Eravikulam National Park, Kerala

Eravikulam national park is situated in the high ranges of Kannan Devan Hills of the Western Ghats. It lies in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district in Kerala. 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. Eravikulam national park is home to endangered Mountain Goat and Nilgiri Tahr. Today, the park is home to the largest population of Tahrs existing in the world. Eravikulam national park is situated at the higher altitudes of Western Ghats and the highest peak of South India, Anamudi peak is the part of the park. The park is an ideal place for carrying out many adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, camping and jungle safari. It is spread across in an area of 97 sq km.

During the British rule, park was managed by High Range Game Preservation Association. The Muduvan Tribals are the original inhabitants of the region and were employed to manage the park. Kerala government took control of the park in the year 1971 and declared it wildlife sanctuary in 1975. In 1978, the park was upgraded to national park status. Muduvans still manage and protect the park.

Park is covered with three types of plant communities – grasslands, shrubs and sholas. Most of the high altitude region of the park is covered with the grasslands. Deep valleys of the park is covered with dense forest. Shrubs in the park can be seen at the bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. One can find diverse variety of orchids and other flowers, adorning this place. These forests are blessed with leeches to linger the travellers. Even a maundering trip to these deep green forests can let one explore a lot.

April and May months in the region are the hottest. June to August is the monsoon time and park remain closed for the visitors during this time of the year. Best time to visit Eravikulam national park is September to March when the climate is very pleasant.

Wildlife Attractions in Eravikulam National Park

At Eravikulam national park you can find as many as 138 bird species and 26 species of mammals. The most prominent of all are Nilgiri Tahr, Elephants, Langur, Marten, Small-clawes Otter, Tigers and Leopards. Wild dog, leoperd and tiger are the main predators found in the park. Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Some of the bird species which can be spotted inside the park campus are Nilgiri Wood Pegion, Kerala Laughing Thrush and White Bellied Shortwing.

How To Reach Eravikulam National Park

By Air: Cochin is the nearest airport and is about 130 km from the park. Coaches and taxis are available to reach the Eravikulam national park from Cochin.

By Rail: Nearest railhead from Eravikulam national park is Munnar which is at a distance of 13 km. One can hire taxi or private coaches to reach the park from Munnar.

By Road: Private taxis, cabs and luxury coaches are available on hire to reach the national park from all parts of Kerala.