Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is a protected area in India.

Eravikulam National Park at a Glance

Location
Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau, India, South Asia
Coordinates
10.224134, 77.063350
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Eravikulam National Park

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), 73 km away.

Nearest international airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), 73 km away.

Big Five in Eravikulam National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Wildlife in Eravikulam National Park

Home to 75 recorded species including 22 waterbirds, 21 birds of prey, 20 iconic birds, 7 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 2 predators.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Eravikulam National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Eravikulam National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Eravikulam National Park, and are there any specific closure periods?

The park is generally best visited from September to May when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing is optimal. However, Eravikulam National Park closes annually for a few weeks, typically from February to March or early April, for the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr to ensure minimal disturbance to the newborn calves. It's advisable to check the official park website for exact dates before planning your trip.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Eravikulam National Park, and how do visitors typically view wildlife?

Unlike traditional jeep safaris, Eravikulam offers a unique experience where visitors take a park-operated bus up to a certain point within the park. From there, you explore designated walking trails to observe the Nilgiri Tahr in their natural high-altitude grassland habitat. This allows for a more intimate, on-foot encounter with the park's unique ecosystem.

What unique wildlife, particularly the flagship species, can I hope to see at Eravikulam National Park?

Eravikulam National Park is primarily renowned as the sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats, and visitors have an excellent chance of spotting them. Besides the Tahr, you might also encounter other high-altitude species like the Indian muntjac, sambar deer, and various endemic birds, though the Tahr is the main attraction.

How accessible is Eravikulam National Park, especially for travelers coming from popular nearby destinations?

The park is highly accessible, located just about 7 kilometers from the popular hill station of Munnar in Kerala, making it an easy day trip. Visitors typically hire taxis or use local buses from Munnar to reach the park entrance, where tickets are purchased for the park's internal bus service that takes you further inside.

What are the typical entry fees and permit requirements for visiting Eravikulam National Park?

Entry fees vary for Indian nationals and foreign tourists, with foreigners typically paying a higher rate for park access. While no special permits beyond the entry ticket are usually required for general visitor access to the designated areas, it's always recommended to check the latest fee structure and any specific regulations on the park's official website prior to your visit.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.