Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park In Kerala, India

Eravikulam National Park, located in the Idukki district of Kerala, is one of India’s most significant biodiversity hotspots, covering 97 square kilometers in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is renowned for its rolling grasslands, mist-covered hills, and rich biodiversity, making it one of the most scenic and ecologically significant national parks in South India. One of the biggest attractions of Eravikulam is its status as the largest habitat of the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a rare mountain goat species endemic to the Western Ghats.

Apart from Nilgiri tahrs, the park is home to Indian leopards, jungle cats, Indian gaurs (bison), golden jackals, sambar deer, and several species of bats and small mammals. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, featuring endemic species like the Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, black-and-orange flycatcher, and the Malabar whistling thrush. A unique natural phenomenon in Eravikulam is the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom, which occurs once every 12 years, covering the hills in a mesmerizing blanket of blue-purple flowers.

This rare event last occurred in 2018 and will happen again in 2030, drawing nature lovers and photographers from around the world. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi (2,695 meters), is located within the park, offering breathtaking views and a challenging trek for adventure seekers. Visitors can also explore the Rajamalai region, the only part of the park accessible to tourists, where guided tours and eco-tourism initiatives provide insights into the park’s biodiversity.

Flora And Fauna

• Nilgiri Tahr
• Neelakurinjilion-Tailed Macaquee