About Eravikulam National Park
The
beautiful Eravikulam National Park is situated in the high ranges of the
southern western ghats, a short distance from the tea town of Munnar. The
place is especially known for supporting a large population of the Nilgiri
tahr, a mountain goat seen in parts of south India.
Once a hunting reserve for the British, the place was declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1975 and further accorded the status of a national park in
1978. The lush green surroundings are the result of the abundant rainfall
that it receives. Temperatures may dip below the freezing point at night
time during winters.
The park remains open for visitors throughout the year except for a small
period between January and March. The best time to visit the park are the
months of September and October, when the entire area is covered with
greenery and blooming flowers and which is also the best time for animal
spotting.
Wildlife Attractions in Eravikulam National Park
The national park has a large variety of flora and fauna with over 26
species of mammals, 132 species of birds, 101 species of butterflies, 19
species of amphibians and 20 species of orchids already registered in the
park books.
Besides the Nilgiri tahr, other fauna found in the park includes the
elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed otter and a rare
tiger or leopard. Avian residents register their presence with over hundred
species including the Nilgiri wood pigeon, Kerala laughing thrush and the
white bellied shortwing. Other added attractions of the place are the
beautiful and colorful butterflies and the blooming orchids.
By Road : To reach the place from
Kochi, take the NH49 to Munnar from where a state road leads to the
Eravikulam National Park. Alternately to access the park from Coimbatore,
take the NH209 to Udumalpet via Pollachi. From here, follow the state road
to Eravikulam via Amaravathy.
Distances from Major Cities
Munnar : 15 km (N)
Kochi : 155 km (NE)/4.5 hrs.
Coimbatore :148 km (S)
Aluva : 126 km/4 hrs.
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The park receives plenty of rainfall and the tourists should be
prepared for rainfall any time of the day.
- Entry tickets can be purchased from the Rajamallay checkpost, about
5 km from the main road.
- After purchasing the tickets, the visitors can walk along the road
till the core area, where tourist entry is not permitted.
- Some of the park charges include Entry fee : Rs. 15 (Indians) &
Rs. 200 (foreigners), Vehicle entry : Rs. 200 (heavy vehicles), Rs. 50
(light vehicles) & Rs. 25 (other vehicles), Camera : Rs. 25 (still) &
Rs. 200 (video)
- Avoid littering in the place, especially non biodegradable material
like polythene bags, which can even lead to the death of animals.
Jungle
Resorts in Eravikulam
| Tea
County |
The hotel which
boasts of excellent services including a health club and an ayurvedic
massage centre, is located just about a kilometre from the town.
|
