Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is situated along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India. Eravikulam National Park is located in the area of 97 square kilometers. Eravikulam National Park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division. The main area covered by this national park is at the altitude of about 2000 m from the sea level. Major part of this national park is covered by grasslands. Anamudi, the highest peak south of the Himalayas is inside Eravikulam National Park. There are several streams inside the park which attracts the visitors. There are two major rivers inside the park which criss-cross each other known by the name of Periyar River and Chalakudiyar River.

There are three major types of plant communities found in this park. These plants are grasslands, shrublands and forests. Most of the area of Eravikulam National Park is covered by greenery. There are also numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in this area. Valleys are covered with small and large plants and trees.

Wildlife Attractions in Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is very rich when you talk about the wildlife. There are several wildlife species in the park. Mainly this national park is famous for its largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr which is estimated at about 750 in numbers. There are some more wildlife animals in this park known as Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole, leopard and tiger. Eravikulam National Park is also the home for some little animals known as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, Otter, Ruddy Mongoose, Funambulus Sublineatus and Dusky striped squirrel. One can also watch herd of Elephants in this park but they usually come in seasons.

Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is also famous for its unique and unmatched species of birds. There are approximately 130 species of birds in this park which is very difficult to find in other park of India. Some of the famous bird species are known as Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon,Yellow-Throated Marten, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush. One can also find variety of endemic butterflies in the park. There are 100 species of butterflies in Eravikulam National Park. 19 species of amphibians have also been recorded in the Park.


Best Time to Visit - Eravikulam National Park

The best visiting season of Eravikulam National Park is from October to March.

How to Get there

Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport from Eravikulam. The distance of this airport is 143 km. Connected to many places in India as well as in the Middle East by regular flights.
Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Aluva in Ernakulam district. Distance of this station is 115 km from Munnar and another railway station is Kottayam about 142 km.
Road: One can reach through a motorable road which is up to Rajamalai, the park headquarter. Eravikulam is well connected to many places in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.