Extent | Location | Access | Climate | Topography | Vegetation | Wildlife | Ecotourism | Contact | More info
Perched 7000 ft. above sea level, is break taking in the size and diversity of flora and fauna. A former hunting preserve of the British planters, the Park today exemplifies wildlife at its best. It was declared a Sanctuary in 1975 with the intention of protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr (highly endangered mountain goat). However, in 1978, it was declared as a National Park considering it’s ecological, faunal, geomorphological and Zoological Significance. This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years. The Park is breath takingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best of mountain ranges in the Alps. With the highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anamudi, located here, nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.
The Park covers an area of 97 Km2 of rolling grasslands and high level sholas.
Year of formation: 1978
Location
Situated in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District on SH17 (Udumalpet Road)
100 10’ - 100 20’ North and 770 0’ - 770 10’ East.
Rail: The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva (120 Km from Munnar) and Coimbatore (165 Km) in Tamil Nadu.
Air: The Park is accessible from Cochin (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 Km and 175 Km respectively.
Vegetation
The major part of the park is covered with rolling grasslands, but several patches of shola forests are also found in the upper part of the valley. Important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium aronottianum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, Eupatorium adenophorum, Strobilanthus Kunthianus (Neela Kurinji), Eulalia phaeothrix, Tripogen bromodes, Arundinella fuscata, Cyanotis Species etc.
The shola grasslands are exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids including the long thought extinct variety Brachycorythis wightii .
140 species of birds of which 10 are unique to the Western Ghat’s.
The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world is seen in this Park. More than 100 varieties of butterflies have been recorded here. Besides 20 species of amphibians are also seen.
Ecotourism
Trekking and other activities at Eravikulam are limited to the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicle and is a high altitude rocky precipice. The view of the valley from here is fabulous and offers a satisfying trip for trekkers. A good pastime is the Lakhom Falls trail involving a one day trek from the water fall to Pakkumarathery where trekkers can have a look at the Anamudi Peak and opt for an overnight stay at the log house.
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The Wildlife Warden For Information on tourism please contact : Information Assistant -8301024187 |
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Forest Information Centre Wildlife Warden's Office, Munnar PO, Idukki Dist. Kerala, India.PIN:685 612 Tel: 91-4865-231587 |
More information: www.eravikulam.org
