Eravikulam

Eravikulam National Park located at 7000 feet above sea level is blessed with biodiversity of high elevation shola-grassland ecosystem. Spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan Devan hills, the National Park is a sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr. Eco tourism is its appeal. The natural beauty of the Western Ghats, adventures in the environs are accessible to visitors with least damage to the environment and the inhabitant. Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, stands majestically at height of 2695 m in the core area of the national park. The area abounds in many kinds of rare flora which include rare orchids and beautiful wild balsams. Species inhabiting the sanctuary are Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, leopard, tiger, Indian bison, etc. Trekking and other activities are allowed in the designated tourism zone. Accessible by vehicles, the views are breathtaking. Numerous trekking trails in the sanctuary make for pleasant adventures. A one day trek from the Lakshom Falls is worth a try. Scale the heights of the highest peak of Western Ghats, The Anamudi Peak. Fishing is a thrilling pastime in the park area. Rainbow trouts and abundant in the streams. For the best experiences of the blessed environs stay at the log house or the government guest house or the many resorts in Munnar. It is advisable to not visit the national park during the early months of the year. The park may be closed for visitors because it is calving time of the Tahr. ECOTOURISM Responsible and managed ecotourism is a boon to the long term conservation of biodiversity. With this concept in mind few ecotourism activities have been designed with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. Anamudi FDA (Forest Development Agency) under the Munnar Wildlife Division is the agency coordinating the ecotourism activities here.