Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park - Overview

Situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats offering a magnificent view of hills with tea plantations is the Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam National Park Kerala is the first national park set up in God’s Own Country and is home to endemic flora and fauna. Eravikulam National Park is home of the Nilgiri Tahr and the Anamudi Peak. The park was initially established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex) and was recognized as a national park in the year 1978. Popular as the Land of Neelakurinji, Eravikulam National Park Kerala is clad in purplish-blue carpet once in 12 years as the Neelakurinji blooms. It is spread over an area of 97 sq km and is one of the most sought-after among the tourist attractions in Munnar.  With the highest peak south of Himalayas-Anamudi located in Eravikulam National Park Munnar, this national park in Munnar offers ample opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting for nature enthusiasts. This park is remarkably beautiful and is a gem of the crown of Munnar. 

The Eravikulam National Park images do not do justice to the true beauty of this national park in Munnar.

Wildlife and Vegetation

Eravikulam National Park Kerala holds the maximum viable population of Nilgiri Tahr and is also home to several other rare animals, birds, and butterflies.  Out of the 29 species of mammals found in the park, 5 are endemic to the Western Ghats. Some other Eravikulam National Park Animals are Elephant Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter, and Nilgiri wood pigeon. The Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary houses 140 species of birds of which 10 are unique to the Western Ghats. Atlas Moth which is one of the largest moths in the world in terms of wing surface area and wingspan can be spotted in this national park in Munnar. 

Eravikulam National Park Munnar is abundant in some rare flora as well including beautiful wild balsams and epiphytic orchids. The terrains inside the park are broadly grouped as grasslands, forests, and shrublands. Eravikulam National Park Neelakurinji that bloom once in twelve years makes this park a must-visit destination.

Eravikulam National Park Places of Interest

-Anamudi Peak: Lying at an altitude of 2,695 meters above sea level, Anamudi Peak standing tall in Eravikulam National Park is the pride of Kerala.

-Atukkad Waterfalls: Noted for the long trekking route, Atukkad Waterfalls are a treat to the eyes in the true sense.

-Echo Point: Known for the natural echo phenomenon, Echo Point is surrounded by misty clouds, hills, verdant meadows, and forests, making the visit to this scenic place even more exhilarating.

-Lakkon Waterfalls: Set amidst dense flora and rolling hills, Lakkon Waterfalls is one of the best destinations for nature lovers that offers a unique as well as an authentic experience.

-Forest Rose Garden: Set 3,500 feet above sea level is Forest Rose Garden brimming with a variety of plants, including spices, crops like cardamom and vanilla, and a variety of other fruit trees.

Best time to visit

Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary experiences a typical tropical montane climate.

During the summer season from March to May, the rivers attract numerous species of birds for mating. It is advisable to not visit during February and March as spotting animals is hard due to matting season.

During the monsoon season from June to August, Rajamalai National Park receives heavy rainfall causing muddy and slippery trails. The flora in the region is rich during the monsoons but spotting animals becomes a daunting task. During the peak rainy season, Eravikulam National Park remains shut.

The winter season is from October to February. During the peak winter season in the month of January, spotting animals is hard. The early and the late winter season provide an opportunity to get a glance at Nilgiri Tahr.

Eravikulam National Park Safari

Eravikulam National Park provides an ultimate opportunity for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers to catch a glimpse of diverse species of flora and fauna and get closer to nature. 

Private vehicles are not permitted inside the Rajamalai National park. The only way to explore the whole park is on foot. The only motorable road available through the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is in the southern part of the park that heads to tea estates and LakkomMauduvakudy. The deeper parts of the park can be scaled on foot.

The diversity of the Shola grasslands is in full view as you travel to Rajamalai in vehicles owned by Forest Department. The safari bus available at the entrance enables you to reach the park through mountains curves and the waterfalls add to the beauty of the experience. The soft trekking trails like that of Kurinji Trail take you through tracks of Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji-filled grasslands.

The Eravikulam National Park is open throughout the week and the safari timings are from 8:30 am to 4 pm. A complete Eravikulam National Park Safari takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Eravikulam National Park Entry Fees and Timings

Eravikulam National Park entry fee is as follows:

-Rs.125 for Indian citizens (adults),

-Rs.95 for Indian children, and

-Rs.420 for foreigners.

The Eravikulam National Park timings are from 7 am to 4 pm.

Eravikulam National Park Online Booking

Munnar Eravikulam National Park online ticket booking can be done on the official site by filling in mandatory details which include name, number of persons, date of visit, and time slots.

However, Eravikulam National Park is closed during the calving season from February and March.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest international airports are located in Trivandrum and Coimbatore at a distance of 148 km and 175 km respectively from the Rajamalai National Park.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Aluva which is 120 km away from Munnar.

By Road: Eravikulam National Park is 15 km away from Munnar and is easily accessible by road. Cab and Government and private buses are available to reach the national park in Munnar.

Plan your trip to Kerala with Iris Holidays and do visit Eravikulam National Park