Eravikulam National Park, located in the Western Ghats of the Idukki district of Kerala, India is a rich tourist hotspot. Eravikulam park was established in 1978 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of about 97 square kilometers.The park lies at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,695 meters above sea-level.
Eravikulam park vegetation includes grasslands, shola forests, and montane grasslands. The park is famous for its population of Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats. Eravikulam is home to over 800 Nilgiri Tahrs, which is a significant portion of the global population.
Eravikulam park park is one of the habitats for the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. More than 130 bird species inhabit the park, including the endangered Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon. Over 100 species of butterflies can be found in the park, Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque, other mammals include the Indian Bison, Malayan Sun Bear, and Wild Boar.
Eravikulam park houses several species of reptiles, such as the King Cobra and Python. It is home to amphibians like the Southern Hill Frog. The park is rich in insect diversity, including species like the Swallowtail Butterfly. The park experiences a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.Annual rainfall ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 mm.
Eravikulam park’s plant life includes species like the Neelakurinji, which blooms once on every 12 years. It features endemic plants like the Kurinji, used to create the Kurinji-Shola forests.
Eravikulam park is a popular ecotourism destination, known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. The park is a center for ecological and conservation research.It is a critical area for the conservation of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park’s grasslands and forests have historical significance for the local tribes.
Eravikulam park has distinct vegetation zones, from grasslands at higher elevations to dense forests in the lower regions. The park features stunning landscapes, including the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. The park is protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Poaching and habitat loss are ongoing threats to the park’s wildlife.
Eravikulam park is an excellent location for bird watchers due to its rich avian diversity. The landscape changes between seasons, from lush green during the monsoon to dry during the summer.Visitors need permits to enter the park, and activities are regulated to minimize ecological impact.
Eravikulam National Park remains one of India’s most significant protected areas for wildlife conservation and natural beauty.