Eravikulam National Park: A Hidden Gem of Munnar, Kerala

Nestled within the majestic Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala, is one of the most popular and captivating wildlife sanctuaries in India. Famous for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and the renowned Nilgiri Tahr species, Eravikulam is a haven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The park offers an unparalleled glimpse into the pristine beauty of Kerala's highland forests, making it a must-visit destination in Munnar.

In this article, we explore the charm of Eravikulam National Park, its wildlife, significance, the activities it offers, and essential visitor information for those planning a trip to this beautiful park.

What is Eravikulam National Park?

Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala in the heart of Munnar. The park occupies 97 square kilometers. This is one of the most ecologically rich protected areas in India and has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially famous for mountainous landscapes, rolling grasslands, shola forests, and a wide range of wildlife.

The national park forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which represents an important ecosystem for preserving the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. Eravikulam is very famous for housing the Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat, here alone. This park also plays a major role in protecting the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and contributes enormously to the area's ecological balance.

Eravikulam National Park Munnar: A Scenic Paradise

Eravikulam National Park, situated between 1,100 to 2,400 meters above sea level provides an alluring view of Munnar and the surroundings. The park boasts stunning scenic beauty due to lush greenery, pristine grasslands, and scenic hills that make the perfect setting for wildlife photography or nature walks. The scenic beauty of the park lies in the backdrop of Anamudi Peak which holds the title as the highest peak in South India.

Flora and Fauna of Eravikulam National Park

The highest attractions of the Eravikulam National Park are high biodiversity. So many flora and fauna species which are endemic and exist only here, many in the whole Western Ghats region can be found there.

Wildlife of Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is home to a variety of wildlife species, making it a haven for animal lovers and wildlife photographers. The park’s rich biodiversity includes:

Nilgiri Tahr: This is the park's flagship species, one of its most iconic ones. The endangered mountain goat has distinct curved horns and rugged, thick fur that helps it survive in the harsh Western Ghats climate. There are about 1,000 Nilgiri Tahrs in the Eravikulam National Park, which is a prime site for the conservation of the species.

Indian Bison (Gaur): The Indian Bison, or Gaur (Bos gaurus), is another prominent resident of the park. These large herbivores roam freely across the park’s grasslands and forests, and their imposing size and strength make them a fascinating sight.

Sambar Deer: A common site within the forest area of the park is the Sambar Deer, which belongs to the species Cervus unicolor. One often sees it feeding in meadows or drinking water from the park streams and lakes with its distinctive big antlers.

Wild Boar: Among other residents within the park area, the wild boar Sus scrofa could be sighted rooting through mud or in general foraging habits among dense coverages.

Muntjac (Barking Deer): The Muntjac, alternatively known as barking deer owing to its very distinctive bark-like call, is much smaller in species than the park's other inhabitants.

Leopards: As elusive as they can be, with sightings being all but impossible in some cases, leopards (Panthera pardus) are a common inhabitant of Eravikulam National Park and help maintain a delicate balance to the ecosystem.

There are also a number of different birds. In fact, there are over 132 species of birds that are seen here, including the Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Mountain Hawk Eagle, and Yellow-browed Bulbul. Birdwatching is a very popular activity within the park, especially for those interested in observing the diverse avian life.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Various species of reptiles like Indian Rock Pythons, Cobras, and Green Pit Vipers are found here. In addition, there are various species of amphibians such as the Purple Frog.

Flora in Eravikulam National Park

The flora comprises a mix of shola forests, grasslands, and montane vegetation. Some of the prominent plants seen in the park are:

Rhododendrons and Wild Orchids, which bloom magnificently during the flowering season.

Eucalyptus trees which dot the landscape.

Aloe Vera and Geranium plants which are grown in the grasslands of the park.

These contribute to the ecological diversity and are crucial in the balance of the ecosystem of the park.

Things to Do in Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park provides several activities where one can see its natural beauty and wildlife.

The most visited activity within the park is the wildlife safari. Here, one gets to venture around the park and see its wildlife in its natural habitat. A guided safari allows the visitor a chance to catch glimpses of the Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Bison, and other species of wildlife.

Trekking and Nature Walks: The park provides several trekking trails of which the most famous one is about Anamudi Peak. It is the highest spot in South India. The tourists can trek through the park by sightseeing its rolling hills, grasslands, and forests and get a glimpse of various species of flora and fauna.

Bird Watching: With its rich avifauna, Eravikulam National Park is a haven for bird watchers. The park offers excellent opportunities to spot rare and endemic bird species like the Nilgiri Flycatcher and Malabar Trogon.

Photography: The breathtaking scenic splendor of the park and its unique wildlife make it a photographer's paradise. Be it a professional or an amateur photographer, the beautifully presented landscape along with the opportunity of capturing some specific wildlife is just unimaginable.

Picnic: Eravikulam is quiet peaceful and makes for a great picnic spot. Tourists can spend a peaceful day and relax in the calm surrounding.

How to Reach Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is easily accessible from Munnar, which is well connected by road to other major cities in Kerala.

By Air: The nearest airport to Eravikulam National Park is Cochin International Airport, located about 110 kilometers from Munnar.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station, which is approximately 100 kilometers away from Munnar.

By Road: Munnar is well connected by road, and visitors can hire taxis or use public transport to reach the park.

Eravikulam National Park Timings and Entry Fee

The park is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM every day except during the monsoon season, which is from June to August, when it remains closed due to safety reasons.

Entry Fee: The entry fee to visit the park is really cheap. Indians usually require around INR 85 for each. However, foreign nationals may need to pay more.

Safari Charges: In addition to the above-mentioned charges, the park also offers safari charges for the guided tours.

Conclusion

Eravikulam National Park is a wonder of nature, where visitors can experience the beautiful landscapes of Munnar, Kerala, and see a wide variety of wildlife. Whether you are interested in trekking, wildlife safaris, birdwatching, or just relaxing in the serene surroundings, this national park is the perfect place. With its breathtaking vistas, varied flora and fauna, and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park continues to be one of Kerala's most popular destinations for eco-tourism.

So, if you are in Munnar, you cannot afford to miss the visit to Eravikulam National Park, where you get to experience some of the finest untouched beauty found in South India's most striking natural habitats.