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Eravikulam National Park
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Eravikulam Overview

Eravikulam National Park, locally known as Eravikulam Mala, is a breathtaking expanse located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Spanning an area of approximately 37 square miles (97 square kilometers), the park is a jewel of biodiversity, showcasing the region’s unique ecological richness. Nestled near Munnar, one of Kerala’s most popular hill stations, the park is perched at an altitude ranging from 6,900 feet to over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters), offering a stunning blend of high-altitude grasslands and shola forests. It is a sanctuary for flora and fauna endemic to this mountainous terrain, with its rugged cliffs, rolling grasslands, and sparkling streams painting a picture of serene beauty. An iconic feature of the park is Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, which stands majestically at 8,842 feet (2,695 meters) and is a prime attraction for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

The park’s landscape is dominated by undulating hills blanketed in emerald-green grasslands interspersed with dense patches of shola forests, a unique type of stunted tropical montane forest. During the monsoon, the streams and waterfalls, such as the Lakkom Waterfalls, come alive, adding an enchanting element to the terrain. In addition, the park boasts spectacular views of the Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which bloom en masse every twelve years, carpeting the hillsides in mesmerizing shades of blue and purple—a phenomenon that draws thousands of visitors.

Eravikulam is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity, particularly as a haven for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), a mountain goat species that thrives in the steep, rocky landscapes of the park. The population of these shy and elusive creatures is carefully monitored, making the park a conservation success story. Other mammals found here include the elusive Indian leopard, gaur (Indian bison), and wild dogs, alongside smaller species like the Malabar giant squirrel and mongoose. The birdlife is equally remarkable, with endemic species like the black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri flycatcher, and white-bellied shortwing, making it a birder’s paradise.

Visitors are drawn to Eravikulam National Park for its pristine natural beauty and the opportunity to connect with its incredible wildlife. The park is most often explored via guided treks and safari buses, ensuring minimal human impact on its delicate ecosystems. Anamudi Peak is a key highlight for trekking enthusiasts, though access is regulated to protect its sensitive environment. The Lakkom Waterfalls offer a tranquil spot for relaxation, while the informative interpretive center provides insights into the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

Despite its beauty and ecological importance, Eravikulam faces conservation challenges, including habitat degradation and pressures from tourism. However, the park management has implemented strict measures to balance conservation with sustainable tourism, earning accolades for its proactive approach to wildlife protection. The seasonal closure of the park during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season is a testament to these efforts, ensuring the species’ continued survival.

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Park Map
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Eravikulam National Park Highlights

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Eravikulam National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This park is particularly famous for its unique species, some of which are endemic to the region.

Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr is the park’s most iconic species and is an endangered mountain goat found exclusively in the Western Ghats. These animals are known for their thick, dark fur and curved horns, thriving on the steep grasslands of the park.

Lion-Tailed Macaque
This rare primate, identifiable by its distinctive silver-white mane and tufted tail, is an endemic species of the Western Ghats and prefers the evergreen forests in and around the park.

Indian Muntjac
Also known as the barking deer, this small species is characterized by its reddish-brown coat and unique bark-like call used to communicate and warn of predators.

Nilgiri Langur
This arboreal primate has glossy black fur and a golden-brown crown. It thrives in the high-altitude forests and grasslands of the park.

Malabar Civet
The Malabar Civet is a nocturnal mammal with a long, lean body and spotted coat, and it is one of the rarest carnivores found in the Western Ghats.

Gaurs
Often referred to as Indian bison, gaurs are the largest species of wild cattle. They are powerful and majestic, with muscular builds and distinctive white “socks.”

Indian Giant Squirrel
This vibrant species has a striking tri-colored coat and a bushy tail, frequently spotted leaping between the treetops in the park.

Stripe-Necked Mongoose
This mongoose species is easily recognizable by the distinctive stripe running along its neck and back, as well as its agile and swift movements.

Dusky Palm Squirrel
A small and active squirrel with a dusky-brown coat and faint stripes, it is often seen darting among the foliage in search of food.

Nilgiri Marten
This slender, agile carnivore with a glossy dark coat and bright throat patch is an endemic species of the Western Ghats, favoring dense forests.

Birds

Eravikulam National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its diverse habitats supporting a wide variety of avian species, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.

Nilgiri Flycatcher
This vibrant, blue-colored bird is endemic to the Western Ghats and is commonly seen flitting among the trees in search of insects.

White-Bellied Blue Robin
Also known as the Nilgiri shortwing, this bird has a striking blue plumage and a white belly, often found in the park’s shola forests.

Black-and-Orange Flycatcher
A striking small bird with bright orange and black plumage, this species is endemic to the high-altitude areas of the Western Ghats.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
This large and elusive pigeon with a deep cooing call is endemic to the Western Ghats, often spotted in the dense forests of the park.

Grey-Headed Bulbul
A bird with a bright yellow body and a distinct grey head, this species thrives in the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the park.

Malabar Whistling Thrush
Known for its melodious whistling calls, this striking blue and black bird is often seen near water bodies and forest clearings.

Rufous Babbler
This gregarious bird has a rufous-brown body and is often seen in small, noisy groups moving through the undergrowth.

White-Cheeked Barbet
A medium-sized green bird with a white cheek patch and a resonant “kutroo-kutroo” call, this species prefers fruiting trees in the park.

Indian Scimitar Babbler
Recognizable by its long, curved yellow bill and loud, repetitive calls, this bird is often found in pairs or small groups in the park’s undergrowth.

Nilgiri Laughingthrush
An elusive bird with brownish-grey plumage and a distinct call, this species is endemic to the Western Ghats and thrives in the park’s montane forests.

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