What Eravikulam National Park is
Nestled in Kerala’s Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park is a protected area known for its landscapes, biodiversity, and endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Established as a national park in 1978, it attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The park also plays an important ecological role as a catchment area for several rivers, including tributaries of the River Pambar, River Periyar, and River Chalakkudy, which supply drinking water to nearby estates and water for irrigation (Munnar Tourism, Spice Tree Munnar, Wikipedia, StudyIQ).
The park’s high, rolling plateaus lie at elevations around 2000 meters above mean sea level. They support a mosaic of montane evergreen forests and grasslands known as Shola forests. These are among the least disturbed sections of the rare Montane Shola-Grassland vegetation in the Western Ghats (StudyIQ).
History
In 1879, European explorers Colonel Douglas Hamilton and J.D. Munro began settling in the area. They established the North Travancore Plantation and Agricultural Society, acquiring 227 square miles at a concessional price from Poonjat Raja, chief of the local kingdom. The land was later auctioned among the society’s citizens for agriculture, and crops including coffee and cinchona were cultivated (Munnar Tourism).
During the colonial era, the area served as a game reserve managed by the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company until 1971. The High Range Game Preservation Association, a non-governmental organization formed in 1928, had responsibility for management and protection. British planters used the landscape for hunting expeditions, while wildlife and natural resources were also pursued for profit and amusement (Munnar Tourism, Spice Tree Munnar).
The government of Kerala resumed control in 1971 under the Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971. In 1975, the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary was declared to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat. The sanctuary was upgraded to national park status in 1978, in recognition of its ecological, faunal, geomorphological, and zoological significance (Wikipedia, StudyIQ).
The park’s cultural significance is also tied to local communities and native tribes, who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. Its flora and fauna have figured in traditional medicine, rituals, daily life, and local livelihoods.
Key historical milestones
- 1879 Colonel Douglas Hamilton and J.D. Munro began settling in the area and established the North Travancore Plantation and Agricultural Society.
- 1928 The High Range Game Preservation Association was formed.
- 1971 The government of Kerala resumed control under the Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971.
- 1975 The Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary was declared.
- 1978 The area became a national park.
What to see
Plants and landscapes
The park’s vegetation consists mainly of rolling grasslands interspersed with Shola forests. Notable plant species include Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium aronottianum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, Eupatorium adenophorum, and Strobilanthus Kunthianus, commonly known as Neelakurinji (StudyIQ).
Neelakurinji blooms once every twelve years, covering the hills in blue; the next blooming is expected in 2030. The park also has uncommon terrestrial and epiphytic orchids, wild balsams, and other plants. Epiphytes grow on other plants and derive nutrients from the air, rain, and accumulated debris (StudyIQ).
The grasslands, Shola forests, river catchment areas, and panoramic views from the peaks offer photographic subjects. Rajamala is noted for panoramic views and opportunities to see Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji.
Wildlife and birds
Eravikulam is home to 29 mammal species, five of which are unique to the Western Ghats. Its best-known resident is the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). The park holds the largest remaining population of the species, accounting for half of its global numbers (StudyIQ).
Other mammals include Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild canines. Civet cats and jungle cats are typically found in the Shola forests, while panthers are usually seen in the open grasslands. The park also supports elephants, langurs, and martens (ExploreBees).
The park has 140 recorded bird species, ten of them unique to the Western Ghats. Notable birds include the Grey-breasted Laughingthrush (Garrulax jerdoni), Nilgiri Flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudata), and Black-and-Orange Flycatcher (Ficedula nigrorufa) (StudyIQ).
The Atlas moth, described as the largest of its kind in the world, is among the park’s notable insects. More than 100 butterfly species have been identified, and the park is home to 20 species of amphibians (ExploreBees).
Conservation
The park’s transformation from a hunting ground into a protected area has helped preserve the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife. Its management is described as being handled by the High Range Wildlife Environmental Preservation Association in collaboration with the Forest Department, with a focus on protecting the Nilgiri Tahr. It is also described as managed by the Kerala Department of Forest and Wildlife, Munnar, with conservation programs to protect its flora and fauna (Munnar Tourism, ExploreBees).
The sanctuary declaration in 1975 and the national park designation in 1978 strengthened protection for the Nilgiri Tahr and the park’s biodiversity (Wikipedia). Ongoing challenges remain, and management continues to focus on protecting the park’s natural heritage. Sustainable tourism and responsible visitor experiences are central to these efforts (Spice Tree Munnar).
Practical visiting information
Visiting hours
The park is open every day from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It closes during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season, usually from February to March.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Prices are INR 125 for Indian adults, INR 95 for children, and INR 420 for foreign nationals.
Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Binoculars and cameras are useful for wildlife and bird watching; light snacks are also suggested. Visiting early in the morning is advised to avoid crowds and increase the chances of wildlife sightings. Booking tickets online is recommended to avoid long queues (Wanderon).
Littering, smoking, and loud noises are strictly prohibited to maintain the park’s ecological balance.
The park’s conservation success has been presented as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of collective determination and shared responsibility in protecting natural ecosystems. The guide also promotes the Audiala mobile app for travel tips and updates, and social media for the latest news and information about this and other destinations.
Nearby places and activities
Nearby attractions include the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, and Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. Visitors can also explore Rajmala Hills and Nayamakad Waterfall.
Guided tours offer information about the park’s wildlife and history. Rajamala’s panoramic views are among the suggested photographic spots.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for Eravikulam National Park?
The park is open every day from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season, usually February to March.
How much do tickets cost for Eravikulam National Park?
Tickets are INR 125 for Indian adults, INR 95 for children, and INR 420 for foreign nationals. They can be purchased online or at the entrance.
