Munnar the most popular Hill Station in Kerala

A tranquil lake reflecting grassy mountains surrounding it and frequented by rare animals form the heart of the Eravikulam National Park. Fascinating rare flowers and animals can be sighted and studied without the crowds usually found in tourist spots. Anaimudi with a height of 2695 mtrs. is a part of this park. The adventure seekers and serious students of rare species find this place most ideal for the pursuit of their interests Eravikulam is one of Kerala?s finest wildlife reserves, and its excellent location, a mere 16 km from Munnar, makes it an unforgettable experience for any lover of the outdoors. The park, a spread of 97 km across Rajamalai Hills, is a combination of grassland and shola forests. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.

The Evarikulam National Park is 16 km from Munnar. This national park is the home of elephants, lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain goat). Travelers can also explore the Rajamala Hills adjoining the national park.

Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The sanctuary stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq. km of unblemished natural splendour.

The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Eravikulam National Park in munnarTaluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park.

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq km of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

A must to activity in the area is to go to the Eravikulam National Park By driving north from Munnar for 30 minutes and then hiking a few kilometres, you reach this sanctuary which is home to over three thousand free-roaming ibex, elephants, lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (an endangered mountain goat). Declared as a National Park in 1978 it covers 97km of rolling grass hills forested valleys and is one of the ?must do ' activities in the area.

The park is at its best in wildlife conservation. Once it was British planters hunting preserve. One of the world's rarest mountain goats, the Nilgiri tahr is the main attraction here. They very much love human and will pose with the visitors. The tahr is addicted to salt and it explains why so many hang around the park gates at Vaguvari to slip them salty snacks- despite the advice from rangers. For a wide and clear view of the Park, go to the Directors Leap. The view from here is fantastic and enchanting.

Encompassing 100 square kilometers of moist evergreen forests and grassy hilltops in the western ghats, the park ( daily 7am -6pm)is 13km northeast of Munnar

Sanctuary Visit

Nilgiri Tahr in munnar The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here.

Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.

How to reach Eravikulam Nearest airport Kochi Nearest station Aluva By road Drive to Munnar from Kochi, via Aluva and Udumalpet.

When to go

This sanctuary is open all around the year and has wonderful climate to go with it. For a short period around Jan to March it closes due to the calving season of the tahr. The exact dates are announced every year by the Forest Dept.

Permits

Office of Wildlife Warden, Eravikulam National Park, Munnar. Tel 04865 - 231587 Website www.eravikulam.org Excursion Delights Evarikulam National Park 16 km from Munnar is the beautiful Evarikulam National Park. The park is the home of elephants, lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr, a rare mountain goat. The adjoining Rajamala Hills can also be explored.