Anamudi : Everest of South India

Anamudi - Overview

Being the highest peak of South India, Anamudi always creates a lot of interest in the explorers. The height of Anamudi is 2,695 meters (8,843 ft). In 1862, General Douglas of the Madras Army ascended the mountain. 

The exquisiteness of Anamudi goes beyond description. It is surrounded by beautiful rivers and forests.  If you trek the hill, you will see rivers like Vaigai, Thamirabarani, and Periyar. This peak is considered the highest point of the Periyar river basin. Huge grassland encircles the Anamudi peak.

Moreover, Anamudi is also renowned for bamboo and black wood. On the other hand, wildlife like Nilgiri Tahrs and Gaurs can be spotted here. 

Anamudi is only 13 kilometres away from Munnar. The road from Munnar to Anamudi will present picturesque tea gardens on two sides.  Anamudi Peak is situated inside Ernakulam national park. The entry fee for children is 125 INR for adults and 95 INR. Foreigners have to pay 420 INR for entrance.   The borders of the districts Idukki and Ernakulam are nearby.

Anamudi Temperature

The temperature of the Anamudi peak is between 18 degrees centigrade to 25 degrees centigrade. November to May is the ideal time to visit Anamudi.

Anamudi Hills

You can see three hills Cardamom, Anaimalai, and Palani meet.

Anamudi Shola National Park

Another huge attraction of Anamudi is the Anamudi Shola National Park. It is nominated as a World Heritage site under UNESCO. It covers an area of 7.5 square kilometres. It includes Mannavan Shola, Pullardi Shola and Idivara Shola. The rich flora and fauna make the park a favourite spot for many. The Park claims to have 100 different kinds of butterflies and 200 species of moths. You can also see animals like Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Leopards, Jungle Cat, spotted dear and wolves. One special attraction is the rare Neelakurinji flowers. It blooms once in 12 years. 

Anamudi Shola National Park is located in Marayoor in Devikulam Taluk. It is 45 kilometres from Munnar.  You can also visit Eravikulam or Rajamalai National Park. You can take the guided minibus tour to move around the park and take you to the nearest viewpoint of the peak. 

Anamudi beckons the adventure seekers to climb it. However, it is not an easy trek. It is best if you had previous trekking experience. The slopes in the northern and southern parts of the peak are slightly gentle whereas those along the eastern and western parts are a bit difficult to hike and are not advisable for everyone.

Moreover, permission from the concerned authorities is required before trekking.  It is one of the notable trekking trails in Munnar. 

Photographers love to take pictures in Anamudi because the surroundings create a beautiful backdrop.  You can click as many splendid photos as you can during your trip to Anamundi. 

Many visit Anamundi for a day to have a picnic with family and friends.  There are camping sites.

Nearby Places of Anamudi

Punarjani Traditional Village

Mattupetty Dam 

Echo Point 

Kannan Devan Tea Museum 

Nyayamkadu Waterfalls 

Amundi is a pride of Kerala, let alone of South India. The exotic place gives you memories to cherish and scopes to see the abundance of nature.