Eravikulam National Park - Munnar

Eravikulam National Park 

The main attraction of the Munnar is Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam National park is located in 15 KM from Munnar. This park we can see different type of butterflies, animals and variety of birds. This is the great place for trekking; it gives a panoramic view to our eyes. In the morning time this area is covered by blankets of mists.

This park becomes a hot destination at the time of blooming of Nilakuriji. That time the blue flowers of Nilakurigi are covered the hills and vallies of Munnar and this park.  The last time it bloomed was in 2006. This blooms once in twelve years.

The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with Sholas. Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge to form tributaries of the Periyar River and Chalakudiyar River on the west and the east flowing Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. Lakkom Waterfalls is in this region.

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr. The other ungulates are Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little known animals such as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and Dusky palm squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush.

Every year the wild life warden will close the Eravikulam national park for 45 days from 1^st February due to calving of nilgiri tahr. The Eravikulam National Park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, and rare species of the wild goat and the only one to be found south of the Himalayas. It is absolutely awesome place.