ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK
INTRODUCTION
In the Indian state of Kerala's Idukki and Ernakulam districts, is the 97 km2 Eravikulam National Park. It was founded in 1978. Eravikulam National Park is well known for the endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr. The flower, Neelakkurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana ) that bloom once every twelve years is another unique feature of Eravikulam National Park. Other species of animals that live in the park include elephants, gaurs, sambhars, and lion-tailed macaques.
HISTORY
Before 1971, the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company oversaw the region as a game preserve. In order to safeguard the habitat of the critically endangered Nilgiri tahr, the Kerala government regained authority in 1971 (Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of lands) Act, 1971) and established the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 by Government order No. 8907/FM/375/AD dated 31.03.1975 and elevated as National Park by G.O(MS)No.142/78 dated 19.05.1978.
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
Located on SH17 (Udumalpet Road), 100 10' to 100 20' North and 770 0' to 770 10' East, in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. A high plateau of rolling hills with a base elevation of roughly 2,000 meters makes up the majority of the park. The landscape comprises of sholas and high altitude grasses. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 meters is in this park. The park is traversed by numerous perennial streams. They combine to create tributaries of the Cauvery River in the east and the Periyar River in the west, respectively. To the north-west, the National Park is surrounded by the extensive Pooyamkutty and Idamalayar forests. Lakkom Water Falls are located in this area.
FAUNA AND FLORA
There are 29 different species of mammals present here. Five of which are unique to the Western Ghats. Common wildlife includes the Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog. Here, the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species, has half of its global population. Civet cats and jungle cats reside in the Sholas, whereas panthers are typically seen in open grasslands. This park is home to the Atlas moth, which is the biggest of its species in the entire globe. Here, more than 100 different butterfly species have been identified. Additionally, 20 species of amphibians are seen.
Rolling grasslands make up the majority of the park, but the top half of the valley also has a few shola forest patches. Important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium aronottianum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, Eupatorium adenophorum, Strobilanthus Kunthianus (Neela Kurinji), Eulalia phaeothrix, Tripogen bromodes, Arundinella fuscata, Cyanotis Species etc. The long-thought-extinct variation Brachycorythis wightii of orchids, as well as other balsams and orchids, are particularly abundant in the shola grasslands.
FOREST TYPES
Within the Eravikulam National Park, there are roughly two primary physiognomic units of forests: the Grasslands and the Shola Forests, which are both Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forests. These forests can be found on the plateau, and they enclose the valleys and hollows. A minor area of the park is also covered by other forests, such as the Moist Deciduous Forests in the east and the Southern West Coast Evergreen Forests on its western side. A minor portion of the national park exhibits indications of Tropical Evergreen Forests on the western end where the forest meets with the Anamudi Reserve forest. The trees in this area are tall and lush, and they include common evergreen species including Mesua ferrea, Cullenia excelsa, and Palaquium ellipticum. On the other side, a small area of deciduous woodlands can be found adjacent to the Talliar estate on the eastern side. While Lantana makes up the majority of the undergrowth, these forests contain trees like Rosewood and Pterocarpus. The microclimate of the region allows for deciduous and evergreen forests to coexist with grasslands. It is important to protect this particular type of forestation as much as possible.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
September through January are the best months to travel.
February through March is Eravikulam National Park's closure period.
ACCESSIBILITY
Eravikulam is about 15 km north of Munnar, and it is accessible by road from Kottayam (148 km) and Kochi (135 km).
Rail: In Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is the closest station, and Aluva, 120 kilometers from Munnar, is in Kerala.
Air: The Cochin (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are separated by around 148 km and 175 km, respectively, are both accessible from The Park.
CONTACT DETAILS
The Wildlife Warden
Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.Kerala, India.
PIN:685 612
Phone: 04865-231587
E-mail: ww-munnar@forest.kerala.gov.in
The Assistant Wildlife Warden
Eravikulam National Park
Rajamala, Idukki District
Kerala-India
E-mail: ro-eravikulam@forest.kerala.gov.in
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