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Eravikulam National Park, Munnar

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

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.

Things to Do

Spot Nilgiri Tahr on the Rajamala Hills

3 hours

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.

NatureModerate

Walk the Lakkam Waterfalls Trail

45 minutes

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.

AdventureModerate

Observe the Shola Forest Ecosystem at the Interpretation Centre

20 minutes

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.

CultureEasy

Ride the Shuttle Bus Through the Buffer Zone

30 minutes (one way)

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.

SightseeingEasy

Witness the Neelakurinji Bloom (Seasonal)

30 minutes (bus stop to bloom area)

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.

NatureEasy

Hike to the Anamudi Peak Viewpoint

1 hour (from the trailhead 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.

SightseeingModerate

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quick Information

Best Time

October to March

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