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Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Idduki)
 Location
:
17 Kms from Munnar, Kerala
Area
:
97 sq. Kms
Unique Attractions
:
Nilgiri Tahr, Atlas Moth Declared A National
Park In
:
1978 Eravikulam National Park
Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex),the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devicolam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. 15 Km from north of Munnar.
Anamudi(2694 m), the highest peak south of the Himalayas, is the southern side of the Park.This is one of the wettest areas of the world. Main attractions Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs and wild boar. The Wild Population-Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary The main inhabitant of the park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population of Tahrs existing in the world. The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers and Leopards.
Topography
The area is undulating, dotted with grass hillocks and sholas. Anamudi (2694m), the highest peak, south of the Himalays, is situated in the south of the park.
Climate
The area receives heavy rains during both the monsoons. This is one of the wettest areas of the world. During the winter months of December to February, the occurrence of frost is quite common.
Forest Types
The major portion of this area is covered with grasslands, but there are several patches of sholas seen in hollows and valleys.
Flora
Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium arnottianum, Chrysopogon zelanieus, Eupatorium adenophorum, Strobilanthes, Kunthi anus (Neelakurinji), Eulalia phaeothrix, Tripogen bromodes, Arundninella fuscata and Cyanotis species.
 Fauna
Tiger, panther and wild dogs are usually sighted in both the open grass land sholas forests. Civet cat and jungle cat also live in the sholas. Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur and wild boar are generally found in sholas and their fringes. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is seen in this park. The population of the world famous Nilgiri Tahr is 1317 according to the 1991 census. There were only 885 in 1989. Travel Information: Tourists can visit the Rajmala part of the park with entry passes. The park is nearly 15 kms north of Munnar, which can be reached from Kochi (135 kms) and Kottayam (148 kms).
Climate
This is one of the wettest regions of the world.
Rainfall
4500 mm. Frost is common in the winter months - december to february. 15 Km North Of Munnar. Established In 1975 To Protect The Nilgiri Tahr, The Eravikulam Sanctuary Was Declared A National Park In 1978 Considering Its Ecological, Faunal, Floral, Geomorphological And Zoological Significance. The Park Is Breathtakingly Beautiful And Comparable To The Alpine Ranges. This Land Of The Neelakurinji Is 7 Km From The Rajamalai Hills.
Vegetation
Forest Types - Rolling Grasslands and on a Higher Level, Shola Forest.
Wildlife Population
Mammals - Tigers , Panther, Wild Dog, Civet Cats, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Tahr etc
HOW TO GET THERE
Air :
The Nearest airport is at Kochi, 135 kms.
Rail : Nearest railway station is located at Aluva, 115 kms.
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