Encounter With Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam | Munnar, Kerala | Know Your Planet | Travel

Eravikulam National Park, Munnar, Kerala

Walking through the inclined road where the valley is riches with rolling grassland, we found what we were looking for; a Nilgiri Tahr which is basically a mountain goat found only in Southern India.

At first, let me tell you about Eravikulam. It is a national park also known as Rajamalai, surrounded with flora and amid high rolling grassland called sholas.

97 km² national parks are the part of Western Ghats (mainly known as Kannan Devan Hills) in Idduki district of Kerala in India.

Rushes to go

It was already 10 am when we reached Munnar. After some refreshment, we started our journey by Mahindra Thar. To avoid the heavy rush I’d pre-booked our entry ticket for the national park. So, I felt little relaxed at that time.

It was about 13 km from our hotel Hollyhock and after reaching there, the driver dropped us near a well-maintained area running by park authority. Rushes of people were too much at that time. There are two parts, ticket counter & checking in. First one, where you have to buy a ticket (if you are not able to book e-ticket) and the latter one is for checking in or bus riding station. I’ll suggest you buy a ticket online to avoid rushes.

Took A Ride

We had a digital camera with us. The spot has picturesque locations, rolling highland and hill plateau along with sholas and mountain forest. So, there were no chances to leave the camera. There was no another option, better than buy a ticket for the camera to carry along with me.

Private vehicles are allowed until the base of the hills and from there Forest Department vehicles will take you to the main park.

The bus came at the checking point and we jumped into the bus to acquire a window seat, otherwise, I would miss the beauties of nature. Small buses dropped us near the park gate, from there we walked to see the rocky landscape and explore the habitats.

The 20 minutes bus journey was a perfect blending of thrill and enjoyment. Vertical sloping with 180-degree turning made my mouth waterless. But at the same time, green rocky plateau caught my eye. The cliff on one side and slope on another made the path for the buses to go. I was adjusting my focus on the houses far below from the higher altitude.

Welcome To The Park

After getting down from the bus, we saw the board where a gist was given about the park. We entered the park, the weather was cool and it was a sunny day; a perfect day for us. We walked for few minutes in those inclined terrains and I found a perfect place for the picture. The background was awesome.

After some glimpse of nature, we started walking again. We all know that Kerala is a state where we can find all types of medicinal and vegetation plants. On the way, we found Kattupera, a shrub, mainly a flowering plant. And after that, someone was waiting for us. Firstly I found that it was a goat. Then I confirmed it was the animal for which the sanctuary is.

Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu and only found in this area. It is an endangered mountain goat of South India.

We found another 2 or 3; they are the vegetarian and very peaceful animal. But no one is allowed to touch these mammals.

The park was very clean and litter free zone. Actually, if you see, you will not find any dirty area in Kerala and if you see you will find green and green, fresh leaves without any dust.

  

Worth To Going There

The bus ride and a small trek are good for the nature lover and photographers. The beauty of the place was enriched when we saw the Anamudi- Himalaya of Southern India and Waterfalls and Museum. Nature walk and captivating beautiful landscape implanted a long memory in my heart.

Back To Hollyhock

After exploring the place and long waiting time on the queue for returning bus, gave me some time for candid. On my next section, I will give you more details about the place.

The bus reached the pickup location and dropped us on Rajamalai. From there we had taken our private car and went to Tea Factory and from there returned to the hotel.

For You

How To Reach: Munnar is not directly connected by train. You have to reach Ernakulam by any means. By train, you need to go Ernakulam, and from Ernakulam Bus Stand KSRTC Bus service is available for Munnar. Bus stand is nearer to the junction. Ernakulam to Munnar distance is 121 km and you will enjoy the ride by seeing the natural beauties, green terrain, hills etc. From Munnar you have to book a cab to reach Eravikulam or auto is also available there from the Munnar market. The fare is depending upon bargaining, though they take fair price.

Hotel To Stay: If you can make time, then you can stay in Ernakulam for a day or two. So many budget hotels are there. I will give you full details about expenses on my upcoming post. And staying in Munnar depends upon your choice. If you want to stay in any hillside hotel then you can also find budgeted rooms. But the 24x7 car is needed. Or you can stay in hotels near the market.

Where To Eat: You can eat outside, plenty of restaurants are there. Or, you can pay on your hotel to eat, if restaurants are available in these hotels. In the park premises, so many food stalls are there and the price is fair enough to eat.

Park Ticket: You can buy a ticket from ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK ONLINE RESERVATION site. Entry fees have increased to Rs. 190. You can also buy a ticket for your camera.

Best Time To Visit: Need to avoid monsoon, because Kerala is famous for heavy rainfall. It will be best if you go there in between Sept to Feb. Weather will be cool for exploring.