Eravikulam National Park, The First National Park In Kerala

I am sure you will be very much happy once you visit The Eravikulam National Park. Here, I am trying to assist you and tried to provide some important information for your journey. I hope, This article will help you to plan your journey toward Kerala.

Eravikulam National Park & Its Importance

The Eravikulam National Park is the first National Park in Kerala, India. The size of the Eravikulam Park is a 97 sq. km area for visitors. The Park is in the background of a Tea Plantation in the hill area. Further, The main body of the Eravikulam National Park contains high mountains. The National Park contains a very large share of the country’s flora and fauna which is very much attractive to visitors. The majority of the flora and fauna are endemic to South India. I am sure this place will give you a wonderful experience if you are a person who loves Nature and if you love to feel Nature.

Did you know that this is a UNESCO Heritage?

The Western Ghats Mountain in South India is a UNESCO world heritage. At the same time, That is one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the world. Moreover, The Western Ghats Mountain is the Great Escarpment of India. The Government of Kerala, citizens of India, and visitors have a responsibility to protect the mountain and its resources.  The Western ghats mountains affect Indian monsoon weather patterns by intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds. The mountains directly influence the climate and rain of the south Indian region. Therefore, It is our duty and responsibility to protect this place as visitors.  

The “Anamudi” mountain in this National Park is the highest peak in South India. It is 2.695 meters high. If you are enjoying climbing the mountains this is a real place for you. There are many existing streams available in the National Park. These streams meet together. (This Periyar river is the longest river in Kerala state which is in this park.)

On the other side, they meet together and then flow into a large river named the Cauvery River in the east. Lakkom waterfall is in this region for you to visit. The waterfall is also a part of the Eravikulam stream. The Lokkom waterfalls falling down the mountains have a special beginning in the heart of the National Park. You can enjoy cool, clear, and Natural water here without any chemicals to make it clean. The “Pooyamkutty” and “Idamalayar forests are on the north-western side” of this National Park. If you love the silence, green and natural wind of a forest, this place will give you a wonderful experience.

History of Eravikulam National Park

Have you ever thought, about why you must visit here? Actually, there are many reasons for the visit to the Eravikulam National Park. I have mentioned many in my first column. Anyway, I would like to mention here something which I didn’t mention early. What are the facts related to history and the establishment of this National Park? This area managed the Kanan Devan Hills Produce company before 1971. Lately, The government of Kerala Began again to control in the year 1971 (Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971). They officially mentioned the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1975. Finally, This became a National Park in the year 1978.

 The Department of Forest and Wildlife of the Government of Kerala at present is monitoring and managing the Eravikulam Park. So, this fully works and rules under the Government body.

Is Eravikulam National Park Worth Visiting?

why not? This is a wonderful experience for you. You will much enjoy visiting here. This is a real place for a Nature lover. The Eravikulam National Park is also a wonderful place for a scholar who does research related to these species. Further, that’s a great place for you to experience joy and relaxation in life with mother Nature. If you want to experience a change, then this is the best place for you.

Can you believe there are more than twenty-six mammals in this park for us to watch? yes, it is. According to the studies, There are more than twenty-six kinds of mammals living in this Eravikulam National Park.

Do you know that The Western Ghats mountains are older than the Himalayas? But, Many were talking about the Himalayas but not much knowing the value of the Western Ghats. Therefore, The Mountain and the related areas have a historical value for India.

The Society and Culture Around The Eravikulam National Park

The National Park is a protected area for visitors. The area of Eravikulam National Park has three main parts. The main area is the tourism area. The rest of the areas are not. Therefore, the Visitors can visit only the tourism area. You must be aware that The Tourism area is in Rajamala. As the park has been built to protect and conserve the Nilagiri Tahr, you are requested to enjoy it without any disturbance to them. Therefore, You are requested to respect the silence. Every one of you is requested to protect and save Nilagiri Tahr as he is endemic and the identity of this place.  

Following Activities are Not Allowed

Be aware that Carrying food and beverage items into the National Park from outside is not allowed. (some tourists use to bring the packeted food and have it inside. They are leaving the packets after having food inside the parks. These kinds of activities are polluting the environment of the park. Therefore, avoid such foods in the Park.) But, That does not mean you are not allowed to eat something here. So, There are places for you to buy food nearby after visiting the Park.  

Please do not bring items that make Environmental pollution such as plastic, politeness, or anything which pollutes the environment. Hence, Please be kind enough to Leave only your footprints. we want you to take the great memories you spend in the Eravikulam National Park with you. We hope that you will Help Government to protect the environment in this place. That will benefit the other visitors as well.

At the same time, there is another request. Please understand and be aware that Smoking is not allowed inside the National Park. Therefore, please don’t smoke or don’t leave waste inside the National Park. Further, Using any kind of alcohol (Illegal, branded, or imported, nothing is allowed) inside the park is also not allowed. Please don’t bring the alcohol or please don’t use it inside. Moreover, Please be aware that any other drugs which are imported or exported in an illegal way cannot be brought or used inside the National Park.

Please Don’t Do These Practices

There are a few more requests too. The activities such as giving food to animals are not allowed. Because the Institution believes that animals need to find their food in a natural way. Please don’t make animals angry too. Disturbing wild animals in the National Park are strictly not allowed. let’s help Animals live their own way of living. We can watch them without any disturbance. That’s what they hope for.

Further, You are requested not to keep pet animals inside the National Park. That will make issues as there are also animals in the park. The wild animals may not understand the behavior of the pets. The pets also may not understand the behavior of the wild animals. Better avoid them. (Some foreign tourists use to take their pets with them whenever they travel. That is not appreciated inside the park here)

No Harmful Items, Please

No weapons are allowed into the National Park though they are having a permit to keep them with you as per the regulations of your respective country. (Keep a weapon with you may be a usual habit in some countries. But don’t apply them here) Please remember that don’t bring any harmful things or any other properties which are injurious to the wildlife. If you forget to bring such things back, that will be treating the wild animals. That’s the reason for avoiding them. It would be great if you don’t bring even a knife here.

We don’t need to bring big bags such as travel bags with us. You can just bring only the things you need for this journey. You can avoid unnecessary things when you pack the bags. Moreover, Please do remember to take our stuff back with you. Make sure that you are not keeping anything here. That is always better if you carry the simple things for the journey. That’s all. Simple as that.

Please be kind enough to Use the Official entrance. Please take an entry card too when you enter. Be aware that Entry, walking on foot, and picnicking without official permission are punishable. More than the punishment, what the office appreciate is our discipline as a visitor. Therefore, self-control and self-discipline are highly appreciated here.

No Big Sounds, Please

Do not play music inside the Eravikulam National Park where animals are living. Because, Such big sounds are disturbing to the animals in the National Park, which will disturb the visitors who enjoy natural sounds there. So, The Silence can help you hear wildlife. As these animals are wild, they are not familiar with the music. Therefore, music will make them confused. such confused feelings may make changes in their behavior as well.

If you speak louder or if you shout, That is also a disturb for the wild animals. Therefore, It would be great if you can limit your sounds whenever you talk and enjoy the journey. Understanding the behaviors of wild animals is highly appreciated here. Each of your actions as a visitor inside the National park is affecting them. Therefore, be responsible to enjoy your trip while respecting the privacy of the animals as well.

You can Meet The Muthuvans Tribe near The Park

The Region around the Eravikulam National Park is famous for the Indigenous People. They are called Muthuvans Tribe. Therefore, The Management of the park and the Government respect their identity. The visitors need to understand that.

How Do We Communicate?

People in Kerala state speak Malayalam as their mother language. Malayalam is a mix of the Dravidian language and Sanskrit Language. Anyway, The majority of them can speak Tamil, Hindi, and English as well. So, I hope The visitors may have fewer difficulties in Kerala in speaking with others. I personally have never experienced any problem speaking with the natives whenever I travel in Kerala state. The majority of them could speak English.

Things To Do At Eravikulam National Park

This chapter is full of the activities you can do here for your entertainment such as Watch Animals, watching Nilgiri Tahr which is special to this park, watching Native Butterflies, experiencing the Kurinji Trail Service, and Watch Traditional Performances at Cultural Center

Watch Animals in The Park

The are many rare animals such as lion-tailed macaques, gaur, Indian muntjac, and sambar deer at Eravikulam National Park. Moreover, the Golden jackal, jungle cat, wild dog, dhole, leopard, and tiger are the main predators in the National Park. Not only those, but also The Animals such as Nilgiri langur, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian porcupine, Nilgiri marten, small-clawed, ruddy mongoose, and dusky palm squirrel are in Eravikulam National Park.

Elephants also make seasonal visits to Eravikulam National Park which was more attractive to the visitors. Many visitors who reach here from foreign countries are waiting for elephants. Can you imagine that there are more than 132 species of birds in this park? Many are native animals to this place. Many Birds such as the black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied, Nilgiri flycatcher, laughing thrush, etc. are natives here. There are researchers who visit here just to study and watch these birds.

Which Animal is Protected in Eravikulam National Park?

The “Nilgiri tahr” is available in this National Park. So, he receives special respect and attention in this park. According to the reports, there are more than 750 Nilgiri Tahr living in this park at present. Do you know the specialty of Nilgiri Tahr? yes. I will explain below.

The Nilgiri Tahr is native to the Nilgiri hills Nilgiri hills are part of mountains among western Ghats in south India. The state animal of Tamil Nādu state is Nilgiri Tahr. The specialty of Nilgiri tahr is, that they are available only in India. This animal is more closely related to the sheep of the genus Ovis (Ovis is a wild sheep. they live in mountain areas. they are living in North America and West Asia.) than the ibex (Ibex is a wild goat that lives in mountains. it has a long and think hornes. It has a beard as well. It lives in Ethiopia and central Asia as well.)

Actually, Nilgiri tahr is a stocky goat. It has harsh long hair on the neck. Their males are larger than their females. They get darker colors when they get mature. Nilgiri tahrs have curved horns, reaching up to 40 cm for males and 30 cm for females. The adult Nilgiri Tahrs’ average weight is around 80 to 100 kg.

Watch Native Butterflies at Eravikulam National Park

We can’t forget the beauty of Butterflies there. Personally, I am also much interested to watch them. There are many native butterflies belongs South India like Palni fourring in the Eravikulam National Park. Do you believe that there are above 101 varieties of butterflies in the park? yes, That is true. There are many Varieties in the park. They make the National park a beautiful one. Especially kids are enjoying the availability of butterflies very much. Not only the kids but also elders who visit the park entertain them.

You may be read that many Filmmakers also make use of the park for their productions. Because it’s a wonderful experience to have a large number of butterflies around. Butterflies are also seasonal. There are many in a certain time period. In some months, the number of butterflies is normal.

Try Kurinji Trail Service

The Kerala government has introduced a Kurinji Trail service for visitors who like to go for long walks. The above Trail is a soft trekking package.  That service guide you to map out your way through the tracks of the Nilagiri Tahr and grasslands. This will be a three-hour program. Please contact them and request the information about the time on a respective day, you plan to visit or near date. One program is conducted in the evening. One another program is conducted in the morning. Anyway, this is not a free service. You have to pay a considerable amount.

If you are an Indian visitor, you have to pay Rs 290/= for getting this service. If you are a foreign visitor, then you have to pay Rs. 560/=. A minimum of two persons needs to be available to request this service there.

Cultural Center at National Park

There is a Cultural Center inside the Eravikulam National Park. You can entertain and watch Traditional Dance here. The performances are available daily. The Kerala society is famous for its Traditional Kathakali Dance. so, Most of the performances are belongs to the Kathakali tradition in India. If you want to know more about this or need to participate please contact them. The TP number is as follows; +91 9446082901, 9446072901

Best Time To Visit Eravikulam National Park

Though National Park is open till evening, The best time to visit is in the early morning. You will be refreshed by the sounds of the birds and the beauty of flowers as well as the energy of the Sun. You must know that the park is closed in the months of February to March during the year. Please plan your trip accordingly.

Facilities and Services At The Park

I am mentioning here only the services and facilities available at Institutional Level. You can find many more private sector service providers nearby.

The Eco Shop Cafeteria At The Place

The Eco shop cafeteria is there in this place for you. You can pay and buy something to eat from this place if you want. There is also a refreshing center for you to use. (Rs. 20/- per Indian visitor). These facilities are established near the Lokkam waterfalls.

Programs and it’s supporting services Organized By The Authority

The walk at Lakkom waterfalls is a wonderful experience that you can enjoy. This will be a one-hour trek along the enchanting Lakkom waterfalls. The programs are scheduled in the mornings and evenings. But, You have to pay Rs 100/= for one person to get this service.

Facilities For Accommodation And Stay at The Eravikulam Park

If you want to stay nearby this place, you can select Lokkom Log House. That is located near the Lokkom waterfalls. The Natural calm of this place will make you sleep comfortably. The accommodation rates of this place are as follows: Rs. 3000/= for two Indians, Rs. 4000/= Two foreigners, and Rs. 1000/= will be charged for an extra person.  The maximum is 04 persons per family room. You can’t stay more than 04 people in a family room.

Eravikulam National Park Online Booking Problems?

Some of you plan to visit but have to postpone the trip. In such situations, If you want to know about the information on the cancellations, here is some information on them. As per the guidelines of the respective organization, The refund amount will be credited to your account within 8-15 days after submitting the cancellation documents. But, you have to think about the days of application and try to request within their limits.

1) 50% amount can refund. But, conditions apply. Therefore, please contact them and negotiate before you request and try to refund it.

2) The payments for the normal camera and video camera amount also will not payback. Because that is a fixed decision. you can’t negotiate that.

3) Entrance Fees also can deduct. Because you have not visited here. Please apply for the refund as soon as possible whenever you need to cancel it. Therefore, Please Don’t delay. Once you get to know that you have to postpone this, just apply for the refund. Waiting for the last moment is a risk.

5) The decisions are taken by the Management of that office. The refund amount will not exceed what you already paid. Therefore, Please support the office and negotiate with them before you pay and before you visit. Please don’t use middlemen for payments. Please don’t pay in an illegal way. Always use a proper way. Always keep the receipts with you to prove your payments. That will always support you.

Hence, Contact the respective officers. Be aware of the payments as well as the refund limitations before you pay. If so, You may feel comfortable. Pay after knowing everything. Pay once you clarify everything. Don’t pay if you have any doughts in mind.

Eravikulam National Park Entry Fee

(The fees are according to the rates in 2022.)

Indian Adults – 200/- Indian rupees

Foreign Nationals – 500/- Indian rupees

Ordinary Camera –50 /- Indian rupees

Video Camera – 350/- Indian rupees

Reservation fee Rs 50/- Indian rupee

How To Reach Eravikulam National Park?

You have to Reach South India first if you are a foreigner. The exact location is as follows.

In Which State is Eravikulam Park Situated?

The Eravikulam National Park is located along the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Mountain) in the Idukki and Ernakulam Districts of Kerala in India. ( But The Western Ghats mountains’ border links to many states like Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu states.)

The Eravikulam National Park is located in South India exactly in Kerala state. The park is in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. That is in the central part of Kerala state. Munnar, Palani, Theni, Kothamangalam, and Adimali are the nearest towns to the Eravikulam National Park. I have to mention that there are three main public transport systems available for you to travel such as, by Bus (Roads), By train (Railway), or by Flight (by Air) to visit here. Read and select as per your wish.

Reach By Air To The Park

Maybe you are out of Kerala state. Maybe You are not an Indian. In such situations, you have to travel by Air first. After reaching the Airport, Then you have to plan how to reach The National Park from the Airport. So, You have to think about which Airport you feel is easy for you. you have to select it.

There are four Airports in Kerala state. They are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur airports. The Thiruvananthapuram airport of Kerala is also named Trivandrum Airport. The Kozhikode Airport of Kerala is also known as Calicut Airport. You have to be aware that Kochi is also using “cochin”. But, Both are in the same city.

The Eravikulam National Park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) Airports, which are located at about 148 km and 175 km respectively. From National Park to the Airport, you can travel easily. There are many busses or you can Hire a taxi even. That depends on your taste and the pocket as well. Anyway, There are enough transportation facilities here for you to reach the airport. Don’t worry. But, please negotiate the hire before you start the journey if you travel by taxi to Park from Airport. There is no problem if you select the buses as the tickets are fixed amounts. The cost of a bus is always cheaper in India. No worries about that.

Reach By Roads To The Eravikulam Park

I just guess that you are traveling from outside to this place. I also guess you are not traveling in your own car or vehicle. This is just a guide for you. Remember these, if you travel by public transport. Transport services to each city are available in Kerala. But, Using the public transport system is cheaper comparing other ways. There are both public and Pvt buses as well.

The Normal public bus is the cheapest in Kerala. There are normal Pvt busses too. That is also cheaper but the ticket will be a bit more expensive than a public bus. There are also semi-luxury buses by both public and Pvt sectors. Further, there are luxury buses. The tickets will be more costly than others. But the Facilities will be high and you will feel comfortable traveling by that. moreover, there are semi-luxury buses which travel long-distance especially. Such busses never stop at each bus halt or each bus stand. These Busses are stopping in selected towns only. Such busses are traveling very fast. You can go for such options as you wish. The options are available as per your requirements.

You can also travel by bus or taxi as you wish. That depends on your interest of yours and at the same time, depending on the budget you have. So, Munnar is the nearest town (13 km) to this place. All buses belong to Kerala and Tamil Nadu states working here properly. Therefore, don’t worry if you plan to visit here by road and by Bus.

Let’s Try To Reach By Railway

Some travelers are crazy to have a Train experience. Of course, that’s a different and wonderful experience. Traveling by Train in mountain areas is also a wonderful experience. If you want to travel by Train and reach this park, the info is as follows. The nearest Railway Station to Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is in Alwaye. Anyway, That is far 120 km from The National Park. There is another Railway station in Coimbatore of Tamil Nadu State. But, That is 160 km far from National Park. (Coimbatore belongs to Tamil Nadu State.)

Anyway, you have to take a bus or taxi to reach these Railway Stations from the National Park. That is not a problem at present. There are many. As I mentioned early, fix your hire before you start the journey If you select a taxi. Anyway, there are taxis which receive using a meter. Maybe 10/= Indian rupees per one kilometer. The amount can be changed in the future. You can select such Taxies. Otherwise, there are facilities in India to hire a taxi online. In such taxies receive the hire as per the distance and for a fixed amount per Km. You can select such a taxi if you prefer.

Contact Details of The Forest Information Center in The Park

If you need more information about these places, you can contact the Forest Information center established there. The Contact details of the Centre are as follows,

Forest Information Center, Wildlife Warden’s Office, Munnar – 685612

TP – 0091 4865 231 587, Mobile – 08301024187, 08547603199, Email –  [email protected]

Details About Cancellation and Refund Booking at Eravikulam National Park

If you want to know more about this Cancellation and Refund Policy, please email the responsible office. Because I have mentioned the basic information here. Anyway, you yourself can ask them directly. Their Email is here; at [email protected]

If you want to write them and post a letter, the address is here. Information cum Ticket Booking Centre, Office of Wildlife Waren, Eravikulam National Park, Wildlife Division, Munnar P.O. Pin: 685612, Kerala, India

Please, Make sure you are calling them during the daytime. Please consider the Indian time when you call from another country. (Consider the time difference with your respective country). Normally, that’s office hours. working time – time: 8:00 am – 2.00 pm (plan to visit here within these hours of the working days of the working months)

Details About Eco-Tourism at Eravikulam Park

There is a government office that promotes and looks after the Ecotourism activities in the region. So, You can contact them for getting more information about the place. You also get their services and information on other places to visit nearby, which you can visit later etc. Therefore, we will provide you with the contact details here. The Details are as follows,

Office of the Director – Ecotourism, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India – 695014,

Tel: +91 4712329770, 8547059770,

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

The Summary Of The Content

This article will provide you with a complete idea about the Eravikulam National Park. The article share information such as the importance of the park, The history of the park, where is it situated, How to reach it, Dos & Don’ts, Support services, Payments, Contact details, and further reading links. We hope this article will support you. Further, we will update the article from time to time. That depends on the available information and its changes.

Special Note

If you need to know any other information please comment below. Please do write down your experience regarding this journey for the information of our loyal readers. They will like to know about your experience.

Read More On This Park

• The Kerala Government’s official website of Kerala Tourism
• Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department

Coming up Next

Our Next Article is about The Pampadum Shola National Park, Kerala, India