ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK / ഇരവികുളം ദേശീയോദ്യാനം

The Eravikulam National Park perched 7,000 ft above sea level, is breathtaking in its size and diversity of flora and fauna.Situated in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, the Park originally established to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr was elevated to a National Park considering its ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance. This land of the Neelakurinji, the flower that blooms once in twelve years painting the hillsides blue, lies 16 km northeast to Munnar and is just 7 km from the Rajamalai hills. A former hunting preserve of the British planters, the Park today exemplifies wildlife at its best. The Atlas Moth, the largest of its kind in the world is one of the major attractions here. But the pride of the Park is the Nilgiri tahr. A highly endangered species of wild goat indigenous to the area, the tahr is the mascot of Munnar. With the highest peak south of the Himalayas - the Anamudi, located here, nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting. Ecotourism Activities A protected National Park, trekking and other activities at Eravikulam are limited to the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicles 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 waterfall to Pakkumarathery where trekkers can have a look at the Anamudi Peak and opt for an overnight stay at the Log House. The Park area also offers excellent opportunities for Rainbow Trout angling. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, 25 species of mammals are found here, of which 5 are endemic to the Western Ghats. More than 120 species of birds and 100 varieties of butterflies have been recorded here, as also the Atlas Moth and 20 species of amphibians. Covered mostly with rolling grasslands, several patches of shola grasslands are found in the upper parts of the valley which is exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids including the long-thought extinct variety - Brachycorythis wightii. In and Around Munnar, the renowned hill station of Kerala, famed for its tea plantations and cool salubrious clime, is close to the Park. Athucacad and Cheeyapara Falls, Mattupetty and Sethuparvathipuram Dams, Lockhart Gap, Pothanmedu, Nyamakad Gap, Director's Leap Viewpoint etc. are some of the interesting places to see here. Palkulamedu, Parakulam, Kulamavu, Anaward and Painavu are a few of the wonderful trekking trails. Accommodation In addition to the PWD Rest House in Munnar as well as the Government Guesthouses in Munnar and Devikulam, there are several fabulous resorts that also offer a variety of facilities ranging from Ayurvedic massages to sightseeing tours. Accessing Eravikulam Location: The Park bordered on the north by the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and on the south by the tea estates of Munnar, is 13 km northeast of Munnar. Altitude: 450 m to 748 m above sea level. Distance Air: The Park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 km and 175 km respectively. Rail: The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva (120 km from Munnar) and Coimbatore (165 km) in Tamil Nadu. Road: Munnar is the nearest town (13 km). Eravikulam is also well connected by roads from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. For enquiries and bookings, contact: Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Munnar Ph: 04865-231587 District Tourist Promotion Council, Idukki, Ph: 04862-232248 Munnar, Ph: 04865-231516

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