Eravikulam National Park - Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Eravikulam National Park is spread across an area of 97 sq km which is a protected area. It is also called ‘Rajamalai’, as it is a small portion of the national park which is open for tourists. Private vehicles are not allowed to the top of the mountain. This region is considered to be the natural habitat of the endangered ‘Nilgiri Tahr’, as nearly half of the world's population of this rare species is found here. The park was once a hunting place for the British. The area was declared as a sanctuary with an objective of protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr and also the wildlife. The region was demarcated in 1975 and upgraded as the national park in 1978. The terrain inside the park can be broadly classified as grasslands, forests and shrublands.

The terrains above an altitude of 2000m are predominantly grasslands. The forests are filled with hollow landforms. Shrublands are found along the base of the mountain cliffs. In the grasslands, many species of orchids and balsams can be found. There are about 26 species of mammals inside the park predominantly with the Nilgiri Tahr. Other mammals to spot are sambar deer, jungle cat, wild dog, leopard, tiger, golden jackal and others. Elephants are spotted in this park during certain seasons. More than 130 bird species are found here. Top birds to spot are black and orange flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri pipit and others. More than 100 species of butterflies are also cited.