|
Eravikulam is proclaimed as a National Park since it supports the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr existing in the world now. Anamudi peak (2695 Metres), the highest point south of the Himalayas falls in the southern part of this park. The park is 135 km from Kochi and is accessible only by road.
Most of the park is either grassland or part of the shola ecosystem and the average altitude is 2000 metres above sea level. The temperature varies from -3 degrees Celsius in winter to 29 degrees Celsius in summer. Severe frost occurs between the months of December and January and the average rain fall is 4800 m.m. During the monsoon, lashing rains, high velocity winds and poor visibility makes the area practically inaccessible.
|
A wide variety of plant life is present here. The famous Strobilanthus Kunthianus, popularly known as Neelakurinji is one of the rare and threatened species that grows here.
The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in the highlands and rocky regions of this national park. Sambar, barking deer, gaur, giant Malabar squirrel, tiger, panther, wild dogs, civet cat, jungle cat, Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, grass owl, black winged kite, wood pigeon, black bird, Eurasian kestrel, jungle crow etc. is seen here. |
