Government of Kerala
National parks are protected havens for wildlife and ecosystems. They safeguard biodiversity, stunning landscapes and offer opportunities for research, education and responsible recreation. These Parks prioritize wildlife conservation by strictly regulating activities within them as per The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972. National parks are corner stones of environmental protection, ensuring a healthy planet for all.
National Parks of Kerala
Kerala is home to a few national parks that showcase the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Let’s explore them:
Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Kerala, India, is a pristine tropical rainforest renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. It was declared a national park in 1985. This pristine expanse of tropical moist evergreen forest is home to an impressive array of biodiversity, including numerous species of flora and endangered fauna such as the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), Nilgiri langur, and Malabar giant squirrel. The park’s rich ecosystem is further enhanced by the Kunthipuzha River, which flows serenely through its terrain. Historically, the park gained prominence during the 1970s when environmentalists launched the “Save Silent Valley” movement, successfully halting a proposed hydroelectric project and leading to the park’s official establishment in 1984. The park is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Silent Valley stands as a testament to conservation efforts, offering a sanctuary for myriad species and a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park, established in 1978, spans approximately 97 square kilometers in Kerala’s Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the Western Ghats, the park’s terrain features high-altitude grasslands and shola forests, with elevations around 2,000 meters. Notably, it encompasses Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India at 2,695 meters. The park is renowned for housing the largest wild population of the endangered Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). A striking natural phenomenon in Eravikulam is the mass flowering of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which blankets the hillsides in vibrant blue once every 12 years, with the last bloom occurring in 2018. This rare spectacle, which is exclusive to the Western Ghats, adds to the park’s ecological and visual significance. Managed by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Eravikulam remains a vital conservation area and a major attraction for nature enthusiasts.
Anamudi Shola National Park
Anamudi Shola National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Idukki district, Kerala, is a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and unique montane shola-grassland ecosystem. Covering an area of 7.5 sq. km, it was declared a national park in 2003 as part of the larger Anamalai sub-cluster, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to several endemic and endangered species, including the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), Indian Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), and Nilgiri Marten (Martes gwatkinsii). It also supports a diverse range of flora, including rare medicinal plants and evergreen tree species. The park plays a crucial role in watershed conservation, as it forms part of the catchment area for important rivers like the Pambar and Chinnar. Anamudi Shola National Park is an essential conservation zone, preserving the fragile high-altitude ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
Pampadum Shola National Park
Pampadum Shola National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Idukki district, Kerala, is the smallest national park in the state, covering an area of 1.32 sq. km. Declared a national park in 2004, it is part of the Anamalai sub-cluster, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological significance. The park is renowned for its unique shola-grassland ecosystem, which supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species such as the Nilgiri Marten (Martes gwatkinsii), Indian Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) etc.. The name “Pampadum Shola” translates to “the forest where the snake dances,” reflecting the park’s rich biodiversity. Pampadum Shola also serves as an important wildlife corridor, facilitating the movement of animals between Eravikulam National Park and the Palani Hills, thereby enhancing conservation efforts. The park is home to a variety of rare medicinal plants and evergreen species, contributing to its ecological importance. The Park offers trekking trails and eco-stay options, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Mathikettan Shola National Park
Mathikettan Shola National Park, located in Idukki district, Kerala, spans 12.82 sq. km and is known for its dense shola forest ecosystem that supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It was declared a national park in 2003, considering the ecological importance in conserving endemic and endangered species. The park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), Nilgiri Marten (Martes gwatkinsii), and Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus). It also serves as a vital wildlife corridor, connecting Periyar Tiger Reserve and Eravikulam National Park, facilitating the movement of large mammals. The park’s rich biodiversity includes rare medicinal plants, orchids, and evergreen tree species, making it a crucial conservation zone in the Western Ghats. Mathikettan Shola National Park plays a key role in preserving the fragile montane ecosystem while offering limited eco-tourism activities to promote conservation awareness.