Eravikulam National Park is located in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala in south India. This national park is part of the Western Ghats. This National Park is famous for some rare animal species like Varayadu or Nilagiri Tahr (resembling Goat), Golden Jackal, etc. Animal conservation is the main idea behind this national park’s formation.
Varayadu or Nilgiri Tahr inside Eravikulam National Park
This national park has an area of approximately 97 square kilometers. It comes under the Munnar Wildlife Division of the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department.
Many mammals, including some rare species, are in this Wildlife sanctuary. There are a total of 26 species. Birds numbering 132 species are there in the National Park.
Lokkam Waterfalls, located in this national park, is a significant tourist attraction.
This National Park has “NeelaKurinji’ (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which flowers once every 12 years. NeelaKurinji flowered last In the year 2006. 46 species of Neelakuringi, out of the 200 plus species, are estimated to be in India. Different species flower differently; some once in a year, some others once in 16 years!
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady is another nearby National Park in the same district.
Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary are other nearby sanctuaries.
How do I Go to Eravikulam National Park?
Eravikulam National Park is accessible by road from Munnar. The national park is at a distance of 15 kilometers from Munnar city, which is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in India.
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, 148 kilometers away. Aluva (120 kilometers), Ernakulam (145 kilometers), and Kottayam (157 kilometers) are the nearest railway stations to Eravikulam Biological Park.