Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

Eravikulam National Park, Munnar History, Timings & Entry Fee

Near Idukki, Kerala, in the Southern Western Ghats, sits Eravikulam National Park. The national park is best described by its name, Eravikulam, which means streams and pools. Before the Keralan government upgraded the park’s designation to that of a National Park in 1978, the territory was administered as a Game Preserve.

The now critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr once lived in this part of the park. In 1975, it was given protection in this environment. Covering 92 square kilometres, Eravikulam National Park is made up of high-altitude meadows.

At 2000 meters above sea level, the National Park’s centre rolling plateau serves as its primary natural feature. There is a lot of rolling terrain in this park, and Anamudi, at 2695 meters, is the highest peak in the area.

Shola woods, grasslands, and shrublands are the three main types of vegetation found in the region. The grasslands mostly dominate the high plateaus and hills that encircle the park, while the shrubland is more noticeable around the cliffs’ bases. The valleys between the hills and plateaus are home to the Shola forests. The deepest valley in this area, Turner’s Valley, roughly separates the northwest and southwest sections of the park.

History of Eravikulam National Park, Munnar 

The Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company oversaw the national park as a Game Reserve until 1971. The High Range Game Preservation Association, a local non-governmental organisation founded in 1928, has been in charge of managing and safeguarding this territory.

A number of hunters, naturalists, and scientists were drawn to the Eravikulam National Park because of its distinct terrain, climate, and isolation. When the North Travancore Plantation and Agricultural Society was founded in 1879, early European explorers such as Colonel Douglas Hamilton and J.D. Munro began to settle in this region.

The leader of the local kingdom, Poonjat Raja, gave them a concessional price for a 227 square mile region. The land was then put up for auction among the society’s members for agricultural purposes, and a variety of plantation crops, including coffee and cinchona, were grown.

In 1890, the first tea was grown in the High Ranges, and shortly after, the natural vegetation was being cleared to make way for the widespread cultivation of tea and eucalyptus. In addition to farming, British hunters enjoyed hunting and had their own spaces for entertainment. Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Gaur, Tiger, and Leopard were among the creatures they hunted.

According to the Kannan Devan Hills Act of 1971, the Keralan government intended to allocate the land for agricultural use after receiving it that was not being used for cultivation. In 1975, the government designated the area as Eravikulam-Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary as a result of the efforts of scientists, naturalists, and planters.

Later, in 1978, the region was elevated to the status of a National Park, under the management of the Munnar Division. The High Range Wildlife Environmental Preservation Association took over the company’s management after it changed hands. They have partnered with the Forest Department to manage and preserve the park with a strong focus on safeguarding the Nilgiri Tahr.

Eco – Tourism in Evarikulam Park, Munnar

1. KFDC Flower Garden

Situated on Munnar-Mattupetty Road, this lovely flower garden features a diverse range of vibrant blossoms that beautify its environment. This area is home to hundreds of uncommon flower varieties as well as cacti, shrubs, creepers, and herbal plants. The Kerala Forest Development Centre (KFDC) is in charge of its upkeep. It features a sales area, restrooms, a store, snack and coffee cafes, and other facilities for the comfort of visitors.

This place may be reached in around 30 minutes if you’re in a rush. Spend a couple of hours in this stunning natural refuge, nevertheless, if you have some free time.

2. Tea Museum

A unique glimpse into the history, cultivation, and types of tea found in the area may be found at the Tea Museum in Evarikulam. The nuances of tea production are explained, along with how the equipment used has changed throughout time to increase the amount and quality of tea produced.

3. Rajamala

The main tourist destination in Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala, is where visitors may see the well-known Nilgiri Tahr in its native environment. With the exception of February and March, this destination is open to tourists all year round. The genuine experience of the Kurinji and Shola grassland ecology is what makes Rajamala famous. The facilities for this attraction includes arrangements for safari buses to pick up and drop off tourists at the 5th Mile. There are eateries, eco-stores, and a shopping area in the park where you may purchase necessities.

Entry time: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fee: INR 90 (Indian, Adult), INR 65 (Indian, Child), INR 360 (Foreigner)
Reservation fee: INR 50 (Reservation counter 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Information centre, Munnar)

4. Lakkom Water Falls

The stunning Lakkom Water Falls waterfall begins in Evarikulam Park and empties into the Pambar River, one of Kerala’s east-flowing rivers. As they cascade down the nooks and crannies of the hills, the glistening waters of Lakkom Waterfalls provide a magnificent spectacle. It is located beside the road between Munnar and Marayoor, and it has a cafeteria, eco shop, and refreshment facility to serve tourists.

Fee: INR 20 per individual.

5. Lakkom Log House

There is a log home near the waterfall where you can find lodging in the middle of the wilderness’s stunning vegetation. This location is a wonderful haven in the middle of nature, far from the bustle. It is 3:00 PM when you report at the Log House from Lakkom Water Falls.

Tariff: INR 4,000 for foreign visitors and INR 3,000 for two Indians
Additional person: INR 1000

6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar

One of the twelve such facilities in Kerala, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats, a region rich in indigenous flora and fauna that makes it a popular tourist destination. Numerous medicinal plants can be found in Chinnar, and its animal population includes grizzled giant squirrels, star tortoises, gaurs, spotted deer, tufted grey langurs, slender loris, crocodiles, wild elephants, tigers, leopards, various birds, and many more.

7. Trekking

Furthermore, you can investigate the Kurinji route, which leads into the Nilgiri Thar and Kurinji-filled grasslands. The walk lasts for three hours, beginning at 8:00 AM and ending at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Indian tourists pay INR 200 per person, whereas foreign nationals (at least two people) pay INR 300 per person. The Anamudi mountain, the tallest mountain in all of South India, is also visible from this location. In order to benefit children and educate them the importance of protecting the environment and better caring for Mother Nature, a Nature Education Camp is also hosted here.

Stay Near Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

Tourists can choose from a variety of camps, resorts, and nature retreats that also provide excellent lodging choices. Among these are Ecotones Camps, Camp Noel, Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat, Nature Zone Resort, Rock Resort, and Deep Woods Resort. They all offer first-rate amenities, such as a breathtaking view of Evarikulum, delectable cuisine, and friendly service. If these don’t suit your needs, there are several more camps and motels that are also available.

Things to Keep in Mind while at Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

It is necessary to protect and maintain the natural community’s sensitivity at Eravikulam National Park. This is made possible by implying certain guidelines that guests to Eravikulam National Park are expected to keep in mind and follow.

Promoting the regulations is necessary because the park is home to endangered animals. These consist of:

1. Both nature and the creatures who inhabit it are unpredictable. Therefore, it’s critical to keep in mind that animal sightings are entirely dependent on chance. Although there is no guarantee that you will see any creatures, if you are fortunate, take out your camera and capture the moment before it disappears!

2. It is completely forbidden to bring outside food or drinks into the park. This could result in littering, which is a crime that can be punished. It is requested that visitors to Eravikulam National Park refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol on park property in order to preserve the park’s honour. Enjoy the park’s clean, fresh atmosphere without causing any pollution.

3. Visitors to Eravikulam National Park are asked to exercise environmental awareness. Animals are typically much more sensitive than people to things we might not consider, such loud music, loud conversation, and noise in general. Feeding the animals and even carrying your own pets may be hazardous to the animals in Eravikulam National Park and you too.

4. One of the few parks in the nation free of plastic is Eravikulam National Park. Anything made of plastic that you bring with you will be thrown away. While at the park, please do not possess any. Even dangerous things like guns are prohibited in Eravikulam National Park. Special activities for walking and picnics are planned by the management. Plans that are not authorised will not be accepted.

Entry Timings and Fee of Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

Eravikulam National Park is open for admission from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Indian nationals must pay Rs. 125 per person to enter Eravikulam National Park, while children must pay Rs. 95 per person. The entrance charge for foreign nationals is Rs. 420 per person. The fee is Rs. 335 if you want to bring your own video camera inside. The cost of transporting a standard camera is Rs. 45.

Because of the Nilgiri Tahr calving season, Eravikulam National Park is closed to visitors from January 29 to March 31.

Best Time To Visit Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

The ideal time of year to visit Eravikulam National Park is from April to June and from September to November.

How to Reach Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

Munnar is around 15 kilometres away from this national park. Kottayam, which is 142 km away, and Ernakulam, which is 130 km away, are the closest train stations to Eravikulam National Park. The closest airports are Cochin International Airport, which is roughly 150 km away, and Madurai, which is 142 km away in Tamilnadu. A taxi can be rented from the train station or the airport.