AYPPALOOR EDAN NAGAR RESIDENT'S ASSOCIATION VISITED ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

AYPPALLOR EDAN NAGAR ASSOCIATION VISITED ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

Ayppalloor Edan Nagar Residents Association Members visited Eravikulam National Park on25th November,2017. The Association members also visited Munnar dam , Eco-point and Munnar Dam. The team included 50 members. Prof. John Kurakar, President of the Association,Prof.Molly Kurakar, Mr. Cheriyan P. Koshy, Scientist, K.G Mathai kutty, Mr.Thomas also participated.The National Park in Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala spreads over an area of 97 sq. km in western Ghats. Eravikulam National Park is well known for Nilgiri Tahr which is an endangered species of wild goat and Anaimudi, the highest peak in south India. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar Deer, Nilgiri langur,Stripe-necked mongoose and predators like Wild dog, Golden Jackal and the leopard are also popular in Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai)is a protected area and the wildlife sanctuary is divided into three regions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area – Rajamalai – the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam where one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters.

In 1975 Eravikulam was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and then in 1978 it was given the status of a National park. The main motive behind this was to protect the rare Nilgiri Tahr and Hemitragus Hylocrious, which are common here. But now the park is home to numerous protected species of flora and fauna.Munnar is among the crown jewels of the State and has attracted people for centuries due to its natural splendour. Hidden inside, lies the famous Eravikulam National Park, the home and sanctuary of the Nilgiri Tahr. This sacred haven for this exotic animal is a relief in a time when different species are disappearing off the face of the planet. Situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, people also flock to this park to view the special Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. The next sighting is expected to be in 2018. The park also boasts of hosting South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2695 m), in its southern area. This park is spread over an area The Rajamalai region falls under the tourism zone of the area. The other two are the Core area and Buffer area which are both not open to the public.  There is a host of trekking options as well in the area.

The rare flora and fauna present in the park also attract visitors. Official vehicles take people on trips where one can experience the biodiversity of a high elevation shola-grassland system. One can view rare terrestrial and epiphytic orchids and beautiful wild balsalms along with the Nilgiri Langur, leopards and the Indian Bison as well. The early months of the year are the only time when the park is closed as this when the Tahrs are calving. The rare habitat and sanctuary is open to everyone throughout the year.The national park is divided into three areas - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. In which, the Rajamalai is known to be the tourism area of the park. Here, the tourists are allowed to travel deep into the forest to explore the hidden beauty of the environment around. Private vehicles are not allowed inside. Only few mini buses are operated inside in order to control the environment pollution. The trips are organized by the forest department.

Prof. John Kurakar