The Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala.
Place : Idukki District, Kerala
Best time to visit : October to March
Nearest town : Munnar (15km)
Main attraction : Nilgiri Tahr
Eravikulam National Park :
Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The main inhabitant of the park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population of Tahr's existing in the world. The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhar's, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards.Spread across an area of 97 sq. kms, the park exhibits the breathtaking natural splendor of rolling grasslands and exotic flowers. Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The Atlas Moth, largest of its kind in the world, is a unique possession of the park.
Main Tourist Attractions at Eravikulam National Park :
The main inhabitant of the Eravikulam park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population of Tahrs existing in the world.The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers and Leopards.
Other Tourists Attractions at Eravikulam National Park :
Anamudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak in south India and located within the park area. This is a good place for trekking.
Location of Eravikulam National Park :
Eravikulam National Park is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. The park extends from the latitude 9 40' in the North to the longitude 77 20" in the East. A part of the Idukki district, Eravikulam is very near to the scenic hill station of Munnar.
Climate at Eravikulam National Park :
The climate of this region is greatly influenced by the southwestern monsoon. June, July, and August are the monsoon months and this is the period when the region receives maximum rainfall while April and May are the hottest months. January and February receive little rain and the weather is generally clear during this time of the year. From September to December, the northeast monsoon brings a little rain and this period along with the months of January and February are the best time to visit this park.
Travel Info of Eravikulam National Park :
Air : The nearest airport is at Kochi, 135 km.
Rail : Nearest railway station is located at Aluva, 115 km.
Accommodation at Eravikulam National Park :
Accommodation is available in Munnar town. Royal Retreat at Kannan Devan Hills, Residency at Top Station Road are above medium hotels. Hotel Issacs, East End at Temple Road has some medium range rooms and cottages. Sree Narayana Lodge (S N Lodge) near Post Office, old Munnar are less expensive hotels. In addition, there are government guest houses at Munnar and Devikulam. PWD rest houses also offers accommodation.
How to get there:
Air : Cochin International Airport (143 km) is the nearest airport from Eravikulam and connected to many places in India by regular flights. The airport is also connected to places in the Middle East by regular flights.
Rail : Nearest Railway Station is Aluva in Ernakulam district, 115 km from Munnar. Other railway stations are Kottayam about 142 km from Munnar and Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.
Road : A motorable road is there up to Rajamalai, the park headquarter. From Rajamalai, one needs to travel on foot for around 18 km. Rajamalai is at a distance of around 15 km from the Munnar town connected to many places in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
