Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Then welcome to the Eravikulam National Park! Nestled along the summit of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of the Idukki district of Kerala, the Eravikulam National Park is also known as the land of “Neelakurinji”, a flower that blooms once in twelve years. The breathtakingly beautiful park is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a wild mountain goat. The highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anamudi, is also located here and offers excellent opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting for nature lovers.
Speciality
Wildlife enthusiasts, this way, please! Here’s an exciting opportunity to see various flora and fauna at the Eravikulam National Park!
Fauna
The park boasts a high population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and other rare species of animals like Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel, etc. The Eravikulam National Park is also the natural habitat of other animals like Elephants, Tigers, Nilgiri Langurs, Leopards, Sambar Deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, golden Jackal, Porcupines, small-clawed Otters, Nilgiri wood Pigeons, and more.
Flora
Feast your eyes on the greenery around you! Rolling grasslands & several patches of thick shola forests are found in the upper part of the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. The park has a wide variety of flora, including Microtropis Ramiflora, Actinodaphne Bourdilloni, Pittosporum Tetraspermum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, Eupatorium Adenophorum, Syzygium Arnottianum, Strobilanthes Kunthiana (Neela Kurinji), Tripogen Bromodes, Arundinella Fuscata, Eulalia Phaeothrix, Cyanotis Species, etc.
Flowers
Due to the unique climate conditions of the Eravikulam Park shola grasslands, lovely flowers grow in abundance here. Nearly 76 Pteridophytes and 727 Angiosperms grow here. Roses, Balsams, wildflowers and exotic species of orchids, including the long-thought-extinct Brachycorythis Wightii, are found in the park.
Neelakurinji
Once in twelve years, hues of blue cover the hills of Munnar as the Neelakurinji blooms. Neelakurinji or the ‘Strobilanthes Kunthiana’ blooms in 40 or so varieties in Munnar, and the best time for viewing them begins in August and lasts up to October. Tourist spots like Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala, and Eravikulam National Park offer beautiful vistas of the blooming Neelakurinji flowers. This season, specialised tours and treks are organised to view this masterpiece of nature, a favourite of Botanists and nature lovers alike.
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Forest cover
Take a look at the thick forest cover of the park! Grasslands and the Shola Forests are the two central physiognomic units of forests found within the Eravikulam National Park. They are classified as Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forests. Southern West Coast Evergreen Forests cover a small portion of the park on the western side, and Moist Deciduous Forests are on the eastern side.
Tropical Evergreen Forests with tall green trees are seen on the western end, where the forest merges with the Anamudi Reserve forest. Towards the eastern periphery, close to the Talliar estate, there is a small portion of deciduous forests with trees like Rosewood and Pterocarpus, and the undergrowth is mostly Lantana. Deciduous, evergreen forests survive next to grasslands due to the area’s microclimate.
Animal
See the glory of nature around you at Eravikulam National Park! A wide variety of animals exist in harmony in this national park. The climate, existing vegetation, quality of the soil, and rainfall conditions all contribute to the existence of these animals. Nearly 17 mammals, 11 birds, and 7 butterflies are indigenous to the Western Ghats. About 48 species of Mammals are present at the park, including Nilgiri Tahr and Nilgiri Marten, out of which 17 are endemic to the Western Ghats. Other animals at the park include amphibians, birds, and butterflies.
Nilgiri Tahr
Here’s a golden chance to see the Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park. A vast population of Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered goat species, inhabits the park. The Nilgiri Tahr has short, dark, coarse hair and a mane and is diurnal in nature. The rare goat can be found most actively grazing in the early morning and late afternoon.
Habitat loss and poaching are the two major threats to the Nilgiri Tahr. As the Eravikulam National Park and the grass hills of Anamalai have the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr, conservation efforts have been ongoing for quite a long time.
Height
Eravikulam National Park lies 7000 ft. above sea level, and the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, is 2,695 m.
River
What about going on a wild river rafting through the rivers in Eravikulam National Park? The Chinnar and Pambar are two rivers that run through the Eravikulam National Park and support the ecology of the sanctuary. Pambar originates in the Anamudi hills and passes through the Eravikulam National Park, and flows into the Chinnar sanctuary. Both rivers merge at Koottar and drain into the Amaravathy reservoir in Tamil Nadu.
Waterfalls
Be ready to be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty of Lakkam Waterfalls at Eravikulam National Park! The sheer sight of the crystal clear water falling with great force down the rocks is always beautiful! Many treks in the park lead you to enjoy the scenic beauty at Lakkam Waterfalls.
Conserves
The Kanan Devan Hill Produce Company took over this area for Tea plantations after the British rule ended. In 1971, the Kerala government established a reserve for conserving Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species. Later, the reserve was named Eravikulam Rajamalai wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and became a national park in 1978.
Vegetation
The vegetation of Eravikulam National Park consists of three different plant communities:
- Grasslands: They cover over 60% of the land in Eravikulam and are mostly covered in wild grass with a few scattered trees here and there.
- Shola Forest: Up to 20 to 25% of the land area in the Shola forest region is made up of patches of tropical Montane forests.
- Shrublands: The rest of the areas of the park have scrubs, rocky cliffs, and very small sections of Southern Tropical Hill Forests.
The Eravikulam Park region has nearly 300 grass species, around 22 species of Bryophytes (basically mosses), around 12 species of Pteridophytes (vascular plants or trees), and over a hundred species of fungi.
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Established
The Eravikulam Park was once known as Rajamalai National Park, a hunting preserve for the British planters during British rule. Then it came under the Kannan Devan Hills produce company and was used for Tea plantation. With the timely intervention of planters, naturalists, and scientists, the Government established Eravikulam Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975. Later the area was declared a sanctuary for protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr. In 1978, it was then upgraded as a national park.
Location
Eravikulam National Park is the first national park in Kerala. It is located in Munnar, Kerala, about 15 km from Munnar city centre.
Weather
Eravikulam national park has a typical tropical montane climate. The Anamudi Peak area faces heavier rainfall than other parts of the park.
Temperature & Climatic Conditions
Summer: The summer season in this region extends from March to May; temperatures may soar from 16 – 430 and the rivers dry up into puddles of water. The summer season is the best time to spot animals and birds that come to the water source to quench their thirst.
Monsoon: From June to August, the park receives rainfall due to the Southwestern Monsoon. The park becomes greener and will remain closed in the peak rainy season. The temperatures will range from 28 – 370.
Winter: The winter season at the park starts from October to February, with temperatures ranging between 9 – 230. The early and late winter seasons are best to spot Nilgiri Tahr with their small ones.
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Topics in this Article
Best Season to visit Eravikulam National Park
September to November and April to June are the best seasons to visit Eravikulam Park. The park remains closed during heavy rains and from February and March, which is the mating season of the Nilgiri Tahr.
Rajamalai National Park
National Park in Munnar
Visit the Rajamalai National Park to relax in the lap of nature! A protected area in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, the Rajamalai National Park is spread across 97 sq. km. It is home to various flora and fauna. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
The park is known for its high population of endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr. Elephants, Gaurs, Langurs, Sambar deer, and Indian bison are the other species in the park. The park also has a variety of bird species. Visitors can enjoy trekking to the peak and exploring the park’s scenic beauty. The best time to visit is between September and February.
Eravikulam National Park Nature Camp
Here’s a golden opportunity to connect with nature! The Forest Department hosts Nature Education Camps for the younger generation at Eravikulam National Park. The three-day camp accommodates about thirty students at a time, providing a first-hand wilderness experience to the students. This makes them aware of the growing need to preserve nature and conserve natural resources. These students are monitored by environment experts and taken for trekking programs and field visits.
Interesting Facts
- Eravikulam National Park is famous for having the largest population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat).
- The park is the habitat of Neelakurinji flowers that bloom only once every 12 years.
- Anamudi Peak, the highest peak of the Indian Peninsula at 2695m, is situated in the Eravikulam national park.
- There are many medicinal plants in the park region, like the Drosera Peltata, and wild species of cultivated plants like Piper Schmidtii and Elettaria Cardamomum.
- The Eravikulam Park is also a field laboratory for conservation education, precipitation management, and research monitoring.
- The largest conservation landscapes in the Western Ghats region are the Eravikulam Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pampadum Shola National Park, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Anamudi Shola National Park, and Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Best Deal on
Opening & Closing time
Days | Time |
---|---|
Monday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Tuesday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Wednesday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Thursday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Friday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Saturday | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Sunday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
The park will be closed from the 1st of February to the 1st of April to ensure a safe calving season.
Entry Fees
Category | Fee |
---|---|
Indian Adults | Rs.200 per person |
Foreign Nationals | Rs.500 per person |
Ordinary Camera | Rs. 50/- |
Video Camera | Rs. 350/- |
Reservation fee | Rs. 50/- (Reservation counter 9 AM – 3 PM at Information Centre, Munnar) |
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Activities in Eravikulam National Park
Safari
Escape to the wilderness by indulging in a wildlife safari at the Eravikulam National Park! It is an excellent opportunity to create lifetime memories. Visitors are taken through the park in forest department vehicles on the safari. Safari tickets can be booked online, and only a specific number of tickets are sold daily to limit people entering the forest area to maintain the environment. Safari and entry to certain regions inside the park might be restricted during certain seasons.
During the safari, you can view the varied flora and fauna of the park, which includes around 132 species of birds, exotic animals, wild butterflies, and more. It is also an opportunity to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr up close. The sight of the majestic Lakkam waterfalls fascinates you during the safari.
Safari Timings & Fees
Category | Fee |
---|---|
Indians | Rs.15 per person |
Foreigners | Rs.200 per person |
Children below 12 years | Rs. 5/- per person |
Camera charge | Rs. 25/- |
- The park is open throughout the week. The safari time starts at 8:30 AM and closes at 4 PM.
- A complete safari would take 2-3 hours.
Trekking
Get ready for thrill & excitement! Sign up for some of their most thrilling and exciting trekking programs and feel the Adrenalin racing! Various trekking programs are held at the Eravikulam National for adventure seekers, including two-day trekking with camping programs along ‘the Gouldsbury trail’. The Kurunji trail is the best of all trekking trails, but pre-booking is essential to go on this trek.
Private vehicles are not allowed deep inside the park; the only way to cover the park is on foot. You can catch glimpses of diverse exotic species of flora & wildlife during trekking. While trekking, please obey the rules implemented by the authorities for your safety. Trekking trails may stretch from 1.5 to 2 km, and it would take around three hours to complete. Trekking activities might be suspended due to extreme weather conditions, epidemics, natural calamities or other such restrictions.
Eravikulam National Park Nearest Tourist Places
Munnar
A perfect place for honeymooners, adventure & nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts! Munnar Hill Station is reputed for its scenic natural beauty, salubrious climate & extensive stretches of Tea, Cardamom plantations. It is just a 45-minute drive from the national park.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore this biodiversity hotspot nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains! The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 580 species of animals which includes 34 species of mammals and 29 species of snakes. The Chinnar forests are spread over an area of 90.44 sq km.
Idukki
Get ready to enjoy the scenic beauty of Idukki in Kerala! Home to the Eravikulam National Park, Idukki is blessed with hill stations, waterfalls, spice plantations, a salubrious climate, and scenic beauty. It also houses the Idukki Arch Dam, one of the largest arch dams in Asia, and the Periyar National Park
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Are you a bird lover? Get ready to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Located near Eravikulam National Park and covering an area of 25 sq. km, the bird sanctuary is home to over 280 species of birds, including some rare and domestic species.
Vagamon
Get ready to visit Vagamon – a perfect hill station for honeymooners! Located on the border of the Kottayam and Idukki districts in Kerala, Vagamon is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush green hills, meandering streams, waterfalls, and dense pine forests. It is also a popular destination for adventure sports like paragliding and trekking.
Read More: Vagamon
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Eravikulam National Park Nearby Attractions
Anamudi Peak
Set off to the Anamudi Peak, the crown of the Eravikulam National Park! The peak of 2695 m is home to an extensive variety of flora and fauna. It is the natural habitat of endangered species of animals like Nilgiri languors, leopards, tigers, and macaques. Trekking on the hills is popular among tourists.
Atukkad Waterfalls
Check out this beautiful waterfall that lies 2 km away from the town of Munnar. Nestled amidst thick vegetation, it is a popular spot for nature lovers. The 1000-metre-high falls become enveloped in mist and are surrounded by seasonal flowers during the monsoons adding to their beauty.
Echo Point
A great place for trekking & nature walks! Located at a distance of 15 km from the Eravikulam National Park amidst lush green hills Echo Point, tourists can get the fascinating effect of their voice echoing back in the valley. You also get fascinated by the great panoramic views of the area, the misty hills, and the clean mountain breeze wafting down the valley.
Read more: Discover the Enchanting Echo Point in Munnar
Lakkam Waterfalls
Here’s a perfect spot for spending a fun-filled picnic day with your family! The Lakkam waterfalls are one of the most beautiful waterfalls located 25 km away from Munnar towards Udumalaipettai. You can be in sync with the serenity and tranquillity here. There is a freshwater pond beneath the falls where you can go swimming. The lush green hills and the stunning views add to the charm of the whole place.
Entry Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person.
Rose Garden
A must-visit place on your way to the Eravikulam National Park! The famous Rose Garden is located at a distance of around 2 km from Munnar. Visitors can enjoy the mesmerising beauty of roses in different colours and sizes and other flowers here, and the bushes are shaped in the form of animal figures.
Read More: Discover the Beauty of Rose Garden in Munnar
How to reach
- Flight: Trivandrum and Coimbatore are the nearest airports to Eravikulam National Park. Airport taxis from Blue Bird Travels are available from the airports to visit Eravikulam National Park.
- Train: Aluva is the nearest railway station from Eravikulam National Park, lying 120 km away. You can hire a Blue Bird Travels cab from the station to arrive at the park.
- Road: The park is connected by road to major towns in South India & several buses are available. Driving is one of the best modes of transport to Eravikulam National Park. You can take a fun road trip with your friends and family on a Blue Bird Travels taxi to reach here.
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Stay near Eravikulam National Park
Hotel Name | Address |
---|---|
Amber Dale Luxury Hotel and Spa | KSEB Tunnel Road, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
The Tall Trees Resorts | PB No 40, Munnar - Bison Valley, Road, Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Parakkat Nature Resorts | 2nd mile Chithirapuram, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565 |
Chandys Windy Woods | Pallivasal, 2nd Mile, Meencut P.O, Chittiarpuram, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
Blanket Hotel & Spa | Attukad Waterfalls, Aluva - Munnar Rd, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565 |
Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat | Paracherivu Moolakada, Pallivasal Estate, PO, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Devonshire Greens Leisure Hotel | P.O, Attukad Waterfall Road, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Ambady Estate Resort Munnar | 3rd Mile, Pallivasal, Chithirapuram, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
T Cherry Villa | Tottencherry house, Pottenkacadu, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565 |
The Siena Village | Chinnakanal Suryanelli Rd, Chinnakanal, Kerala 685618 |
SpiceTree | P.O, Muttukad-Periakanal Road, Nadukkurissu, Chinnakkanal, Munnar, Kerala 685618 |
Sterling Munnar | Chinnakanal Village, Suriyanelli, Chinnkanal Road, Chinnakanal, Kerala 685618 |
Club Mahindra Mount Serene Resort | Chinnakanal Suryanelli Rd, Munnar, Kerala 685618 |
Shola Crown Resort | II/453, Sinkukandam P.O, Bodimettu, Chinnakanal, Kerala 685618 |
Capithans Bungalow | near Munnar Catering College, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
The Wind Munnar | Periyakanal-Muttukad Road, Chinakanal, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
Fragrant Nature Munnar | Bison Valley - Pooppara Rd, Pothemmedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Blackberry Hills Munnar Nature Resort & Spa | Pothamedu View Point, Bison Valley - Pooppara Rd, Kerala 685565 |
Deshadan Mountain Resort | Bisonvally Rd, near Pothamedu view point, Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
The Cliff Resort | Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Windermere Estate | Pothamedu Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Rivulet Resort | Power House, Chithirapuram, Aluva - Munnar Rd, P O, Pallivasal, Kerala 686555 |
Tea Harvester | Chungath Estate, Power House Road, Dobipalam, Chithirapuram P.O, Chithirapuram, Kerala 685565 |
The Munnar Queen Resort | Chithirapuram South, Anachal Road Chithirapuram, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
The Leaf Munnar Resort | Chithirapuram PO, Anachal - Aamakandam, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
Broad bean resort and spa | Powerhouse road, Munnar Bypass, Chithirapuram, Kerala 685565 |
Cuckmere Holidays | Power House, near Pallivasal, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565 |
The Fog Munnar Resorts and Spa | Eatty City Road, Chithirapuram, Kerala 685565 |
Dream Coconut Villa Resort | Munnar Bypass, Pallivasal, Chithirapuram Powerhouse Road, Chithirapuram, Kerala 685565 |
Gokulam Park Munnar | South, Chithirapuram Powerhouse Road, Road, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
The Panoramic Getaway Hotel | Munnar Bypass, Chithirapuram, Kerala 685565 |
Trivers Resort Munnar | Dobipalam, Chithirapuram, Munnar Chithirapuram Powerhouse Road, Munnar Bypass, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
Eucalyptus Resort Munnar | P.O, Eatty City Road, Anachal Chittirapuram, Munnar, Kerala 685565 |
Ragamaya Resort & Spa Munnar | View Point, Kallmali, Off Munnar - Thekkady Bypass Road, Rajakkad, Kerala 685566 |
Hotel Grand Plaza Munnar | MSA Rd, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Casa Montana | Aluva - Munnar Rd, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Eastend Hotel | Temple Road, Silent Valley, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Deep Woods Resort | Pulimoottil Estate, near Elixir Hills resort Letchmi Tea Estate, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
KTDC Tea County Resort | KTDC Hill Resort, Tea County Rd, Ikka Nagar, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
The Lake View Munnar Resort | Munnar Sengulam P O, Anachal, Kerala 685565 |
Kites Resort | Muthuvankudy - High range Dairy, Road, Sengulam, Kerala 685565 |
The Silvertips | Aluva - Munnar Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Elixir Hills - Suites Resort and Spa | Near Letchmi Tea Estate, Munnar, Kerala 685612 |
Popular Questions
What to do in Eravikulam National Park?
You can visit Eravikulam National Park to enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and see endangered Nilgiri Tahr goats and beautiful landscapes.
Is Eravikulam National Park worth visiting?
A visit to the park is worth it if you are interested in experiencing Kerala’s natural beauty and biodiversity. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
How many days are sufficient to visit Munnar?
Munnar has so much for you to explore! If you have three days in hand, seeing all of Munnar’s attractions is enough.
What is Munnar famous for?
Munnar is famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years.
What to see in Munnar in 3 days?
You can visit the tea plantations, trek to the Top Station viewpoint, explore the Eravikulam National Park, and see the Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake.
Where is Eravikulam National Park?
The park is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala in India.
Where is Eravikulam National Park Located?
Eravikulam National Park is located 15 km away from Munnar city centre, Kerala.
What is the distance between Eravikulam National Park and Munnar distance?
The Eravikulam National Park to Munnar distance is 15 km.
Which are the Eravikulam National Park Holidays?
The Eravikulam National Park is closed for visitors from the end of January to the 31st of March, as it is the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr.
Which is the best time to visit Eravikulam National Park?
September to February is the best season to visit the park.
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