Eravikulam National Park: A Nature Lover's Paradise in Munnar, Kerala

Eravikulam National Park, situated in Munnar, Kerala, is one stop that any nature lover or wildlife enthusiast will need to come to India for and witness its magnificent natural beauty.

Eravikulam National Park is truly a wonder of nature when it comes to unadulterated beauty, as it stands in the panoramic hills of Munnar, Kerala. Covering an area of 97 square kilometers, this wildlife paradise has been a wonderland for trekkers and those who want to enjoy the grandeur of the Western Ghats. The breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, along with its contribution to preserving endangered species, make the Eravikulam National Park a must-be-visited destination in Kerala.

Location and Accessibility

Eravikulam National Park is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, close to the town of Munnar, known for its tea gardens and lush green hills. The park lies between an altitude range of 1,100 meters to 2,695 meters above sea level, thus one of the highest national parks in India. The park is easily accessible on the road from Munnar visitors; it is just approximately 15 kilometers away from the town center. In contrast, the closest available railway station is in Aluva, and the nearest international airport is Cochin International Airport, around about 110 kilometers from it.

Historical Importance:

It is formerly a part of Anamudi Shola National Park. The region was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and then raised to the level of national park in 1982. This national park was created to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat, threatened with extinction through hunting and habitat loss.

Eravikulam National Park Flora and Fauna

Eravikulam National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity with a vast range of flora and fauna, especially the unique species that thrive in the cool, temperate climate of the Western Ghats. The park is primarily characterized by grasslands and shola forests (a type of tropical montane forest), with patches of dense forests in the lower regions.

Flora

The flora of the park comprises a variety of plants, which are mainly grasslands, tropical montane forests, and shola forests. Some of the common plant species include:

Neelakurinji: The park is noted for the rare Strobilanthes kunthiana, or Neelakurinji, which flowers once in 12 years, when the hillsides are transformed into a fantastic sea of purple. In 2018, it was the last flowering time of Neelakurinji, and thousands of visitors were attracted to witness this natural phenomenon.

Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Pine trees: These can be seen in the forested regions of the park.

Wildflowers: The park is also home to many varieties of wildflowers such as orchids and lilies.

Fauna

Eravikulam National Park is famous for conserving the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), an endangered mountain goat species of the Western Ghats. The hilly terrain of the park is ideal for the Tahr, and the conservation efforts for this species have been highly successful. Some of the notable animals in the park are

Nilgiri Tahr: The park harbours approximately 750 Nilgiri Tahr, thereby being the main habitat of this endangered species. The Tahr population is on the rise with active conservation.

Leopard: Leopards are rarely seen; however, they are found in the park.

Elephant: Wild elephants sometimes appear in the park, especially in the lower areas.

Tiger: Though rare, tigers too are found in the park, though rarely seen.

Indian Gaur (Bison): It also has the majesty Indian bison which, occasionally, is spotted roaming across the open grasslands in the park.

Different types of deers: Sambar, barking and spotted deers can also be seen within the park boundaries.

Birds: This park is a heaven for bird watchers with the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Kerala Laughing Thrush and a good number of species of hornbills, eagles and vultures which are also its habitant.

Important Places of Tourist Interest

One of the most prominent features of Eravikulam National Park is its spectacular landscapes. Here are some key highlights:

Anamudi Peak: Standing tall at 2,695 meters, Anamudi is the highest peak in South India and a significant landmark of the park. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is a prime spot for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Rajamalai: It is the core area of the park and is very famous for its vast grasslands and highest concentration of Nilgiri Tahr. Rajamalai can be accessed by shuttle bus service from the entrance of the park. So it is convenient for the tourist to see the animals.

Neelakurinji Blooms: One of the events of the park that attracts thousands of visitors every 12 years is the rare and beautiful bloom of Neelakurinji.

Trekking and Nature Walks: The park offers several trekking trails, some of which lead to the Anamudi Peak. These treks allow visitors to experience the park's rich biodiversity and enjoy close encounters with its wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Eravikulam National Park is between September and May, since the park remains closed during the monsoon season, which is between June and August, because of the heavy rainfall that makes trekking difficult. The months of January to March are especially pleasant in visiting the park, with cool weather ideal for viewing wildlife.

Eravikulam National Park plays a very important role in wildlife conservation, especially for the Nilgiri Tahr, which was once on the brink of extinction. The park has a well-established monitoring and conservation program that focuses on habitat restoration, anti-poaching activities, and ecological management.

Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, the park also participates in the protection of other threatened species and ecosystems within the Western Ghats. The park's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing as part of the Western Ghats further strengthens its role in preserving biodiversity.

Eravikulam National Park in Photos

Eravikulam National Park is a photographer’s dream, with its breathtaking views, lush greenery, and unique wildlife. From the vast, rolling grasslands dotted with Nilgiri Tahr to mist-covered peaks of Anamudi, the park affords numerous photographic opportunities. Strolling along, capturing the delicate blooms of Neelakurinji, or snapping the majestic grazing bison in perfect stillness, makes for superb photographs. For the photographer of wildlife, the chance to snap some elusive leopards or the vibrant birdlife adds to this beautiful park's appeal.

Conclusion

Eravikulam National Park, situated in Munnar, Kerala, is one stop that any nature lover or wildlife enthusiast will need to come to India for and witness its magnificent natural beauty. It's home to exceptional landscapes and a special variety of flora and fauna; it houses an effort crucial to conserving such incredible natural beauties, hence, leaving its visitors with memories of an experience to never be forgotten. This is definitely the destination everyone needs to be on if they come to Kerala looking to witness nature.