Eravikulam is renowned for hosting the largest surviving population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), with approximately 700 individuals. Other notable wildlife includes the Nilgiri Langur, Small-clawed Otter, and Indian Giant Squirrel. The park is home to around 26 species of mammals, 132 species of birds, including the Black-and-Orange Flycatcher and Nilgiri Pipit, 19 species of amphibians, and numerous butterflies. Several species found here are endemic to the Western Ghats.
The park showcases a rich diversity of high-altitude plants, including approximately 132 species of flowering plants. The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which blooms once every 12 years, carpeting the hills in purple, is the park's most famous floral attraction. The vegetation is characterized by montane shola forests in the valleys and grasslands on the hills. Notable species include various orchids, rhododendrons, and endemic medicinal plants. The park also contains numerous rare and endangered plant species unique to the Western Ghats.
The park is characterized by high-altitude grasslands and rolling hills, situated in the Western Ghats mountain range. The terrain consists primarily of montane shola-grassland ecosystem, formed over millions of years of geological activity. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 meters, dominates the landscape. The park's rocky outcrops and plateaus are composed of ancient Precambrian rocks, primarily gneisses and granites. The unique geological features create distinct microclimates that support diverse flora and fauna.
Established in 1978, Eravikulam National Park was originally the hunting grounds of the British during colonial times, particularly the Kanan Devan Hills Tea Company. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1975 to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and later elevated to National Park status. The park has historical significance as one of the first concerted conservation efforts in Kerala, with the local Muthuvan tribal community playing an integral role in its preservation. The region's tea plantation history is still evident in the surrounding landscapes.
The park's most distinctive feature is Anamudi Peak, offering challenging trekking opportunities and panoramic views. The Rajamalai Tourism Zone, the main visitor area, provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The park's unique shola-grassland ecosystem is considered one of the best preserved in the Western Ghats. The Neelakurinji blooming phenomenon attracts visitors from around the world every 12 years. The park also features several streams and waterfalls, and its proximity to Munnar makes it an integral part of Kerala's tourism circuit.
Eravikulam National Park experiences a cool, temperate climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 23°C. The region receives both southwest and northeast monsoons, with heavy rainfall between June and September. Winter months (December to February) are particularly cold with frequent frost. The best time to visit is between September and November or March to May when the weather is pleasant and clear. During the early morning hours, the park is often shrouded in mist, which typically clears by mid-morning, offering spectacular views of the rolling hills.
India
10.1670°, 77.0670°
1978
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Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population of Nilgiri tahr. The park features rolling grasslands and shola forests of the Western Ghats. It is also known for the periodic blooming of Neelakurinji flowers every twelve years.