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Eravikulam National Park : The humble abode of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr, a resident antelope of the blue hills, is more closely related to sheep than goats. It is the largest of the three tahrs in the world, along with the Himalayan Tahr and the Arabian Tahr.
Eravikulam National Park, also known as Rajamalai National Park, was a hunting preserve for the British and was originally owned by Rajamalai and Eravikulam. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1975 with the objective of protecting the indigenous population of the Nilgiri Tahr. It was later upgraded to a National Park in 1978. Approximately 800 Nilgiri Tahrs, the park's indigenous mountain ungulate, inhabit the areaTop of Form
The Nilgiri Tahr primarily inhabits the Western Ghats, with the largest population found in Eravikulam National Park. Known as the 'saddleback' due to unique coloration, especially in males, the Nilgiri Tahr is smaller compared to other Indian ungulates but has sturdy hooves, backward-pointing horns, and a slender physique. Their saddle patch changes colour as they age, and their life expectancy is about three years. Other faunal species in the park include gaur, Nilgiri marten, Indian muntjac, leopards, elephants, and a diverse range of birds and butterflies.
The national park covers an area of 97 square kilometers and is a designated protected area. It extends into Tamil Nadu and is known as Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area, and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only in the tourism area, where they can enjoy safari expeditions and trekking adventures. Private vehicles are prohibited within the park; instead, visitors can park at the entrance and use Forest Department minibuses for transportation. These buses take tourists into the sanctuary, stopping at the base of Eravikulam peak. From there, a 2 km walk leads to the mountain peak, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Anamudi Peak (the highest peak in South India) and other Western Ghats peaks. Along the trek and at the peak, numerous Nilgiri Tahrs can be observed.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Location: 27 kms from Sterling Munnar, about 48 minutes’ drive from the resort.
Timings: 8 AM - 4.30 PM (Safari duration is 2-3 hours).
Closed from 1st February to 31st March for Calving season. Reopens on 1st April.
Entry Fee: Rs.200 for Adults | Rs.150 for Children | Rs.500 for Foreigners | Rs.40 for Students
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