Eravikulam National Park – Must visit place in Munnar

The Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Idukki district. It was established with the aim of protecting the endangered species Nilgiri Tahr. But due to its wide range of flora and fauna and also its ecology, it was considered as a National Park. Around 16 km northeast of Munnar is the hill side where the Neelakurinji flower is grown which blossoms once in 12 years.

A large variety of animals are found here such as the Atlas Moth which is the largest of this species found in the world. It is one of the major attractions of this place. An endangered species found in this park is the Nilgiri Tahr which gives pride to this area. The highest peak in south India i.e the Anamudi hills are located here. Nature lovers gets chance to trek in these hills.

Ecotourism Activities

As Eravikulam National Park is a protected National Park, all ecotourism activities have some limitations. There are tourism zones where these activities are limited and these zones can be reached by vehicles. The view of the hills is an attractive sight to the visitors. The one day trek from the Lakhom waterfalls to the Pakkumarathery is exciting as the people can also take a look of the Anamudi peak and can also have an overnight stay at the huts here.

There are about 300 species of animals which includes mammals, birds, amphibians and butterflies. These areas are covered with beautiful grasslands and are found mainly in the upper regions of the valley.

Rajamalai is the tourism zone of the National Park, where the visitors
are taken in forest dept vehicles and introduced to the shola –
grassland eco system unique to this region. There is a very informative
interpretation centre at Rajamalai.

Close to the Eravikulam National Park lies the Munnar which is a hill station famous for its wide variety of spice plantations and cool climate. Some attractive places that are near to this Park include Athucacad and Cheeyapara Falls, Mattupetty and Sethuparvathipuram Dams, Lockhart Gap, Pothanmedu, Nyamakad Gap, Director’s Leap Viewpoint etc. The trekking trails include Palkulamedu, Parakulam, Kulamavu, Anaward and Painavu.

Town:: Eravikulam is about 13 km from Munnar.
Airport:: Madurai, about 142 km and Cochin International Airport, about 150 km.
Railway Station:: The nearest railway station is Aluva, about 120 km from Munnar and Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.
District:: Idukki
Longitude:: 10.180134
Latitude:: 77.106507