History
During
the British Raj, the North Travancore Land Planting
Society owned the region of Rajamalai and Eravikulam,
but they later handed over the area to the Kannan Deven
Hill Produce Corporation. The Corporation turned the
region into a private hunting area, as it was found
unsuitable of tea plantation. The region of Rajamalai
was declared a wildlife sanctuary way back in 1936,
but the present sanctuary was established only in 1975.
In 1978, the status of the sanctuary was upgraded to
the level of a national park.
Main Attractions
The main inhabitant of the Eravikulam park is Nilgiri
Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population
of Tahrs existing in the world. The park also shelters
Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed
Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers and Leopards.
Other Attractions Anamudi
(2,695 m) is the highest peak in south India and located
within the park area. This is a good place for trekking.
Climate The
climate of this region is greatly influenced by the
southwestern monsoon. June, July, and August are the
monsoon months and this is the period when the region
receives maximum rainfall while April and May are the
hottest months. January and February receive little
rain and the weather is generally clear during this
time of the year. From September to December, the northeast
monsoon brings a little rain and this period along with
the months of January and February are the best time
to visit this park. |
