Kerala EXPERIENCES

Kerala Experiences - Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam national park is spread over an extensive area of 97 sq. km along the crest of Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idukki district. Located 15 km from Munnar, it is one of most important tourist destinations in Kerala. it is the first national park in Kerala. The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m.

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr, estimated at about 750 individuals. The other ungulates are lion-tailed macaques, 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 dusky palm squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri flycatcher and Kerala laughingthrush. The national park is divided into three areas – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. In which, the Rajamalai is known to be the tourism area of the park. Here, the tourists are allowed to travel deep into the forest to explore the hidden beauty of the environment around