Eravikulam National Park in Kerala

The Eravikulam National Park is located high in the Western Ghats in Kerala near its border with Tamil Nadu. Blessed with spectacular natural beauty and home to numerous exotic wildlife species, Eravikulam is part of the Western Ghats biosphere under consideration for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of ‘goat-sheep,’ is endemic to the region and is found in relatively large numbers in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. The Eravikulam is also known for the mass flowering of the neelakurunji shrub that takes place in the grasslands of the national park only once every 12 years. Elephants make seasonal visits to the park from surrounding areas such as the Indira Gandhi National Park in nearby Tamil Nadu state.

The Ecosystem of Eravikulam

The ecosystem of the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is dominated by grassland interspersed by sholas that is a result of the high altitude and regional climate. The landscape is punctuated by rolling hills and numerous streams crisscrossing the park. Accessible from both the Kerala side through Munnar and the Tamil Nadu side through Pollachi, the Eravikulam National Park is also home to the highest mountain in southern India – the Anai Mudi that stands at a height of 8842 ft.

Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

The Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, is located in the Annamalai Hills, an offshoot of the Western Ghats. The forests and grasslands in the Annamalai Hills are home to a spectacular array of animals and plants, many of which are endemic to the region.

Located at approximately 5000 ft above sea level, the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a veritable sanctuary for elephants, tigers, gaurs and many other mammals. Some species unique to the region include the lion-tailed macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, and the Nilgiri langur, all of which are considered threatened species. There are also various species of wild boar and deer here. In addition, at least 250 species of birds can be found in the park, as well as more than 2000 species of plants.


Perfect for trekking, the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary offers spectacular sights, waterfalls, dams, reservoirs, and a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and the adjacent Eravikulam National Park are under consideration as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.