Idukki National Park

Located at an altitude of 450-748 mt above sea level, Idukki National Park is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, full with natural splendors and wildlife wonders. Idukki National Park sprawls over an area of 97 sq km park spreading along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. Home to endemic Nilgiri Tahr, this park offers refreshing rolling grasslands and exotic wildlife including tigers and elephants.


Wildlife Species in Idukki National Park
Idduki National Park is largely covered by dense tropical evergreen and deciduous trees. Idukki national park is carpeted by different kind of orchids and balsams. The most prominent flower is Neelakurunji which blossoms in mass scale and has a 12 years life cycle. It has large variety of plants which are considered as having medicinal value.

Idduki National Park is known for harboring the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), which is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Himalayan tahr and Arabian Tahr are two other relative species found in the park. Some other animals include sambar, barking deer, striped goat, mongoose, monitor lizard, bison, bear, flying frog, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, jungle cat, jackal, Indian giant squirrel and various species of snakes.

Idukki National Park has around 120 species of birds- both migrants and indigenous. Some frequently seen birds in the park are mynah, jungle fowl, black bulbul, laughing thrush, woodpecker, darter, grey heron, little spider hunter, Malabar parakeet, peafowl and kingfisher. Black and ornage flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pegeon, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri verditer flycatcher and Kerala laughing thrush are recorded as endemic birds in the park.
What else to see and do?

• The Mudapetty Dam, (Mattupetty Dam) 10 km from Munnar is the top attraction. Here you can indulge activities like boating and horse riding.
• Nature walk and hiking through the numerous tea estates of Munnar is highly exhilarating experience. Must make a trip to enjoy the seer green beauty of the land.
• Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is just 60 km away. This beautiful sanctuary is the only protected area in Kerala having semi arid and dry deciduous scrub forests. Refresh yourself in rejuvenating environment.
  

Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
Rajamalai is the key point to reach if you are in search of way to Idduki National Park. It is the headquarter of the park. It is well connected by road with all cities in Kerala. Cochin International Airport (143 km) is the nearest airport from Eravikulam and offers regular air services to all Important destinations of India. Nearest railway station is Aluva in Ernakulam district, 115 km from Munnar is the nearest railway station and offer regular trains to important cities of south India. Kottayam (142 km) is another railway station.


Wildlife Lodges/Resorts
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and PWD has arranged sufficient number of resorts and lodges to cater the requirements of the tourists. You will have here private resorts at Cheruthoni about three km from the sanctuary.

• Tea County
• Sterling Resort
• Vagamon Hideout
• Victoria International