Set upon high upon a southern plateau of the majestic Western Ghats of Kerala, the Eravikulam National Park is one of the most beautiful and captivating animal sanctuaries in the state. Located only 15 kilometres away from the town of Munnar, in Keralas Udukki district, the park is the protected haven of the Nilgiri Tahr, the South Indian mountain goat which is among the most endangered species in the world.
The park was once a hunting reserve during British colonial times, but was declared a wildlife reserve in 1975. Three years later, it was recognized as a national park. The grounds are administered by the Munnar Wildlife Division of the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife. The Eravikulam Park may also be entered into the register of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the near future as part of the Western Ghats, which are under consideration for the status by the organization.
The sanctuary is spread out over an area of nearly a 100 square metres of lush vegetation, fed generously by the abundant rainfall. The peak of Anamudi looms majestically over the plateau, the highest peak found to the South of the Himalayas. The terrain of the higher elevation of the park is blanketed primarily by grasslands, littered by small pockets of forestry. From the deep descents of the valleys rise verdant forests, while shrubbery overruns the bases of cliffs, climbing among the rockery. Twinkling streams thread through the slopes, flowing into the river tributaries further down.
The sanctuary comprises three divisions the core, buffer and tourism areas. The tourism area falls in and around the hills of Rajamalai and is the only one open to the general public. This is one of primary grazing grounds of the Nilgiri Tahr. The park is also famous for other kinds of its ungulate brethren such as Gaurs, Sambar Deer and Indian Muntjacs.
The park counts the Atlas moth, the largest of its kind yet discovered, the Nilgiri Langur and the Lion-tailed Macaque among the rare endemic fauna that abounds on its grounds. Great felines such as leopards, tigers and jungle cats and canine species such as dholes, golden jackals and wild dogs are among the main predatory animals found in the region. Visitors also delight in catching glimpses of smaller mammals such as Indian Porcupines, Stripe-necked and Ruddy Mongooses, Dusky Striped Squirrel, Clawed Otters and Nilgiri Martens. Elephants also make seasonal treks to the park.
Well over a 130 species of avian life have been recorded as being denizens of this sanctuary including rare endemic birds such as Nilgiri Pipits, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatchers, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons and Kerala Laughing thrushes. The colourful flitters of endemic butterflies of over a 100 varieties, including Palni Fourwing and Red Disc Bush-brown, can be seen, confined to the shola grasslands. An entirely new species of amphibian has also been discovered in the parks environs; a small bright reddish-orange frog with diminutive limbs and multiple glands. This discovery has served to heighten international scientific interest in the reserves varied eco-systems and other fauna that they may yet secret undiscovered.
The park is open to the public all year round except for the monsoon season between January and March, when the rainfall makes the terrain precarious. Visitors to the reserve between the months of September and October gain the best views of its flora and fauna, as this is the time when the plants are in full bloom.
The Eravikulam National Park exemplifies one of the many facets of beauty and fascination that Kerala holds. Tourists not wishing to miss out on either the tranquil beaches, water-logged paddy fields or the lush hills are advised to choose accommodation in a centralized location such as
hotels in Kovalam . The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala is a well-reputed
Kerala beach resort that offers access to the main sightseeing areas of interest in the region, as well as excellent facilities and services.
