Anamudi- mindblowing hill station in Munnar

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.

Eravikulam National Park : (15 km from Munnar) The 97 sq. kms park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District.

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.