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Eravikulam National Park is the one place near Munnar where you can see a wild mountain goat at close quarters. The park protects a high plateau of grassland and shola forest, and is best known as the stronghold of the Nilgiri tahr, a stocky, sure-footed goat that lives on steep slopes and is found only in the Western Ghats. The scenery is dramatic: open hills, mist and the peak of Anamudi, the highest mountain in South India, at 2,695 metres.
What a visit involves
Most of the park is closed to the public to protect wildlife. Visitors board forest-department buses from the entrance at Rajamalai and ride up the plateau to a viewing area. From there a short, paved path leads through the grassland, where tahr graze close to the trail. Walking beyond the designated path is not allowed, and guards enforce rules for safety.
The visit lasts about two to three hours, including queueing, the bus ride and time on the path. Numbers are limited each day, and tickets can sell out on weekends and holidays, so go early.
The Nilgiri tahr
The tahr is endangered, and Eravikulam has one of the largest populations. Males are dark and heavily built, while females and young are lighter. They are used to people and often graze near the path, but you must keep a safe distance and never feed them. Calving season brings fragile newborns, which is why the park typically closes for a period in the early months of the year.
Neelakurinji
Eravikulam is also known for the neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a shrub that flowers en masse once every twelve years, turning the hills blue. The last big bloom was in 2018, and the next is expected around 2030. In other years, small patches of other kurinji species may flower, but the great bloom is a once-in-a-decade event.
Weather
The plateau is cool and windy, and can be misty or rainy, so views of Anamudi are never guaranteed. The best months are September to January and March to May, although the park is closed during the calving season. Heavy rain can limit access in the monsoon.
What to wear and bring
Wear a windproof jacket, sturdy shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Carry a rain jacket and water. Plastic bottles are checked, and littering is prohibited. Keep voices low and do not leave the path.
Tips for visitors
- Book tickets online if the system allows, or arrive early.
- Expect crowds on weekends and festival days.
- Do not touch or feed wildlife.
- Carry ID if requested for registration.
- Children enjoy the bus ride and the tahr, but keep them close to the path.
- Allow time before and after for tea at a plantation.
Who it suits
It suits families, nature lovers and photographers. The walk is easy, so older visitors can manage it. If you want serious trekking, ask us about guided options in other areas of Munnar.
Plan it with us
Eravikulam fits a full day from Munnar. See the Kerala honeymoon and the 5-day itinerary, or ask us for a custom plan.
