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 Eravikulam National Park
is a plateau at an average height of 6500 feet, about 30 kms from Munnar,
high up in the mountains of Western Ghats. This park was originally
established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), which found its way
into the endangered list of animals in the Wildlife schedule. It was
declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal,
floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a
National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq. kms of rolling grasslands
and high level sholas.
Chinnar is a unique
thorny scrub forest in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, about 60
kms from Munnar. The Park is around 90 sq. kms in area and its rugged
undulating terrain has held a special fascination for the adventure
traveller. It is the second habitat for the Giant Grizzled Squirrel (an
endangered species) in India. The altitude varies from 500 to 2400 metres
and one can sense the drastic variation in the climate and vegetation, since
the gradients are quite steep. The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144
metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai (1845 metre). Unlike
other forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year
during October - November (North - East Monsoons). The forest types comprise
thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands.
 One can easily sight Large
Grey Babbler, White-bellied Woodpecker, White-naped Woodpecker, Lesser
Whitethroat and Jerdon's Baza, Rain Quail, Blue-breasted Quail, Speckled
Piculet, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Sirkeer Malkoha, Oriental Scops Owl,
Eurasian Eagle Owl, Black Baza, White-rumped Shama, Streak-throated Swallow
and Grey-breasted Laughing Thrush.
Endemic birds like Nilgiri
Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Broad-tailed
Grassbird, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Black-throated Munia and Yellow-throated
Bulbul are also common here.
Getting There
Munnar is
135 kms NNE of Kochi. The National Highway 49 connecting Kochi to Madurai is
the main road to Munnar. For those coming from Coimbatore, the drive
through the Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary can be a very rewarding experience.
From Madurai, take the NH 49 toward Kochi to each Munnar.
Best
Time for birding
The best
time for birding is from October to April.
Bird List:
Click here for bird list
Trip reports:
Click here for trip
reports
Regional Operator
partners
Information given here has been solely contributed by our
operator-partners Kalypso Adventures, who operate all the tours in
this region.
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