Did you ever dream of walking in green, misty rolling hills, and passing through free-roaming rare animals, where clouds float past you? Say hello to the Eravikulam National Park, the real paradise, hidden in the heart of Kerala. This is a spectacular park found near Munnar that is characterised by green tea gardens, great biodiversity, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. All the places seem to be out of a dream with the twinkling streams and the unending fields.
Eravikulam National Park has something to offer to everyone, regardless of whether you are a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast or just want to get some peace. This blog will cover all you need to know about the Eravikulam National Park, which you can explore through the Kerala tour package, including how to get there, the best months to visit it, top things to do, places to visit nearby, and a few travel tips that can make your trip an unforgettable memory.
Essential Information About Eravikulam National Park
This is vital information that you need to know about Eravikulam National Park before you begin packing your baggage. It will assist you in making a hassle-free visit and make your trip enjoyable.
Location: It is located in the Idukki district, Kerala, near Munnar.
Area: The park has an area of approximately 97 square kilometres of green hills and meadows.
Famous for: There are the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, in the park.
Eravikulam National Park ticket: 200 INR for adults, 95 INR for children, 500 INR for foreigners.
Eravikulam National Park Timings: Open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. During the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr, which normally occurs in the months of February and March, the park is closed.
Safari: The park has a bus safari that provides tourists with transportation between the ticket counter to the Rajamalai viewing point.
Best Time to Visit Eravikulam National Park
It is always a good idea to find out the best time to visit Kerala to know when this paradise looks the most beautiful before filling your bags to go to Eravikulam National Park. The beauty of the park also varies in each season; however, there are months when it is nothing short of magical.
Eravikulam National Park is best visited between the months of September and March, which is the cool season with clear skies, making the weather the best time to explore the park. The months are sunny, the fields are green, and wildlife is often seen during such months. June to August is the monsoon season, which leaves the region lush green, but heavy rainfalls may render trekking or safari hardly achievable.
You can also come during the months of January to February, and maybe you will be lucky and see the kurinji flowers in blossom, an event that occurs once in 12 years and that makes the hills look like a blue ocean!
Best Month: September- March.
Avoid: June- August (because of the heavy rainfall)
How To Reach Eravikulam National Park
It is an adventure in itself to reach Eravikulam National Park! The park is natural and situated around 15km from Munnar in Kerala and is readily reachable by road. On the way to the park, the scenery is equally beautiful with hills and tea gardens.
By Road
Road is the most convenient mode of accessing the park. Taxi and regular buses run daily between Munnar and Rajamala, which is the entry point for the park. It is a scenic drive that has zigzag roads, foggy hills and a strip of green foliage.
By Train
The closest railway stations should be the Aluva Railway Station (120 km) and Ernakulam Junction (130 km). From there, you may hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar.
By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (approximately 120km). It is closely affiliated with major cities in India. At that point, you can book a cab or book a transfer on your own to Munnar.
Location: Close to Munnar, Idukki District, Kerala.
Nearest Town: Munnar (15 km)
Travel Time: 3- 4 hours from Cochin.
Places To Visit Near Eravikulam National Park
The environment of Eravikulam is filled with waterfalls, tea plantations, and stunning panoramas. The following are five places within the vicinity of the park that must not be missed:
1. Anamudi Peak
The park is close to Anamudi Peak, with a height of 2,695 metres, the highest mountain in South India. It is usually misty, but a wonderful place for the trekkers and nature enthusiasts. You can see the deep valleys, rivers, and forests, which look mesmerising.
Location: 13 km from Eravikulam National Park.
Famous for: Hiking, scenic places and photography.
2. Tea Museum, Munnar
A brief ride takes one to the Tata Tea Museum. Get to know all about tea production and its history. The smell of fresh tea fills the air, and you can participate in guided tours and tastings.
Location: 12km from Eravikulam National Park
Famous for: Tea factory tour, taste of the original Kerala tea and scenic views.
3. Lakkam Waterfalls
Lakkam Waterfalls are situated in the forests of Marayoor. It is a good picnic spot surrounded by lush forest and a rocky path. During the monsoon, the water flows at a fast pace, and this is really beautiful to watch.
Location: 8km from Eravikulam National Park.
Famous for: Waterfall hiking, photography, and picnicking.
4. Sandalwood Forests in Marayoor
If you want to witness something unique, then you must not miss visiting Marayoor. It is the only place that contains the natural sandalwood forests in Kerala. There are also ancient stone structures and caves with ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years.
Location: 40 km from Eravikulam National Park.
Famous for: Sandalwood trees, ancient rock art, and eco-tourism.
5. Mattupetty Dam and Lake
The Mattupetty Dam near Munnar provides a peaceful boating experience, hill views, and is suitable for watching birds and capturing photos.
Location: 25 km from Eravikulam National Park
Famous for: Boating, watching birds, and beautiful scenery.
Things to Do in Eravikulam National Park
It is not all about animal sightseeing in Eravikulam National Park. It is the place where nature, tranquillity, and adventure meet. Whether you are a photographer, a trekker, or an admirer of nature, you will find something here to your liking. Here is the best thing to do in this fairy-tale park:
1. Explore the Rajamalai Hills
The main region of the Eravikulam National Park is the Rajamalai Hills, which provide a breathtaking sight of the rolling Western Ghats. This is where you can find the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat. The paths here are surrounded by mist, wildflowers, and beautiful scenery that make you feel close to nature.
Highlight: The Rajamalai viewpoint provides a 360-degree view of the valleys and Anamudi Peak.
2. Spot the Nilgiri Tahr
Eravikulam National Park has been famous due to the Nilgiri Tahr, which is a mountain goat that is only found in this park. You can see them grazing on grass slopes, completely unbothered by people. It is special to see them in their natural habitat, making it one of the best things to do in Kerala.
Highlight: Nilgiri Tahr is most likely to be seen either at the beginning of the day or late in the afternoon.
3. Go for a Nature Trek
If you are a fan of trekking, Eravikulam is full of guided trails, leading deep into the forest, along the tea farms and misty fields. The climb to Anamudi peak is quite an attraction, although you have to have special permission.
Highlight: You will witness waterfalls, streams, and green, endless valleys during the trek.
4. Watch The Bloom of Neelakurinji (Once in 12 Years)
The Neelakurinji flowers bloom every 12 years, turning the hills blue and purple. It is a rare sight for many visitors who come to witness this beauty. It does not matter whether you see the bloom or not; the meadows are always beautiful to admire.
Highlight: It is anticipated to have the next bloom in 2030.
5. Wildlife Watching and Photography
The park is ideal in case you are a photography lover. Misty mornings, grazing Tahr, and dramatic landscapes give great pictures. Animals like the Indian mongoose, Nilgiri marten and numerous coloured birds can also be found there.
Highlight: Early morning safaris are good in terms of wildlife and landscape shots.
Tips For Visiting Eravikulam National Park
These are the tips that you should remember before you visit the hills to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
The tickets are sold very fast and particularly during weekends and holidays. Purchase your ticket on the internet in advance.
The park opens at 7:30 AM. The mornings are ideal in terms of wildlife viewing and avoiding crowds, so be early.
Packs light snacks, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The sun is strong even when it is cool.
When watching animals, stay silent and do not litter.
Carry a zoom lens camera to take photos of Nilgiri Tahr and of the panoramic scenes of the misty Western Ghats.
Conclusion
Going to the Eravikulam Park is like entering a dream where nature is at its purest state. The park offers a glimpse of the untouched wilderness of Kerala, which is surrounded by tea gardens, misty mountains and the sounds of the wild birds. Whether you want to see the Nilgiri Tahr, capture images of Anamudi Peak, or simply want a breath of fresh mountain air, you will have permanent memories of this place, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Bring your luggage and take a tour around the park that will be able to revive your soul by its peaceful allure and picturesque view, a sort of adventure that every traveller should have in their life.
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