Gaurs, Sambhars, , Indian Porcupine, Elephants, Nilgiri Marten Langurs, Nilgiri Leopards and Lion-tailed Macaque. Situated in the Idukki district, the park is located along the Western Ghats between the scenic Kannan Devan Hills and Anamudi, which is the highest peak in South India. It is also known for the neelkurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years.
Spread across 97-sq-km, the park is certainly a treat to the eye with the breathtaking view of the wooded valleys and picturesque grasslands. The park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary.The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. It is only 13 km from Munnar.
Best For:
Safari:
The best way to explore National park is to go on a safari. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Modern settlement of the High Range began with the establishment of the North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society in 1879. Estates were developed in the ensuing years which yielded crops such as tea, coffee, and cinchona. Over the years, tea became the predominant crop. The early plantation managers were from the United Kingdom and they maintained an active interest in outdoor sports including hunting and fishing. Nilgiri tahr, sambar, barking deer, gaur, wild boar, leopard, and tiger were targets for hunting. To improve and regulate these activities, the estate managers formed the High Range Wildlife Preservation Association and the High Range Angling Association in 1928 and 1933, respectively. The region of Rajamalai was declared a wildlife sanctuary way back in 1936 but the present sanctuary was established only in 1975. In 1978, the status of the sanctuary was upgraded to the level of a national park
The Southwest monsoons have a great influence on the climate of this region. The monsoons begin in the month of June and last till August with heavy rains. Summer is hot and lasts only for 2 months i.e., April and May. The climate is pleasant by January and February making it an ideal time to visit. The temperatures in the park drops during the months of November, December, January and February. Hence it is best to plan your trip around January and February.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Eravikulam. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit/debit cards are accepted in most of the hotels.
You would need to take a permit to enter Eravikulam from the Wildlife Information Centre in Thekkady. Foreign tourists need to have a valid visa for India.
Flora: Three major types of plant communities are found in the Park - grasslands, shrublands and forests. The terrain above 2000m is covered primarily by grasslands. However, there are numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in these areas. The deeper valleys are extensively forested. Shrublands predominate along the bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. The antibacterial Eupatorium glandulosum is found here. Fauna Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr estimated at about 750. Other ungulates are Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some lesser known animals such as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and Funambulus sublineatus|Dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits. Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the Red Disk Bushbrown and Palni Fourwing are among 101 species in the park. 19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the Park Birding in Eravikulam National Park: 132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon,Yellow-Throated Marten, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush.
There is no accommodation facility available inside the park. The best option is to stay at Munnar making it the base of the trip to Eravikulam. There are a lot of options to choose from in Munnar. Some of the hotels are Royal Retreat, Sree Narayana Lodge , Residency, Hotel Issacs, Autumn Trees Resorts etc.
The park does not offer great options to eat nor does it have accommodation facilities. So it's best to have a meal in Munnar and make it your base for the trip to the park. Private vehicles cannot be taken in the premises of the park. However, arrangement for transport is made by the authorities of the National Park. There are 6 mini buses operated by the staff of the park.
By Air : Cochin International Airport (143 km) is the nearest airport from Eravikulam and connected to many places in India by regular flights. There are flights to and from Colombo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Sharjah, Jeddah, Muscat, Kuwait, Thiruvananthapuram,Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
By Rail: The nearest Railway staion to/from Eravikulam is Aluva located in the Ernakulam district which is 115 km from Munnar.
By Road: The National park is easily accessible by road. Rajamalai is where the headquarters of the National park is located; it is at a distance of 35km from Munnar. Rajamalai is well connected to all major cities and towns of Kerala. After reaching Rajamalai one has to trek the way up to the park. It is a trek of 18km. One can also approach from Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore (160 km).
Trekking: Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Anamudi : It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India. It is located in the southern region of Eravikulam National Park at the junction of the Cardamom Hills, the Anaimalai Hills and the Palni Hills. At a height of 2,695 metres (8,842 ft), it is the highest elevation in South India. Anamudi peak is situated in Idukki District of Kerala State. It is an ideal place for trekking .
Munnar: One of the most popular holiday destinations in India, Munnar offers a sight of unending expanse of tea gardens, the aroma of spice in the air and exotic species of flora and fauna.
Kuthumkal Waterfalls: The waterfalls attract a lot of tourist for its enchanting view.
Observatory Hills: Located at Nedumkandam, it is a beautiful hill with a view of a spectacular landscape carpeted in lush greens.
Tickets:
Ticket per head for Indian is Rs.35, while for Foreign nationals the ticket would cost Rs. 200 per head.
