Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district in Kerala. Eravikulam National Park (also known as Rajamalai ), was established in 1975 to protect the Nilgiri Tahr. The Eravikulam sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1978 considering its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphologic and zoological significance. The park is breathtakingly beautiful as comparable to the Alpine ranges. Anaimudi peak, the highest mountain peak in South India is situated in the southern region of the park. This park covers an area of 97 square km. The vegetation comprises of rolling grasslands and exotic flora and on a higher level, the shoal forests dominate the region.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here, is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018 AD. This park is one of the wettest regions in the world.
The various other animals which are found in the park are the Tigers, panthers, Wild dog, Civet cat, Jungle cat, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur and wild boar. These animals can be sighted in the open grasslands and shoal forests. The Altas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, can also be seen in this park.
