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The Eravikulam National Park perched 7,000 ft above sea level, is breathtaking in its size and diversity of flora and fauna.
 Situated in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, the Park originally established to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr was elevated to a National Park considering its ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance. This land of the Neelakurinji, the flower that blooms once in twelve years painting the hillsides blue, lies 16 km northeast to Munnar and is just 7 km from the Rajamalai hills.
A former hunting preserve of the British planters, the Park today exemplifies wildlife at its best. The Atlas Moth, the largest of its kind in the world is one of the major attractions here. But the pride of the Park is the Nilgiri tahr. A highly endangered species of wild goat indigenous to the area, the tahr is the mascot of Munnar. With the highest peak south of the Himalayas - the Anamudi, located here, nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.
Ecotourism Activities
A protected National Park, trekking and other activities at Eravikulam are limited to the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicles and is a high altitude rocky precipice. The view of the valley from here is fabulous and offers a satisfying trip for trekkers. A good pastime is the Lakhom Falls Trail involving a one-day trek from the waterfall to Pakkumarathery where trekkers can have a look at the Anamudi Peak and opt for an overnight stay at the Log House. The Park area also offers excellent opportunities for Rainbow Trout angling.
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, 25 species of mammals are found here, of which 5 are endemic to the Western Ghats. More than 120 species of birds and 100 varieties of butterflies have been recorded here, as also the Atlas Moth and 20 species of amphibians. Covered mostly with rolling grasslands, several patches of shola grasslands are found in the upper parts of the valley which is exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids including the long-thought extinct variety - Brachycorythis wightii.
In and Around
Munnar, the renowned hill station of Kerala, famed for its tea plantations and cool salubrious clime, is close to the Park. Athucacad and Cheeyapara Falls, Mattupetty and Sethuparvathipuram Dams, Lockhart Gap, Pothanmedu, Nyamakad Gap, Director's Leap Viewpoint etc. are some of the interesting places to see here. Palkulamedu, Parakulam, Kulamavu, Anaward and Painavu are a few of the wonderful trekking trails.
Accommodation
In addition to the PWD Rest House in Munnar as well as the Government Guesthouses in Munnar and Devikulam, there are several fabulous resorts that also offer a variety of facilities ranging from Ayurvedic massages to sightseeing tours.
Accessing Eravikulam
Location: The Park bordered on the north by the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and on the south by the tea estates of Munnar, is 13 km northeast of Munnar.
Altitude: 450 m to 748 m above sea level. Distance
Air: The Park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 km and 175 km respectively.
Rail: The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva (120 km from Munnar) and Coimbatore (165 km) in Tamil Nadu.
Road: Munnar is the nearest town (13 km). Eravikulam is also well connected by roads from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Munnar Ph: 04865-231587
District Tourist Promotion Council, Idukki, Ph: 04862-232248 Munnar, Ph: 04865-231516 |
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A part of the Chimmini wildlife sanctuary lies adjacent to the Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary and the other part to Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. All kinds of flora found in rain forest are seen here.The altitude of Chimmini dam area varies from 40m to 1110m to the eastern direction. Punda peak which is situated at the eastern side of the sanctuary has an altitude of 1116m. Chimmini wildlife sanctuary lies between the longitude 10° 22' to 10° 26' and latitude 76° 31' - 76° 37' at the western valley of Nelliyampathi. Spanning an area of 85 sq km on the western slopes of Nelliyampathy, the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is just a two-hour drive from Kochi in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur, the Sanctuary provides an exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1984, a section of Chimmini lies adjacent to the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary and the other part is next to Parambikulam Sanctuary. Dense forests dotted with streams and rivers enhance the innumerable trekking trails along the Sanctuary. Encompassing a mixture of tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, the lush surroundings provide an ideal habitat for flowering plants, birds, butterflies and wildlife.
Ecotourism Activities
Trekking and camping in the wilderness of Chimmini present a prize bonanza for the avid bird and butterfly watchers. With more than 160 species, the avian life here is spectacular and the lucky ones might just spot the Southern Birdwing, India's largest butterfly or the Blue Mormon, the second largest butterfly in the Western Ghats. The Atlas Moth, the largest in the world is also spotted here along with other common varieties like the mormon, tiger, sailor and crimson rose. Many animals including rare species like the lion tailed macaque can also be seen here.
Trekking and camping in the wilderness of Chimmini present a prize bonanza for the avid bird and butterfly watchers. With more than 160 species, the avian life here is spectacular and the lucky ones might just spot the Southern Birdwing, India's largest butterfly or the Blue Mormon, the second largest butterfly in the Western Ghats. The Atlas Moth, the largest in the world is also spotted here along with other common varieties like the mormon, tiger, sailor and crimson rose. Many animals including rare species like the lion tailed macaque can also be seen here.
Trekking Trails - Trekking expeditions are organized by the Forest Department in and around the Sanctuary. Half day or three-hour treks cover the outer rings of the Sanctuary while one-day trips take tourists deep into the forests.
Bamboo Rafting - The riverside can be explored through bamboo rafting trips which extend from two hours to a full day. But the high point of all expeditions is the Moonlight Sonata that involves rafting on full moon nights.
Accommodation
Inspection Bungalow near the dam is the closest stay option. Amballoor which is just 12 km away has several hotels.
Location: In Varandarapilly Village in Mukundapuram.
Altitude: Ranges from 40 m at the dam site to 1,116 m above sea level. The highest point is Punda Peak on the eastern side.
Distance
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 50 km away.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Thrissur, 37 km away.
Road: Only 25 km from Amballur junction on the Kochi-Thrissur NH-47 route.
Inspection Bungalow near the dam is the closest stay option. Amballoor which is just 12 km away has several hotels.
Location: In Varandarapilly Village in Mukundapuram.
Altitude: Ranges from 40 m at the dam site to 1,116 m above sea level. The highest point is Punda Peak on the eastern side.
Distance
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 50 km away.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Thrissur, 37 km away.
Road: Only 25 km from Amballur junction on the Kochi-Thrissur NH-47 route.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Peechi, Ph: 0487-269 9017
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Thrissur, Ph: 0487-2320800
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Peechi, Ph: 0487-269 9017
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Thrissur, Ph: 0487-2320800
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Located in the Western Ghats, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary lies 50 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram city, in Nedumangad Taluk. Formerly part of Paruthipally, the Sanctuary includes portion of the Palode and Kottoor Reserve Forests and covers an area of 53 sq km. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared a Sanctuary in 1983. About three major forest types including the southern hilltop tropical evergreen, west coast semi-evergreen and southern moist mixed deciduous forests are seen in this Sanctuary. Enclosing a dam, thick forests, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrain that sustain rich fauna, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a delightful ecotourism zone. Around 13 tribal settlements exist in scattered pockets within this Sanctuary.
Ecotourism ActivitiesPeppara is a haven for birdwatchers and butterfly lovers as the area is inundated with a rich variety of rare moths and butterflies. With its diverse variety of forest types and hilly terrain, the Sanctuary supports an assortment of wildlife including tigers, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur and the Malabar squirrel. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are also common here, making it doubly satisfying for trekkers and sightseers alike. One or two-day treks are possible, but requires prior permission. The summer months of March to June are ideal for hiking.
Ecotourism ActivitiesPeppara is a haven for birdwatchers and butterfly lovers as the area is inundated with a rich variety of rare moths and butterflies. With its diverse variety of forest types and hilly terrain, the Sanctuary supports an assortment of wildlife including tigers, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur and the Malabar squirrel. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are also common here, making it doubly satisfying for trekkers and sightseers alike. One or two-day treks are possible, but requires prior permission. The summer months of March to June are ideal for hiking.
In and Around
Ponmudi Hill Station, Lion Safari Park, Kallar, Anappara and Meenmutty Waterfalls are some of the important attractions around here.
Accessing Peppara
Location: Located in Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram District, the Sanctuary is accessible from Vithura on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road.
Altitude: 1,715 m above sea level.
Ponmudi Hill Station, Lion Safari Park, Kallar, Anappara and Meenmutty Waterfalls are some of the important attractions around here.
Accessing Peppara
Location: Located in Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram District, the Sanctuary is accessible from Vithura on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road.
Altitude: 1,715 m above sea level.
Distance
Air: 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Rail: 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
Road: 50 km from Thampanoor Bus Station. One can take a bus from Vithura (14 km from the Sanctuary) or Nedumangad (30 km).
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2360762
District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397
Air: 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Rail: 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
Road: 50 km from Thampanoor Bus Station. One can take a bus from Vithura (14 km from the Sanctuary) or Nedumangad (30 km).
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2360762
District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397
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Rhodovalley, named so because of the abundance of rhododendrons found here is one of the most spectacular spots in the Munnar hills. The beautiful shola-grasslands of the 'Silent Valley' plateau in Munnar at altitudes over 2,000 metres, sheltering highly endangered species of wildlife are ideal for adventures. A great way to enjoy the landscape is to trek through the various trails that crisscross these mountain paths. The cool mountain air, lush grasslands, gushing streams and the blooming rhododendrons all add to the experience. |
| Rhododendrons |
Ecotourism Activities
The Rhodovalley ecotourism packages are based on fixed tariffs. Programme is free for children below 5 years.
Trekking Camps - Starting at the Silent Valley Tea Estate, the trek halts at the Rhododendron Valley Camp, the Land's End Camp and the Lake View Camp.
Back Home to Wilderness Camps (2 days) - Trek from the Silent Valley Estate to a forest hut in approximately 2 hours. Next day, through the valley of rhododendrons to Meesapulimala and then hike down to Silent Valley by evening.
Back Home to Wilderness Camps (3 days) - Trek from Silent Valley to Land's End Camp. Next day, climb to Meesapulimala and then back again to the Rhodovalley campsite. Third day, proceed back to Silent Valley.
Back Home to Wilderness Camps (Kadalar Trek) - Trek from Rajamalai, home of the endangered Nilgiri tahr through thick shola forests to the Orchidarium site at Kadalar. Overnight stay at the camp and return by jeep the next morning to Munnar.
In and Around
Location: Perched at 6,000 ft in the Western Ghats at the confluence of three rivers. Adjacent to it is Anamudi, which at 8,841 ft is the highest peak in South India.
Orchidarium and flower garden adjacent to the KFDC Office on Mattupetty Road. For those interested in seeing the orchid farm at Kadalar, a special nature tour involving a jeep journey and trek to the forests at Kadalar, is available. Mattupetty Dam, Lockhart Gap, Kundala and Devikulam Lakes are other attractions in the vicinity.
Accommodation
Dormitory facility is available near the KFDC Office at Munnar. Visitors can also opt to stay at the various resorts in and around Munnar.
Accessing RhodovalleyLocation: Perched at 6,000 ft in the Western Ghats at the confluence of three rivers. Adjacent to it is Anamudi, which at 8,841 ft is the highest peak in South India.
Distance
Air: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 121 km away.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Aluva, but the Ernakulam Junction station is better connected to other cities.
Road: NH 49 links Kochi to Munnar. Aluva is about 120 km while Palakkad is 150 km away.
Air: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 121 km away.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Aluva, but the Ernakulam Junction station is better connected to other cities.
Road: NH 49 links Kochi to Munnar. Aluva is about 120 km while Palakkad is 150 km away.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Kottayam, Ph: 0481-2581204. mail@keralafdc.org
District Tourist Promotion Council Office
Idukki, Ph: 0486-2232248
Munnar, Ph: 04865-231516
Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Kottayam, Ph: 0481-2581204. mail@keralafdc.org
District Tourist Promotion Council Office
Idukki, Ph: 0486-2232248
Munnar, Ph: 04865-231516
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