Introduction about Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park in India! It’s nestled high up in the Western Ghats, famous for its rolling green hills bursting with life. This park is super special because it was the very first national park in the whole state of Kerala, way back in 1978. Imagine exploring rolling hills covered in soft, green grass and colorful flowers that’s what Eravikulam is all about! The park is quite big, stretching over 97 square kilometers, and is home to a bunch of amazing animals waiting to be discovered!

The endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat found only here, roams freely in this pristine landscape. As you explore, keep an eye out for other fascinating creatures like lion-tailed macaques, Indian muntjacs, and sambar deer. The park also boasts 132 bird species, including the black and orange flycatcher and the Nilgiri wood pigeon. And don’t miss the breathtaking Anamudi peak, South India’s highest point, standing tall within Eravikulam National Park. 

Eravikulam National Park Famous Animals

1. Nilgiri Tahr: Eravikulam National Park is like a super important place for these cool mountain goats called Nilgiri Tahrs! the park has the most Nilgiri Tahrs left in the whole world, with around 750 of them hanging out in the grassy hills. That’s a super big bunch compared to other places!.
2. Lion-tailed Macaques: Cool monkeys like swinging through the short, shady forests here! They help make the park even more special by bringing variety to the animal life.
3. Gaur (Indian Bison): These massive herbivores graze peacefully in the grasslands.
4. Sambar Deer: Graceful and Difficult to find, these deer are often spotted near water sources.
5. Golden Jackal: A cunning predator that roams the hills.
6. Ruddy Mongoose:A lesser-known animal that race through the undergrowth.
7. Dusky Palm Squirrel: These tiny squirrels add a touch of cuteness to the landscape.
8. Indian Porcupine: The Indian Porcupine is a prickly mammal with long quills that lives in forests and grasslands across India.
9. Elephants: These gentle giants make seasonal visits to the park.
10. Birds: Listen for the songs of 132 amazing birds that call Eravikulam National Park home! See if you can spot the colorful black and orange flycatcher, the tiny Nilgiri pipit, or the loud Kerala laughingthrush.

Eravikulam National Park entry fee & Timings

Here are the entry fee details for Eravikulam National Park:

• Eravikulam National Park charges an entry fee of ₹125 for Indian adults and ₹95 for children. Foreign visitors pay ₹420. There’s a ₹50 reservation fee (available 9am-4pm at Munnar’s Information Centre) and optional camera charges (₹45 for stills, ₹335 for video).

The timings for Eravikulam National Park are as follows:

• Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Closure Period: The park is closed during February to March.

Eravikulam National Park safari zones

 Eravikulam National Park is divided into three distinct zones, each offering a unique experience:

1. Rajamalai (Tourism Area):

Get ready for an amazing adventure at Eravikulam National Park! We’ll be exploring Rajamalai, the main area for visitors. Imagine yourselves trekking through rolling hills, lush grasslands, and mysterious sholas (patches of evergreen forest). Keep your eyes peeled – we might even spot some Nilgiri Tahr, rare mountain goats that walking free here. And don’t forget your camera! The views of Munnar valley and its sprawling tea plantations are simply unforgettable. This trip will be a chance to see stunning scenery, fascinating wildlife, and capture incredible photos.

2. Core Area (Not Open to Public):

The core area of Eravikulam National Park is like a secret home for animals. It’s a place where people are not allowed to go, so the animals can live peacefully. This area is very special for a type of animal called the Nilgiri Tahr, which is at risk of disappearing. Just like how your school has teachers to take care of you, the park has people called researchers and rangers who act like protectors for these animals. They keep a close watch to make sure the animals are safe. This core area is like a big, natural house for wildlife, helping us protect and learn more about these wonderful creatures.

3. Buffer Area (Not Open to Public):

The Buffer Area in Eravikulam National Park is like a protective ring around the park. It’s not open to the public, but it plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem. This area helps to reduce the impact of human activities on the core area of the park, where the most sensitive wildlife lives. It’s like a safety zone that helps to keep the park’s environment balanced and healthy. So, even though we can’t visit this area, it’s doing an important job in protecting the park’s wildlife.

Eravikulam National Park safari types

Bus Safaris: The most common way to see Eravikulam National Park is by taking a bus safari. These buses depart from the park entrance and take visitors on a grand ride up to Rajamala, a high elevation area with a large population of Nilgiri Tahrs. The ride itself is lovely, offering beautiful views of the rolling hills and grasslands. Once at Rajamala, you can disembark and explore the area on foot for about an hour. This is your prime opportunity to spot Nilgiri Tahrs feeding on the hillsides.

Jeep Safari: Jeep safaris are a classic way to explore wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Imagine yourself riding in a Strong open air jeep, navigating strong environment and coming face to face with incredible animals in their natural habitat. It’s an exciting experience that combines adventure, wildlife viewing, and mind-blowing landscapes. Jeeps can traverse broken roads and Unbalanced environment that regular vehicles can’t handle. This allows you to venture deeper into the park, reaching areas where wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Battery Operated Safari: Some rides in the park are like quiet, eco-friendly trains! These electric cars can teach kids about the park’s animals with cool displays and signs along the way. It’s a perfect family adventure – parents can even walk next to the cars, pointing out interesting things and making memories together. Plus, these rides are good for the environment because they don’t use gas!

Eravikulam National Park safari Prices & Booking

• Bus Ride: The cost of the bus ride from the park entrance to Rajamala is usually included in the park entrance fee. There’s no separate charge for the bus itself.

• Jeep Safaris: Prices can vary depending on the park, location, and duration of the safari. Typically, they range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per person. This price usually covers the jeep, guide, park entrance fees, and sometimes food items also.

• Battery Operated Car Safaris: These are generally targeted towards families and go to be more affordable than jeep safaris. Ticket prices can range from ₹200 to ₹500 per child, depending on the park and duration of the ride.

Online Booking Available: You can find the official for online booking system to advance booking for Eravikulam National Park. click here link and book you safari

Booking Requirements: Here are the some points to require when booking online:

• Bookings can be made at least 48 hours before your visit. Reservations made within 48 hours won’t be valid.
• The park undergoes a closure period throughout the giving birth season. usually in February and March. Exact dates are Normally announced on the park website.

Alternative for Booking: If online booking isn’t available for your desired date or you prefer not to book online, you can purchase your entry tickets directly at the park entrance.

Best Time to visiting Eravikulam National Park

Ideal Months: The best time to see animals in Eravikulam National Park, especially the Nilgiri Tahr, is from September to February. This is because the weather is nice and dry during these months. Dry weather means the animals don’t have to hide and search for water as much, so they’re more likely to be out and about for you to see!

Pleasant Weather: Spring is in the air at Eravikulam National Park from March to May! The weather is delightful, with warm sunshine and comfortable temperatures. While it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors, there’s a chance you might see fewer animals compared to the cooler months.

Monsoon Season: The park remains open during the monsoon season (June to August), but the trails can be muddy and slippery. However, the park transforms into a lush green paradise with vibrant flora.

Closure Period: The park is closed entirely during the giving birthing season of the Nilgiri Tahr, usually in February and March. Always check the park’s official website or contact them directly to confirm the exact closure dates before planning your visit.

Luxuriest Resorts and Hotels nearby Eravikulam National Park

1. Munnar Inn: This hotel is located in Central Munnar, about 9.7 kms from Eravikulam National Park. It offers free parking, free WiFi, full accommodation with meals and a business center.
2. AC MIST: This lodge is located in Central Munnar, about 9.6 km from Eravikulam National Park. It offers free parking and a lawn.
3. 7 Malai Residency Munnar: This property is located in Central Munnar, about 9.3 km from Eravikulam National Park. It offers parking and a bonfire.
4. Hotel C7 Munnar: This 3-star hotel is located in Central Munnar, about 9.8 km from Eravikulam National Park. It offers a take it easy, elevator/lift, and air conditioning.
5. The View Munnar: This 3-star resort is located in Munnar, about 8.6 km from Eravikulam National Park. It offers free cancellation and includes breakfast. See More Details

Must visiting places nearby Eravikulam National Park

Here are the some must-visit places near Eravikulam National Park:

1. Carmelagiri Elephant Park: Located 8.25km from Eravikulam National Park, this park offers a chance to ride on an elephant and watch them bathe, shower, and eat.
2. Echo Point: Situated at the bank of a lake overlooking mountains, this place is 12.25km from Eravikulam National Park and is known for the loud echo it makes.
3. Perumbankuthu Waterfalls: One of the largest waterfalls in the state, located 14.05km from Eravikulam National Park. You can even climb to the top of the falls with the help of locals.
4. Chokramudi Peak: A three-hour hard hike through tricky rock faces, breathtaking views, and windy narrow paths. This viewpoint for an incredible sunrise is 14.53km from Eravikulam National Park.
5. Kanthaloor View Point: Imagine a spot with a rocky outcrop offering a perfect view of a valley stretching out below. This scenic viewpoint is located about 17.48 kilometers from Eravikulam National Park. It’s a great place to unwind, soak in the peaceful atmosphere, and admire the beauty of the surroundings
6. Meesapulimala: walk through cloud-dressed peaks and Hydrangea valleys, experience the most beautiful sights of the Western Ghat Mountains. This place is 18.37km from Eravikulam National Park.
7. Top Station Munnar: Stay above the clouds, admire the beauty of the hills and the majestic sun emerging from the clouds in the morning. This place is 22.3km from Eravikulam National Park.
8. Valparai: Located 3500 feet high from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range, this place is 22.36km from Eravikulam National Park. It is one of the beautiful tourist places in Tamilnadu.

How to Reach Eravikulam National Park

By Air: The easiest way to reach Eravikulam National Park is to fly into Cochin International Airport (Cochin Airport COK), which is about 120 kilometers away. When you land, you can grab a taxi or book a cab ahead of time to take you to Munnar, the hill station near the park. The ride itself takes around 3.5 hours, but keep in mind that traffic can slow things down a bit

By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Ernakulam (130 km away) and Aluva (110 km away). From either station, you can take a taxi or pre-booked cab to Munnar. The journey by cab from these stations will take approximately 4 hours.

By Bus: Munnar is well connected by bus to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can take a bus from your starting point to Munnar and then hire a taxi or cab to reach the park entrance.

Within Munnar:

• Head up for some fresh mountain air! Eravikulam National Park is just 13 kilometers away from Munnar town. But to protect the park’s wildlife, you can’t drive your own car inside. Don’t worry, there are other ways to get around and explore the park!
• Getting to Eravikulam National Park from Munnar is easy! You can either grab a taxi or cab directly to the park entrance. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, there’s also a government bus service that takes you straight to Rajamala. Rajamala is a cool spot high up in the park, famous for being home to lots of Nilgiri Tahrs.

Conclusion about Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala is the place for you. This park bursts with life, from rare plants and animals to stunning scenery. Explore lush forests, spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (a kind of mountain goat!), and soak up breathtaking views of rolling hills and tea plantations.

Getting to Eravikulam National Park is a breeze! You can fly into Kochi Airport, hop on a train, or drive right up. The park is close to Kochi, which also has a train station. Plus, there are fancy hotels and resorts nearby, so you can relax in style after your adventures in the park.

Eravikulam adventure extends beyond the park! See playful elephants at Carmelagiri, walk majestic Chokramudi Peak, Soak in breathtaking views at Echo Point or Top Station Munnar, and discover the quaint hill station of Valparai.

Escape to Eravikulam National Park! Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and discover Kerala’s rich culture. This unforgettable adventure will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world’s beauty and wonder.

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FAQ’s of Eravikulam National Park

1. What’s Eravikulam National Park famous for?
Ans: Eravikulam National Park is known for its rolling green meadows and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a wild goat with a black coat.

2. Is there a safari in Eravikulam National Park?
Ans: Traditional jeep safaris aren’t offered to protect the park’s wildlife. You can take a bus ride to Rajamala, a high point known for Nilgiri Tahrs.

3. How much does it cost to enter Eravikulam National Park?
Ans: Entrance to Eravikulam National Park is around $1.50 (125) for Indian adults and $5 (415) for foreign tourists. This typically includes a bus ride to the park’s main area

4. Can I book a safari online?
Ans: There are no jeep safaris to book. You can book your park entry tickets online to avoid queues.

5. What’s the best time to visit Eravikulam National Park?
Ans: September to November offers pleasant weather and a high chance of spotting wildlife. The park is closed during Nilgiri Tahr calving season (usually Feb-March).

6. Are there luxurious places to stay near the park?
Ans: Relax after your park adventure! Munnar, the nearby town, offers luxurious hotels with pampering spas and stunning infinity pools.

7. How do I reach Eravikulam National Park?
Ans: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK). From there, take a taxi or cab to Munnar (3.5 hours). Munnar is also accessible by train and bus.

8. Can I drive my car inside the park?
Ans: No, private vehicles aren’t allowed to protect the environment. You can take a taxi or the park bus to Rajamala.

9. What else can I see or do in Eravikulam National Park besides wildlife?
Ans: Enjoy the park’s scenic beauty, rolling hills, and vibrant flowers.

10. What’s special about Eravikulam National Park’s history?
Ans: Eravikulam National Park’s story is one of amazing change! Once a hunting ground, it’s now a protected park for its special plants and animals.