Eravikulam National Park
Rolling grasslands and shola forest across Eravikulam shelter around a third of the. World’s Nilgiri tahr population, largely undisturbed by human presence. The park’s Rajamalai section is also the best-known site for the Neelakurinji shrub. Blue-purple flowers famously bloom en masse only once every twelve years. Eravikulam National Park sits at an elevation of 2298 m. Is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are April, March, May, and February. Conditions are best suited for sightseeing.
Eravikulam National Park at a Glance
Essential information about Eravikulam National Park.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Rolling grasslands and shola forest across Eravikulam shelter around a third of the world’s Nilgiri tahr population, largely undisturbed by human presence, and the park’s Rajamalai section is also the best-known site for the Neelakurinji shrub, whose blue-purple flowers famously bloom en masse only once every twelve years. Eravikulam National Park sits at an elevation of 2298 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are April, March, May, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Eravikulam Lake, Neelakurinji Flowering Grounds, and Rajamalai Hills. Other notable highlights include spotting Nilgiri tahr on Rajamala grasslands, neelakurinji blooms once every 12 years, and trek to Anamudi peak, South India’s highest. It falls within Munnar, Idukki district, and Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Spotting Nilgiri tahr on Rajamala grasslands
- Neelakurinji blooms once every 12 years
- Trek to Anamudi peak, South India’s highest
- Misty Shola forests with rare orchids
- Watch rolling clouds from Lakkam Waterfalls viewpoint
- Listen for Malabar whistling thrush calls at dawn
Places That Define Eravikulam National Park
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Getting There
Things To Do
Spot Nilgiri Tahr on the Rajamala Hills
Walk the main trekking path through the rolling grasslands and rocky cliffs, where you will almost certainly see herds of the endangered Nilgiri tahr grazing or resting. The best sightings are in the early morning when the animals are most active.
3 hours
Walk the Lakkam Waterfalls Trail
This short, downhill path from the park’s entrance leads to the base of the Lakkam Waterfalls, a cascading stream that tumbles over mossy rocks. It’s a refreshing stop, but note that swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the tahr’s water source.
45 minutes
Observe the Shola Forest Ecosystem at the Interpretation Centre
Before entering the core zone, visit the small interpretation centre near the ticket counter, which explains the unique shola-grassland mosaic, the tahr’s lifecycle, and the park’s conservation history. It’s a quick, educational stop that enriches your understanding of what you’ll see on the trail.
20 minutes
Ride the Shuttle Bus Through the Buffer Zone
The park’s mandatory shuttle (from the base at Munnar to the entrance) winds through tea estates and lower grasslands, offering your first glimpse of tahr on distant slopes. Sit on the left side for the best views of the valley and the occasional elephant or gaur in the early morning.
30 minutes (one way)
Witness the Neelakurinji Bloom (Seasonal)
If you visit between August and October during the mass flowering year (last occurred in 2018, next in 2030), the entire hillside turns a stunning purplish-blue. The park’s shuttle bus will drop you near the densest patches, but even in non-bloom years, you can see scattered Kurinji shrubs.
30 minutes (bus stop to bloom area)
Hike to the Anamudi Peak Viewpoint
Although climbing Anamudi (the highest peak in South India) is not allowed, the designated viewpoint on the main trail offers a dramatic, unobstructed view of its granite summit. This is the closest you can get legally, and the panoramic vista of the surrounding Western Ghats is breathtaking.
1 hour (from the trailhead viewpoint)
Top Attractions
Anamudi Peak
The highest peak in South India at 2,695 meters, visible from the park’s viewpoint but not accessible to the public. It is a sacred and protected area, often shrouded in mist, and offers a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Travel Tips
Carry your own oxygen and take it slow
The altitude is around 2,000 meters, and the thin air can cause breathlessness, even for fit seniors. Walk at a gentle pace, pause frequently on the boardwalk, and keep a small oxygen canister or inhaler if you have any respiratory condition.
Book bus tickets in advance online
The park only allows a limited number of visitors per day, and the shuttle bus from the base to the top fills up fast. Book your slot and bus tickets on the official Kerala Forest Department website at least a week ahead, especially during peak season (September to May).
Use the restroom at the base before boarding the bus
There are no toilets along the trekking path or at the top, and the walk plus bus ride can take over two hours. Make sure everyone in your group uses the clean washrooms at the base ticket counter area before starting the journey.
Wear layered clothing and a windproof jacket
Weather at the park is unpredictable—sunny one minute, cold and misty the next, with strong winds possible. Seniors should carry a light thermal, a waterproof windcheater, and a woolen cap to stay comfortable during the 1-2 hour walk.
Stick to the marked boardwalk and use the provided walking sticks
The path is paved but can be slippery with dew and uneven in places. Take the free walking sticks available at the entrance, hold the handrails, and never step off the boardwalk—this protects both you and the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
Frequently Asked Questions
The park is about 15 km from Munnar town, and you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the entrance at Rajamalai. From the entrance, you must use the park’s shuttle bus, which takes you to the trekking point—this is comfortable and suitable for seniors. The main walking trail is a paved, gentle 1.5 km loop, but there are some steps and slopes, so sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended.
The best time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The park is closed from February to mid-April for the calving season of the Nilgiri tahr, so avoid those months. Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rain and slippery trails, making visits less enjoyable.
Carry a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can drop suddenly, especially in the morning and evening. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and a small snack, but note that plastic bottles and wrappers are not allowed inside—use reusable items. There are public toilets near the entrance and a small canteen at the base, but no restaurants or shops on the trail itself.
The main attraction is the endangered Nilgiri tahr, which you can often spot grazing on the grassy slopes. You may also see langurs, barking deer, and a variety of birds, but large predators are rare. Always stay on the marked trail, do not feed animals, and keep your voice low—the park is a protected sanctuary, and rangers are strict about rules.
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season, as daily visitor numbers are capped. You can book online through the Kerala Forest Department’s website or via the official app. Entry fees are around ₹200 per adult for Indians and ₹500 for foreign nationals, plus a shuttle bus charge of about ₹75 per person.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Eravikulam National Park
Day 1
Arrive in Munnar, the base town for Eravikulam National Park, and settle in with a relaxed afternoon. The morning is for acclimatizing to the cool hill air and enjoying the scenic drive through tea estates. The afternoon focuses on the town’s colonial charm and spice gardens, with an early dinner to prepare for an early start tomorrow.
- Visit the Tea Museum to learn about Munnar’s plantation history and sample fresh tea.
- Stroll through the Blossom Hydel Park or the nearby botanical garden for a gentle walk among flowers and shrubs.
- Take a short, easy drive to the Mattupetty Dam viewpoint, where you can spot birds and enjoy the lake’s calm waters.
Day 2
Dedicate this full day to the park itself, entering early in the morning when animals are most active and crowds are thin. The main attraction is the rolling grasslands and shola forests, home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Neelakurinji blooms, which occur once every 12 years, are a spectacular bonus if you visit during the flowering season (usually August to October). The afternoon is for a gentle drive through surrounding viewpoints and a wildlife interpretation center.
- Enter Eravikulam National Park via the Rajamala gate and take the shuttle bus to the trekking path (the main trail is a 2-3 km loop, mostly flat, suitable for seniors).
- Walk the designated trail while watching for Nilgiri tahr grazing on cliffs, and listen for the calls of the Malabar whistling thrush.
- Stop at the park’s interpretation center to view exhibits on the tahr and the Neelakurinji, then drive to the nearby Top Station viewpoint for panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
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