Eravikulam National Park
Overview
Eravikulam National Park: Kerala's High-Altitude Sanctuary
Eravikulam National Park sits above Munnar in the Kannan Devan Hills, known for its rolling grasslands and its role as home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Visitors reach the Rajamala tourism zone by Forest Department bus, since private vehicles are not allowed past the entry gate. Inside, mountain goats graze close to the walking trail, while the wider core zone stays off-limits to protect the shola forest and grassland ecosystem.
A typical visit takes 2 to 3 hours, and mornings are best for clearer views and cooler weather. The park closes for a few weeks each year during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season.
Open Hours
Open Days: All days of the week
Opening Time: 7:30 AM
Closing Time: 4:00 PM
Visitors can walk the marked trail in the Rajamala tourism zone and view the Nilgiri Tahr at close range. The core and buffer zones stay closed to the public to protect the park's wildlife and grassland habitat.
Entry Fee - Indians vs Foreigners
| Category | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Indian Adults | ₹200 |
| Indian Children | ₹150 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹500 |
| Ordinary Camera | ₹50 |
| Video Camera | ₹350 |
About Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park, located in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, was established in 1978 as the first national park in Kerala. It spans roughly 97 square kilometers of grassland and shola forest in the Western Ghats, about 15 kilometers from Munnar town on the Munnar-Udumalpet road.
The park was created to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat found only in the higher hills of the Western Ghats. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 meters, rises within its boundaries. The landscape combines open grasslands with pockets of shola forest, cut through by streams that feed the surrounding tea estates.
The park is split into three zones: a core area, a buffer area, and the Rajamala tourism zone. Only the tourism zone is open to visitors, reached by a road that climbs above the entry gate. Public and private vehicles cannot enter this stretch, so all visitors travel in on Forest Department safari buses.
Eravikulam is also known for the Neelakurinji, a shrub that flowers in a mass bloom once every twelve years, last seen in 2018. Beyond the Tahr, the park shelters tigers, panthers, wild dogs, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs, and lion-tailed macaques, along with more than 130 recorded bird species, including several found only in this part of the Western Ghats.
What To Expect
Rajamala Tourism Zone
Rajamala is the main visitor area of Eravikulam National Park, where designated trails offer access to the park's high-altitude landscape.
Nilgiri Tahr Sightings
The park is one of the best places to see the endangered Nilgiri tahr, which can often be spotted grazing on the surrounding slopes.
Rolling Grasslands and Shola Forest
The high-altitude landscape combines open grasslands with pockets of dense shola forest, creating a distinctive ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
Anamudi Peak
Anamudi, South India's highest peak, lies within the national park and can be seen from several viewpoints in the surrounding landscape.
Neelakurinji Bloom
The Neelakurinji shrub is known for its spectacular mass flowering, which occurs approximately once every twelve years and turns the hillsides blue-purple.
Birdwatching
The park's shola and grassland habitats support several Western Ghats bird species, including the Nilgiri wood pigeon and Nilgiri flycatcher.
How to Reach Eravikulam National Park
By Air
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, about 110–130 km from the park depending on the route. Taxis and buses are available, with the journey usually taking around 3–4 hours.
By Rail
Aluva Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, roughly 120 km away. Taxis and buses cover the rest of the journey to Munnar in around 4–5 hours.
By Road
The park lies about 15 km from Munnar town on the Munnar-Udumalpet road, a drive of 20–30 minutes. Munnar itself is well connected by road to Kochi (around 130–148 km) and Coimbatore (around 165–175 km).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Eravikulam National Park located?
Eravikulam National Park is located in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, Kerala, about 15 kilometers from Munnar town.
What is Eravikulam National Park famous for?
It is famous as Kerala's first national park and the main habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, along with the rare Neelakurinji flower that blooms once every twelve years.
What is the entry fee for Eravikulam National Park?
Indian adults pay ₹200, Indian children pay ₹150, and foreign nationals pay ₹500. Camera charges are extra, at ₹50 for an ordinary camera and ₹350 for a video camera.
Can private vehicles enter the park?
No. Private and public vehicles are not allowed on the road leading to the Rajamala tourism zone. Visitors travel in on Forest Department safari buses from the entry gate.
When is Eravikulam National Park closed?
The park closes for a few weeks each year, typically between late January and March, during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season.
Similar Places to Visit
Periyar National Park
Silent Valley National Park
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary