- Established
- 1975 (sanctuary), 1978 (national park)
- Area
- About 97 sq km
- Distance from Munnar
- About 15 km
- Highest point
- Anamudi (about 2,695 m)
- Best time
- September to February
About the park
Eravikulam was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and upgraded to a national park in 1978. It covers about 97 sq km in the Devikulam area of Idukki district, roughly 15 km from Munnar town, and much of it is closed to visitors to protect the grasslands. Anamudi, around 2,695 m high, stands inside the park; its name means elephant's head, after its shape.
Wildlife and plants
The park holds the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr. You may also see Nilgiri langurs, giant squirrels and mongooses, while tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar and jungle cats are present but rarely seen. Butterflies and moths are plentiful, including the huge Atlas moth.
The slopes are known for Neelakurinji, a shrub that flowers only once in about twelve years and turns whole hillsides blue.
Best time to visit
The cooler, drier months from about September to February are the most comfortable, with clear views. The monsoon is very wet, and winter nights can be frosty. The park usually closes for a few weeks around February and March during the tahr calving season, so check dates before planning.
Tips for your visit
Private vehicles stop at the entry point, and forest department buses take visitors up to Rajamala, from where you walk along a paved path. Go early to avoid long queues in holiday season, carry a warm layer, and do not feed the animals. Binoculars help, and a morning visit gives the clearest views before mist or cloud rolls in over the grassland. We can include Eravikulam in a Munnar stay along with tea estates and viewpoints.
Also nearby
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
