Eravikulam National Park

Spread over 97 sq km, this Eravikulam National Park is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr or the mountain goat of South India. This national park beholds the unique montane shola grassland ecosystem of the Western Ghats. The park is managed by the Kerala Department of Forest and Wildlife and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including the Neelakurinji which is a plant endemic to this part of India. The Neelakurinji blooms once in 12 years and the entire region is said to be covered by a carpet of blue flowers which looks stunning. The biological phenomenon of the mass blooming of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes) flower last took place in 2006.

Located about 15 km from Munnar, Rajamalai is the tourism zone of the national park and one needs to travel by designated buses of the forest department as private vehicles are not allowed here. Apart from the wildlife, the hills offer breathtaking views of the surroundings and Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, can be witnessed from here. It is also a popular spot for trekking and hence popular with adventure lovers.