Where Can You Spot Nilgiri Tahr In The Wild? This Kerala National Park Just Reopened

Love spotting animals in their natural habitat? The Eravikulam National Park has something exciting for you to look forward to this week onwards. After being closed for two months for the breeding of the endangered Nilgiri tahr, the national park reopened on April 1, offering a peek into the wildlife.

Eravikulam National Park Is Now Reopened

Located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, Eravikulam National Park is a significant refuge for this species. The protected area was inaccessible for nearly two months to ensure a disturbance-free breeding period for the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Now, entry will be allowed from 8 AM to 2 PM, offering you a chance to explore the park's sprawling landscapes and diverse biodiversity.

The National Park Is Beaming With Wildlife

Photo: Eravikulam

The terrain is made up of high-altitude grasslands dotted with sholas. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi, is also located in the park. Besides hosting the largest population of Nilgiri tahr, the park also boasts other local species, including chital, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, red muntjac, wild boar, sambar, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri blue robin, Nilgiri flycatcher, Palani laughingthrush, and a bright red-orange frog.

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The unique Nilgiri tahr, scientifically known as Nilgiritragus hylocrius, is a rare, mountain-dwelling herbivorous species found exclusively in the southern stretches of the Western Ghats. Unlike the Arabian tahr, which is native to parts of the Middle East, and the Himalayan tahr, which is found in Kashmir and Bhutan, the Nilgiri tahr prefers high-altitude grasslands dotted with steep rocky slopes that provide natural shelter.

How To Reach The Eravikulam National Park

Renowned for being home to the largest remaining population and the highest density of Nilgiri tahr, this park can be one of the most appealing options for a weekend escape in the wild.

Located near the hill town of Munnar, the national park is well connected by road from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located about 148 km and 175 km away, respectively.

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You can also take an overnight road trip to the park, filled with picturesque views of the Western Ghats. Covering roughly 470–500 kilometres from Bangalore, the journey typically takes between 10 and 12 hours by road.

For every wildlife enthusiast, a trip to Eravikulam National Park is an absolute must this summer.