Originally established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam Park is situated in Devikulam taluk of the Idukki district. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975, and considering its 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 shoalas. The park is breath-takingly beautiful and is comparable to the best of mountain ranges in the Alps.

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.

Administration
Eravikulam National Park is under the control of the Wildlife Warden, Idukki Division with headquarters at Painavu (Vellappara) and under the direct charge of the Assistant Wildlife warden with headquarters at Rajamala.

Wildlife Tourism
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). The nearest airport is Kochi and the nearest railway station is Aluva, which is 115 kms from Munnar.

Vital Informations
Latitude : 10°10' -10° 20' N
Longitude : 77° 0' -77° 10' E
Area : 97 sq.kms.
Terrain : Elevation varies from 1,400m to 2694m.
Rainfall : Average 4500mm. Rainy season is from June to December.
Climate : Mean summer temperature - 29° C
Mean winter temperature - 3° C