Munnar's Eravikulam National Park to reopen for tourists on April 1: New attractions added

Munnar's Eravikulam National Park, the home of the Nilgiri Tahr, will reopen for tourists from April 1. The park had remained closed during February and March owing to the breeding season of the endangered Tahr. Officials said the park currently hosts 841 Nilgiri Tahr, including 144 newborns. f Spread across vast grasslands covering nearly 70% of its area, the park is primarily known for the conservation of the endangered species. Located in the ecologically sensitive region of Munnar, the park forms a crucial habitat for these rare mountain ungulates.

New attractions
In 2025, Eravikulam National Park, under the Munnar Wildlife Division, was selected as the best national park among 438 protected forest areas in India. To enhance the visitor experience, this year, new attractions, including a medicinal garden featuring around 200 plant species, a rainbow bridge, and dedicated photo points, have been introduced, said Warden KV Harikrishnan and Assistant Warden Nithinlal.

Habitat for diverse wildlife
The park is also home to a wide variety of rare medicinal plants, unique grass species, orchids, ferns, and rhododendrons. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, the park also shelters several other protected and endangered animal species, including the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Leopard, Bengal tiger, Indian wolf, Nilgiri marten, Sloth bear, and the Indian giant squirrel. The park is also famous for the mass blooming of Neelakurinji, which occurs once every 12 years, painting the hills in shades of blue. The last bloom was recorded in 2018, and the next is expected in 2030. A popular destination for nature lovers and tourists, key spots such as Eco Point and Rajamalai attract large numbers of visitors seeking scenic beauty and wildlife experiences.