Anamudi |
Anamudi, a heaven to natural lovers, is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India ,
having an elevation
of 2,695 metres (8,842 ft). Also it is the highest point in South
India, and is also the highest point in India outside the
Himalaya-Karakoram system. The nearest town is Munnar, 13km away.
It towers over
the sanctuary in majestic pride. The hill is abundant in all kinds of rare
flora and fauna, but the most well known among them is Neelakurinji.
This is an ideal spot for trekking and camping, and the Eravikulam National Park ,
at a trekking distance north of Anamudi, is a nearby attraction.
It
is best known for the endangered Nilgiri tahr (hemitragus hylocrious) although
it does harbour a number of other equally interesting denizens— such as Atlas
moth (the largest of its kind in the world), Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed
macaques, leopards and tigers.
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 (evergreen forests).
Tea plantations |
The park is
breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges
found anywhere in the world. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core
area, the buffer area and the tourism area.
Visitors are
allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri
Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Trekking facilities are available
here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place
for adventure tourism.
Nilgiri tahr |
Anamudi and the
Eravikulam National Park surrounding is home to the largest
surviving population of Nilgiri tahr. The summit
of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and
Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some
species of Eniocaulon.
Climate: Temperature:
- Summer: Max:
25.8°C, Min: 15.2°C
- Winter: Max:
10°C, Min: 0°C
How to Get There:
Air : Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai
(142 kms).
Rail : Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.
Road : The place is well connected by a
well developed network of road transport.