Eravikulam National Park

Perched 7000 ft. above sea level, is break taking in the size and diversity of flora and fauna. A former hunting preserve of the British planters, the Park today exemplifies wildlife at its best. It was declared a Sanctuary in 1975 with the intention of protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr (highly endangered mountain goat). However, in 1978, it was declared as a National Park considering it’s ecological, faunal, geomorphological and Zoological Significance. This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years. The Park is breath takingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best of mountain ranges in the Alps.  With the highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anaimudi, located here, nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.

The park which is also known as Rajamalai National Park was a hunting preserve for the British planters and was owned by Rajamalai and Eravikulam during the British rule and then was forked over to Kannan Devan Hills for tea plantation. Later the area was declared as sanctuary with an objective of protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr (most endangered mountain goat) when founded in the year 1975 and was then upgraded as the national park in 1978.The Park covers an area of 97 Km2 of rolling grasslands and high level sholas.

The Park receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) Monsoons and is one of the wettest area of the World. April & May are the hottest months. The occurrence of frost is quite common during the winter (December to February)

The terrain is undulating with grass, hillocks, and sholas. In addition the highest peak south of the Himalayas – The Anaimudi, which is 2695 meters in height is situated on the southern side of the Park.

The major part of the park is covered with rolling grasslands, but several patches of shola forests are also found in the upper part of the valley. The shola grasslands are exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids including the long thought extinct variety Brachycorythis wightii .

29 Species of mammals are found here of which 5 are endemic to the Western Ghat’s. The Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel and wild dog are common. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives here. Panthers are usually sighted in the open grasslands while Civet cats and Jungle cats live in the Sholas. 140 species of birds of which 10 are unique to the Western Ghat’s. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world is seen in this Park. More than 100 varieties of butterflies have been recorded here. Besides 20 species of amphibians are also seen. 

Trekking and other activities at Eravikulam are limited to the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicle and is a high-altitude rocky precipice. The view of the valley from here is fabulous and offers a satisfying trip for trekkers. A good pastime is the Lakhom Falls trail involving a one-day trek from the water fall to Pakkumarathery where trekkers can have a look at the Anaimudi Peak and opt for an overnight stay at the log house.

The motorable roads inside the park includes the one that passes through the southern extremity, inside the tourism and awareness zone (Rajamalai) to the Rajamalai tea estate and the one in the Lake Muthuvakudy in the southern boundary which is connected to Lakkom in the Munnar – Udumalpet road by a road that passes through the tea estate owned by KDHP Company. All other movements inside the park are on foot along trails and footpaths.