About Eravikulam Wildlife National Park

Eravikulam is very near to the scenic hill station of Munnar and the part of Idukki district. The Eravikulam National park extends from the latitude 9°40' in the North to the longitude 77°20" in the East.

The Eravikulam National Park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, which is endangered specie of the wild goat found only to the south of the Himalayas. The park was notified as the park in the year 1978. The park, rich in forest and grasses, lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It is situated on the border of Kerala and extends to the Tamil Nadu in the north where it is known as the Annamalai National Park.

The North Travancore Land Planting Society, during the British period, owned the region of Rajamalai and Eravikulam. But the area was later handed over to the Kannan Deven Hill Produce Corporation by them. The Corporation converted the region into a private hunting area as they found it was unsuitable for the tea plantation. The area of Rajamalai was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1936. But the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was established only in 1975. In 1978, the sanctuary was upgraded and given the status of a national park.

The Nilgiri Tahr is one of the most endangered species in India. Eravikulam is the only place where one can spot this wild goat. The park was established provide shelter to this animal in its natural environment. Due to the concerted efforts of the park authorities, the population of the Nilgiri Tahr has increased tremendously. Now at least five to six hundred Tahrs can be found here. Other faunal species found in the park are elephant Gaur, Giant Squirrel, Leopard, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Tiger, and Sambar. The park is also home to three species of lizards, four of snakes, and five of amphibians.

The Tropical Evergreen Forest is the main vegetation found of this region. Within the thick cover of the forest, one finds grassland as well as shrubs. The grasslands with patches of forests are known as Sholas and cover almost the entire region.
More About Wildlife Sanctuaries In South India

Anamudi, with a height of 2,695 m is the highest peak in south India. It is located within the park boundary and is a good place for trekking.