Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km² national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala.The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with sholas. Anamudi (2695 m, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas is inside this park. Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge together to form tributaries of the Periyar river and Chalakudiyar River on the west and the east flowing Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu.

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr, estimated at about 750 in number. The other ungulates are Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little known animals such as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and (Funambulus sublineatus) Dusky striped squirrel are also found.[4] Elephants make seasonal visits.

132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon,Yellow-Throated Marten, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush.Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the Red Disk Bushbrown and Palni Fourwing are among the 101 species in the park.19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park.

Three major types of plant communities are found in the Park - grasslands, shrublands and forests. The terrain above 2000m is covered primarily by grasslands. However, there are numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in these areas. The deeper valleys are extensively forested. Shrublands predominate along the bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. The antibacterial Eupatorium glandulosum is found here.

Best time to visit

The climate of this region is greatly influenced by the southwestern monsoon.June,July and August are the monsoon months and this is the period when the region receives rainfall while April and May are the hottest months.January and February receive little rain and the climate is clear during this time.From September to December,the northeast monsoon brings a little rain and this period along with the months of January and February are the best time to visit the park.

Getting Here

By Air

Cochin is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 135km from here. Private coaches and buses can be hired from Cochin to reach Eravikulam.

By Rail

Munnar is the nearest railhead town from Eravikulam, located at a distance of 13km from here. You can reach Eravikulam from Munnar by hiring a coach or a cab.

By Road

Private coaches and cabs are available on hire to reach Eravikulam from different parts of Kerala.