Eravikulam National Park
Explore the Majestic Land of Nilgiri Tahr and Stunning Peaks
Eravikulam National Park is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located near Munnar in Kerala, India. Spanning 97 square kilometers, this park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including the rare Nilgiri Tahr. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to explore the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats.
History and Importance
The park was first established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and became a national park in 1978. The main goal was to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare species of mountain goat that lives in these hills. Today, the park is known for its efforts to conserve not only the Nilgiri Tahr but also the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Wildlife in the Park
Eravikulam National Park is famous for its population of Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat species found only in this region. This park is home to the largest group of Nilgiri Tahr in the world. Other animals you might spot include:
Lion-tailed macaques
Sambar deer
Golden jackals
Leopards
If you love birdwatching, the park is also home to 132 species of birds, like the Nilgiri flycatcher and Kerala laughing thrush. You can even find many species of butterflies and unique plants.
Beautiful Plants and the Neelakurinji Bloom
The park’s landscape is a mix of grasslands and shola forests. Every 12 years, a rare flower called the Neelakurinji blooms, turning the hills into a sea of blue. The next bloom will be in 2030, but even without the bloom, the park’s greenery and misty hills are always breathtaking.
Anamudi Peak: The Highest Point in South India
For adventure lovers, Anamudi Peak, the tallest mountain in South India, is a must-see. Standing at 2,695 meters, the peak offers amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys. While trekking to the top requires special permission, it’s a rewarding experience for those who love a good challenge.
How to Reach the Park
Eravikulam National Park is easy to reach from several major cities: Google Map Link
By Air : The nearest airports are Kochi (148 km) in Kerala and Coimbatore (175 km) in Tamil Nadu
By Train : The closest railway stations are Alwaye (120 km) in Kerala and Coimbatore (160 km) in Tamil Nadu.
By Road : The nearest town is Munnar, just 13 km from the park.
Inside the park, vehicles are only allowed on certain roads. Most of the park is explored on foot, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.
Getting to Rajamala Hills
After buying your ticket at the park’s entrance, you’ll be taken by bus to the Rajamala Hills Checkpost. From there, you’ll need to walk 1 kilometer to the highest point of the hill, which is the end of the tourist area. The short walk gives you great views of the park and a chance to see the Nilgiri Tahr.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is between September and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The park is closed during February and March because it’s the breeding season for the Nilgiri Tahr.
Entry Fees and Park Hours
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance or the Information Centre in Munnar.
| Category | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Indian Adults | 200 per person |
| Foreign Nationals | 500 per person |
| Ordinary Camera | 50 |
| Video Camera | 350 |
| Reservation Fee | 50 |
Important Guidelines
To protect the park and its wildlife, there are strict rules for visitors:
Don’t carry food or drinks inside the park.
Don’t litter; keep the park clean.
No smoking or alcohol is allowed.
Don’t disturb the animals or try to feed them.
Stay within the designated areas to avoid harm to the wildlife.
No plastic is allowed in the park, as it’s a plastic-free zone.
Violating any of these rules may lead to fines or legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 .
More Information
For more details, you can call 7650000443
FAQ's
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily . Visitors are advised to arrive early to make the most of their visit.
The entry fee for Indian adults is ₹200 per person, and for foreign nationals, it is ₹500 per person. Additional fees include ₹50 for an ordinary camera and ₹350 for a video camera.
Yes, you can purchase tickets online through the official website: https://www.eravikulamnationalpark.in/landing/axRegister.php . Alternatively, tickets can be bought at the entrance or the Information Centre in Munnar.
Visitors should avoid carrying food or drinks into the park, littering, smoking, consuming alcohol, disturbing wildlife, and bringing plastic. Stay within designated areas to protect the park and its wildlife.
No, Eravikulam National Park is a plastic-free zone. Visitors are not allowed to carry plastic materials inside the park.
The best time to visit is between September and March when the weather is pleasant, and the park is open. The park is closed in February and March for the breeding season of the Nilgiri Tahr.
Eravikulam National Park is located 13 km from Munnar. The nearest airports are Kochi (148 km) and Coimbatore (175 km), and the closest railway stations are Alwaye (120 km) and Coimbatore (160 km).
While Anamudi Peak is part of Eravikulam National Park, trekking to the peak requires special permission from the Forest Department due to its status as a protected area.
After purchasing your ticket, you will be taken by bus to the Rajamala Hills Checkpost. From there, you will need to walk 1 km to reach the top of the hill, which is the end point for tourists.
No, carrying food or beverages inside the park is strictly prohibited to protect the wildlife and maintain the cleanliness of the park.
Yes, you can bring a camera. There is a charge of ₹50 for an ordinary camera and ₹350 for a video camera.
While sightings are not guaranteed, the Nilgiri Tahr is often seen in the park. Sighting wildlife depends on various factors, including time of day and season.
Yes, Eravikulam National Park is closed during February and March to protect the Nilgiri Tahr during their breeding season.
Yes, you can explore the park without a guide, but make sure to follow the park’s guidelines and stay within the designated areas to protect the environment and wildlife.