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The Eravikulam National is home to half the world’s population of the majestic Nilgiri Tahr (also known Nilgiri Ibex) and is the best place to see this rare mountain goat in its natural wild habitat. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. Trekking facilities are available here to other parts of the park.

Apart from the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr, the park has robust numbers of Gaur, Sambar and Indian Muntjac. The chief predators here are Leopard, Tiger, Jungle cats and Wild Dog packs. The Park is also home to unique and little-known animals such the Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel.

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. At an altitude of 6000 ft in Kerala’s Idukki district, Munnar was once the favourite summer resort of the past British Government in South India.

Green rolling expanses of tea plantations, picture book homes, winding lanes, pristine valleys and hills and the refreshing aroma of spice scented make Munnar a unique experience.

Breath-takingly beautiful, Munnar is an idyllic tourist destination in God's own country, which offers a haven of peace and tranquility on one hand and the rush of wildlife-rich sanctuaries on the other.  Munnar is well connected by road and offers a range of accommodation to travellers of every kind.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
For a wildlife experience yet not touched by commercials, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary close-by, is a wonderful option. Chinnar WLS is not just famously rich for birdlife and butterflies, it is also very rich in variety of Giant Squirrel and leopard, besides being elephant country.

Refreshingly, Chinnar WLS does not offer any conducted safaris, (park entry is Rs. 10/-, timings 7am to 5pm), rather there are light eco-tourism treks into the interiors with local forest guides. Morning timings are between 6 and 10 am while evening timings are between 3 - 6pm. Lasting about 3 hours each, they cost approx 50/- and are money well spent.

Stay at Chinnar WLS is best in the interior most Vasyappara Machaan (costs 2,500/- per head for two) which offers stunning early morning views of huge numbers of animals grazing below. Other good places to stay at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are in the Machaans at Koottar & Karakkad ( 1000/- for two, extra person 250/-). There is also a Treehouse (costs 500/- per person and 100/- for an extra person).  Simple veg food is served at all Machaans and at the Tree-house.

Places to stay at Eravikulam National Park
The closest accommodation for Eravikulam National Park is in Munnar town. Where there is a variety at various budgets... details

1. Royal Retreat at Kannan Devan Hills, Residency at Top Station Road are above medium hotels
2. Hotel Issacs, East End at Temple Road has some medium range rooms and cottages.
3. Sree Narayana Lodge (S N Lodge) near Post Office is a economic and there are also less expensive hotels in old Munnar.
4. In addition, there are government guest houses at Munnar and Devikulam. PWD rest houses also offers accommodation.

While it is open year round, the best time to visit the Eravikulam National Park is between the months of September and March and the best time for Tahr sightings is in the Oct – Nov months.

6 mini-buses are operated by park staff to both manage visitors and as a pollution-control measure. Private vehicles are not allowed within the park. The park fees is INR 35 per head (Foreigners INR 200 per head)

The park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 km and 175 km respectively. Munnar, the nearest large town (13 km) and is well connected by good roads and the best option for accommodation.

Contact information for Eravikulam National Park:
For communication
The Wildlife Warden
Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.
Kerala, India.
PIN:685 612
E-mail: roywlw@eravikulam.org

For enquiries and reservations
Forest Information Centre
Wildlife Warden's Office, Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.
Kerala, India.
PIN:685 612
Tel: 91-4865-231587
E-mail: roywlw@eravikulam.org