Explore Eravikulam National Park Munnar: Cost, Timings & Virtual Reality
Tucked away in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, Eravikulam National Park, Munnar is a high-altitude wildlife sanctuary located in Kerala. This national park is famous for being the primary habitat of the rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
If you’re planning a trip, now is the perfect time. The park reopened in April 2025 just after the February-March annual closure during the Tahr breeding season.
Spread across 97 square kilometers, the park offers a unique blend of rolling grasslands and misty shola forests. Let’s visit this stunning destination in the western ghats, know the park timings, cost, best time to visit and a lot more in our complete guide.
About Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is part of the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats, which are recognized globally for their biological richness and endemism. The landscape is a mix of high-altitude grasslands and patches of evergreen shola forests. These ecosystems support a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on earth.
The park is home to:
- Over 170 species of birds
- Around 180 species of butterflies
- More than 50 species of mammals
- Over 30 reptile species
The park’s most famous resident is the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat endemic to this region. With a bit of patience, visitors can often spot these animals grazing on grassy slopes or standing on rocky ledges.
Historically, the area was managed as a game reserve by the British-run Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company. In 1971, unused land from the tea estates was reclaimed by the Kerala government under the Resumption of Lands Act. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later upgraded to a national park in 1978.
How to Reach Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam is easily accessible by road, with the nearest town being Munnar, which is just about 8 kilometers away. The drive to the park is scenic, with winding roads through tea plantations, hills, and valleys.
By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located approximately 140 kilometers from the park. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar.
By Train
The closest railway station in Kerala is Aluva, about 120 kilometers from Munnar. For travelers coming from Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore Railway Station is another good option, around 165 kilometers away.
By Road
Road trips to Munnar are a great way to experience the region’s natural beauty. You can drive from Coimbatore or any city in Kerala, by taking your own car/bike, or renting it.
Entry Timings, Fees, and Facilities
Check below to see the tourist information for visiting the national park:
Timings
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Seasonal Closure
The park remains closed from February to March each year to ensure a safe and undisturbed breeding period for the Nilgiri Tahr. It reopened to visitors on April 1, 2025.
Entry Fees
- Indian Adults: ₹200
- Foreign Nationals: ₹500
- Still Camera: ₹50
- Video Camera: ₹350
Facilities at the Entry Zone
The entry area includes a ticket counter, parking area, canteen, restrooms, and a baby changing room.
A first aid center is also available for emergencies. Visitors are welcomed at the information center, where they board buses operated by the park.
These buses take visitors to a designated drop-off point inside the park, from where a scenic walk begins. Tahr spotting is done during this walk.
Looking for more offbeat forest destinations in God’s own country, Kerala? Read our guide to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, cost, timing and exciting wildlife safari.
Virtual Reality Experience
Let’s talk about this new exciting tourist attraction in Eravikulam National Park.
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the park and view the stunning landscape, the forest department has introduced a Virtual Reality (VR) Center.
Cost: INR 100 per person.
Time Taken: 20 min experience.
Since only a limited portion of the park is accessible to visitors on foot, the VR tour allows guests to explore the rest of the park virtually.
Best Time to Visit Eravikulam National park
The ideal time to visit Eravikulam National Park is between September and January, when the weather is cool and skies are clear.
April is also a great time, especially because the park just reopens reopened and visitor numbers are generally moderate.
The monsoon season, which begins in June and lasts until August, brings heavy rains to the region.
While the park may restrict access to some areas during this time, the surrounding tea gardens and forests become lush and vibrant, making it a beautiful time for scenic drives and nature photography.
TOP 10 Places to stay in Munnar?
If you are planning to visit Eravikulam national park, Munnar is a great option for your stay.
Munnar is a bustling town right in the lap of lush green tea gardens.
You can check out these top 10 holiday homes and stays for a pleasant and well reviewed stay.
Tourism Model and Local Involvement
One of the unique aspects of tourism at Eravikulam National Park is the active involvement of local tribal communities.
Under the guidance of the forest department, these communities manage various aspects of the visitor experience, from guiding tourists to handling park services.
This model not only empowers the local population but also ensures a more sustainable and community-led tourism experience.
Travel Tips
- Book your tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Wear comfortable shoes and carry water for the uphill walk.
- Dress in layers as temperatures can vary.
- Avoid carrying plastic items and help keep the park clean.
- Respect wildlife and maintain silence while walking through the park.
- Do not try to touch, feed or agitate Nilgiri Tahr.
Final Thoughts
Eravikulam National Park is an experience of being immersed in raw and untouched nature.
With an additional exciting VR activity, chance to spot rare Nilgiri Tahr, and stunning landscapes around Munnar’s tea gardens, Eravikulam stands out as a must-visit destination in Kerala.
