Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

About Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park, also called as Rajamalai National Park, is popular as the first national park in Kerala. Located 7.6 km away from Munnar, the national park is a UNESCO world heritage site and also the habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Situated 7000 ft. above sea level, Eravikulam National Park is spread over 97 km, which makes the park the longest national park in Kerala. The national park is very rich with the three kinds of plant communities including the grasslands, shrublands, and forests, which make the national park one-of-its-kind of national parks in Kerala. The park is the home of Neelakurinji, Nilgiri Tahr, wide variety of plants, a range of animals, and an ideal place for sightseeing.

Eravikulam National Park has a phenomenal place in the history of Kerala tourism as the park is inimitable due to its sightseeing and wide variety of animal population. The park is unique from other national parks in Kerala due to its size and diversity of flora and fauna. The national park was announced as a Sanctuary in 1975 with a view to protecting the native population of Nilgiri Tahr, which is an extremely endangered mountain goat. The park was proclaimed as a National Park in 1978 and the park offers a breathtaking view to visitors, which is a main reason why tourists are interested to visit the national park persistently. The Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife and Munnar Wildlife Division run ever gorgeous Eravikulam National Park.

Neelakurinji, the flower that blossoms once in twelve years, can be seen in Eravikulam National Park, and it is a treat to the eyes. Anamudi (2695 m), the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India, is situated inside the Eravikulam National Park. The park is located beside the Western Ghats in the Idukki, and two rivers, including Chinnar and Pambar stream through the sanctuary. If you are on a Munnar trip, you can explore the beauty of the national park, observe the Anamudi Peak, and go for an enjoyable and relaxing overnight stay at the hotels nearby or resorts nearby in Munnar, Idukki.

Eravikulam National Park is renowned for the natural home of Nilgiri Tahr and also twenty-six species of mammals, 19 species of amphibians, 132 species of birds, different species of endemic butterflies, and 13 species of reptiles are spotted in the national park. This park is protected so as to conserve Nilgiri Tahr and apart from spotting Nilgiri Tahr, the visitors to the park can observe lion-tailed macaques, Indian muntjac, gaur, and sambar deer. The visitors are lucky to notice some of the main predators in the park, such as the Golden jackal, leopard, jungle cat, tiger, wild dog, and dhole. It will be pleasing to the eyes to see the Nilgiri langur, Indian porcupine, stripe-necked mongoose, sloth bear, giant squirrel, Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small-clawed otter, and dusky palm squirrel.

Located in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats, the park is famed for its biodiversity, and ecotourism is the main appeal of the park. Nature lovers have sufficient possibilities for trekking expeditions and wildlife seeing in Eravikulam National Park. Since the national park is a protected area, visitors are permitted to visit the tourism region which is in Rajamala. Although, trekking and other activities are endorsed in the permitted tourism zone, private vehicles are banned inside the park, and visitors can explore the whole park by walking.

The best time to visit the Eravikulam National Park is from September to November and April to June when the climate of Munnar will be amicable. The park will be remained closed during the heavy rainy season and also during February and March as the climate will be unpleasant. The park remains open for visitors from 8 AM to 4:30 PM on all days of the week.

The Wildlife Warden
Munnar P. O., Idukki
Kerala, India - 685 612
Ph: +91 4865 231587
Mob:+ 91 9447979093
E-mail: ww-munnar@forest.kerala.gov.in    
Website: www.eravikulam.org