Eravikulam National Park is a renowned national park located in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most popular and important protected areas in the Western Ghats, a mountain range recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity.
Key features of Eravikulam National Park:
- Geography: The park covers an area of approximately 97 square kilometers (37.5 square miles) and is characterized by rolling hills, lush grasslands, shola forests, and several rivers and streams. The park’s highest peak is Anamudi, standing at an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet), which is the highest peak in South India.
- Flora and Fauna: Eravikulam National Park is famous for its diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), a rare mountain goat species that is found only in the Western Ghats. Other wildlife species found in the park include Indian bison (gaur), Indian leopard, Indian elephant, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species.
- Neelakurinji Bloom: One of the major attractions of the park is the flowering of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a rare flower that blooms once every 12 years. The hills of Eravikulam are covered with a carpet of purple-blue Neelakurinji blossoms during the flowering season, making it a spectacular natural event.
- Conservation: Due to its ecological significance and unique biodiversity, Eravikulam National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. It was later elevated to the status of a national park in 1978. The primary aim of the park is to conserve and protect the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
- Tourism: The park attracts a large number of visitors, especially during the Neelakurinji blooming season. However, to protect the sensitive environment and wildlife, only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit certain areas of the park. The park authorities have set up designated routes and eco-friendly measures to ensure sustainable tourism.
- Access: The nearest town to Eravikulam National Park is Munnar, which is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away. Munnar is well-connected by road and can be reached from various cities in Kerala.
Eravikulam National Park Entry Fee And Timings
Eravikulam National Park is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, and is known for its rich biodiversity, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Entry time: 8:00 am – 2.00 pm
Entry Fee:
The entry fee for Eravikulam National Park can vary for Indian and foreign tourists. Typically, the fees are as follows:
Indian Adults – 200/-
Foreign Nationals – 500/-
Ordinary Camera –50 /-
Video Camera – 350/-
Reservation fee Rs 50/- (Reservation counter 9 am – 3 pm at Information centre, Munnar)
Timings:
Eravikulam National Park usually opens for visitors from 8:00 am – 2.00 pm. The park management may limit the number of visitors per day to preserve the fragile ecosystem and protect wildlife.
Eravikulam National Park Is Famous For Which Animal
Eravikulam National Park is famous for being home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), which is a type of mountain goat. The park is one of the primary habitats of this species, and it plays a crucial role in the conservation efforts for the Nilgiri Tahr.
The Nilgiri Tahr is a unique and beautiful animal with a stocky body, short legs, and a thick, shaggy coat. Both males and females have curved, backward-sweeping horns. Due to habitat loss and hunting in the past, the population of Nilgiri Tahr had significantly decreased, making them an endangered species.
Eravikulam National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, provides a protected environment for the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife, making it a significant destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, but it’s crucial to observe them from a distance and follow all park regulations to ensure their safety and conservation.
