Eravikulam National Park Animals and Birds

Apart from the main attraction of Nilgiri Tahr which is found in abundance, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Dhole, Leopard and Tiger are some of the predators documented here. Some little-known animals such as Nilgiri Langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, Small Clawed Otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and Dusky Palm Squirrel are also found.

132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush.

Also Read: Periyar National Park

Eravikulam National Park entry fee and timings

The National Park opens daily at 8 am and closes at 2 pm. The permit is available online as well as at a ticket window of the park gate. 

The permit charges for the Eravikulam National Park safari are

Indian Adults – INR 200

Foreign Nationals – INR 500

Ordinary Camera – INR 50

Video Camera – INR 350

Reservation fee INR 50 (Reservation counter 9 am – 3 pm at the Information Centre, Munnar)

When to visit Eravikulam National Park

Planning a visit to Eravikulam National Park depends upon when the park is open for visitors. The park is closed twice from July to August for their mating season (all national parks in India are closed during this time) and then the second time while giving birth to the calves in the months of January to March. 

So, the best time to visit the park is in the summer months – April to June or in the winter months from October – to January. I visited in December second week and the weather was perfect, and so was the sighting. 

Start the safari as early as possible in the morning so as to skip the queues, avoid crowds and in pleasant weather.

Eravikulam National Park Safari: My experience

The biggest mistake I made was not to book the safari in advance. Honestly, visiting the park was not one of the things to do in Munnar but only when I reached Munnar and my hotel owner convinced me to go there. So I started on an early morning post breakfast. The car driver warned me of long queues but I was determined to pay my visit no matter what.

The car dropped me at the ticket window gate and I could see a long queue even before the ticket window had actually opened. I was not sure what to do as I would easily spend an hour just in the queue. I relented and walked to the end of the queue to place myself.

It was well over 90 minutes when I got my permit to go into the park. I was given two slips which I had to hand over to the shared bus driver and another one for the entry into the park. Yes, private vehicles are not allowed in the Eravikulam National Park Safari and neither are open gypsy like other Indian National Parks. Also Read: Manas National Park

I stood in another queue for the shared bus and finally after 15 minutes the bus arrived and took the visitors up the hills. The bus accommodated about 30 people. I could feel the air getting crisper with each turn on the hill loops. After about 10 minutes we were dropped at the entrance of the Eravikulam National Park. From there it was a safari walk. No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. Basically, visitors are allowed to walk in the designated areas to spot the animals and appreciate the rolling hills and visit Anamudi, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas.

Visitors can spend as much time as they want at the top of the hill. You are allowed to hire a private guide with permission from the park if you book in advance.

Once you are done, you have to come back to the designated area for shared bus pick up wherein the buses will take you back to the ticket window station. 

If the weather is pleasant, the walk can be quite enjoyable with epic views of the hills. I personally liked the hike which was on a nice and flat concrete road (yes there is no forest or nature trail here), it had panoramic views, a well-laid path and there’s the chance to spot wildlife too. So, if you are expecting to go on a long trek into nature, I would recommend booking one with the park in advance.

I walked and walked and walked. I overheard a lot of groups who were disappointed as to not spot anything and that they wasted the money. But I didn’t lose hope, yet!

I saw a group of people gathered near some bushes and their excited voices meant they saw something. Yep, I finally managed to see the Nilgiri Tahr. The deer seem terrified with so many people pushing and shoving each other to get a glimpse. 

And it managed to escape away.

Most people from this group turned back, but I decided to go further. And I was rewarded with more sightings. 

Almost 2 hours into the Eravikulam National Park Safari, I was hungry and wanted to pee. I had seen paid eco-toilets on my way up so I decided to hurry back down. These are located a little way up a hill just beyond the souvenir shop. 

And just like that I was back at the bus pick up point, happy and satisfied to have seen the Nilgiri Tahr in the wild.

Pay a visit to the Eravikulam National park souvenir shop

Because all the proceeds go towards the park maintenance. I love national park merchandise and I do pick up something or the other. I paid a quick visit and picked a t-shirt. Merchandise here includes caps, safari hats, t-shirts, fridge magnets and even little Nilgiri Tahr deers as souvenirs!

Places to visit near Eravikulam National park

Lakkam Falls

The Lakkam Waterfalls originate in the heart of the Eravikulam National Park offering breathtaking views. It’s by far one of the pristine waterfalls in the entire town of Munnar and you don’t need a national park permit to visit.

Entrance to the falls cost INR 20 and it provides a cool respite. It is located a few kilometres from the park, so if you are visiting make sure you ask your driver to stop here for a while.

Yellapatty Tea Gardens

The Yellappetty tea gardens are located on the Munnar – Kodaikanal route. Located 32 km from Munnar city centre the Yellappetty tea gardens can be reached after crossing the Mattuppetti dam. The small village of Yellappetty houses tea plantation workers that live happily surrounded by tea gardens. Read more here: Trekking in Yellapatty.

Where to stay in Munnar

Munnar is a family favorite destination and also popular among honeymoon couples. The pleasant weather allures visitors of all ages and interests to visit Munnar all year round. For the same reason, there are a lot of accommodation options in Munnar. 

I stayed at the Blackberry Hills Resort Munnar and it had the most beautiful unparalleled views of the tea gardens. My favourite part was their Hornbill restaurant whose location felt like it was suspended in the hills. They even have a walking trail from the restaurant to a village in the valley nearby which equals a birdwatching trail too.

Other options for where to stay in Munnar include

Hostels: The Lost Hostel, Electric Cats Hostel 

Homestays: Munnar Pavithra Riverview Homestay, Mistletoe Homestay & Cafe

Mid-range hotels: Fragrant Nature Munnar, Amber Dale Luxury Hotel & Spa, Munnar

Luxurious Resorts: The Fog Munnar, Seven Springs Resort

Tips for Eravikulam National Park Safari

• Just like every national park in India, spotting a Nilgiri Tahr is not guaranteed. Over 850 deers are spread across 97 square kilometres of land which means the chances of spotting are less. They’re even less when you think that you’re only allowed to explore a few kilometres of that on a set walking path!
• But patience is the key. Keep your eyes and ears open rather than clicking selfies all over the way. 
• Don’t limit yourself to a particular distance. Push those boundaries for spotting wildlife and rewarding yourself with amazing views.
• Hire a guide for increasing your chances of spotting the Nilgiri Tahr.
• But if you still run out of luck, the views from the top of the Eravikulam National park safari are still well worth the ticket price. I still think that a visit to the park is worth it for the breathtaking views you can get from up here!

Have you read my thrilling and chilling Jim Corbett National Park experience?

Sustainable tips for Eravikulam National Park safari

• Do not carry food or beverage on the national park premises as it is banned. There is a cafeteria in case you are hungry and want a snack. You can carry a water bottle though.
• Do not dispose of plastic bottles and wrappers in the national park. Dispose of in the trash bin in the cafeteria. Remember, it is a plastic-free zone.
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol and other contrabands inside the Park is prohibited so please respect it.
• Do not feed the deers. They thrive on the grass in the valley which is their natural food.
• Do not tease or disturb the wild animals by intimidating or hooting or chasing them.
• Keep your mobile phones switched off or in aeroplane mode just to take pictures. Respect the wildlife by not playing music loudly, honking or speaking loudly. 
• Do not urinate in the open. Kindly use the eco-toilets.

I hope this Eravikulam National Park safari guide will help you to plan your trip to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Have you been to this national park, already? Tell me in the comments below.

Read More Kerala posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
• Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
• Places to visit in Thekkady

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About Blackbuck National Park

Blackbuck National Park is spread over 34 square kilometres, and divided into two parts: the Grassland Area and the Wetland Area. A narrow road divides the park and visitors can enter both of these areas.

In yesteryear, this was the private grassland of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar for hunting blackbucks with his famous hunting cheetahs. In post-Independence India, this park was established in 1976 and doubled in size in 1980 protecting the wildlife. The cheetahs also do not exist.

Wildlife in Blackbuck National Park

The threatened species of Indian blackbuck has a population of over 5000 in the grasslands of Velavadar. They are a sight to behold, with the adult males sprinting off the ground, a behaviour designed to advertise the antelope’s fitness and ward off predators. You can tell the males by their corkscrew horns, pale black upper bodies, and white underbellies. Females and juveniles lack horns and are a sandy brown colour. The other major mammal, in the park is the nilgai or blue bull. Other easy-to-spot mammals include wild boar, the Indian grey mongoose, and the black naped hare.

Apart from Blackbuck, Velavadar is classified as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, and is a birder’s delight, with over 200 species of birds found in the grassland. It is mainly popular as the world’s largest roosting site of Harriers (pallid, montagu’s, western marsh, and hen harriers) which migrate in winters. Other birds in grassland include larks, francolin, stonechat, etc. and in wetlands include greater flamingos, pelicans, common cranes, painted storks etc. The grasslands are also a raptors’ paradise which include short toed eagle, steppe eagle, tawny eagle, eastern imperial eagle, short eared owl, etc.

Predators such as the Indian striped hyena, the golden jackal, the Indian fox, jungle cat and Indian grey wolf have also made this area their home. Many species of reptiles also live here, such as the saw-scaled viper, Indian cobra and common krait.

Safari Cost And Timings

Unlike most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, visitors can take their own cars into the grasslands. The track is cleared marked which needs to be followed. It is compulsory to have a guide with you in the car. Visitors can hire a private safari vehicle as it gets really difficult to get bird photos in flight from your closed hatch of the car. Here is the cost break up (as of December 2019).

Rs. 500: Entry fees per vehicle (do consider one seat of guide)

Rs. 400: Forest department guide fees

Rs. 200: Per camera

Rs. 2000: Private safari (plus guide fees and camera fee)

There are 3 safari timings:

7 am to 10am

10am to 1pm

4pm to 7pm

Accommodation at Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

There are two options for those who want to stay at Velavadar.

Forest Lodge

It is owned and managed by the forest department and has 2 categories of rooms which are basic, clean and with food options.

Guest house: Available with 4 rooms called Kaliyar Bhavan

Cost: Rs. 150 per person

Dormitory rooms: 2 dormitories which can accommodate upto 9 people each

Cost: Rs. 1350 for the whole dormitory

Both accommodations are located within the park, surrounded by grasslands with wildlife visible from the lodge itself. You can reserve the rooms by writing to bbnp.reservation@gmail.com and paying online. Meals cost Rs. 150 per person and Rs. 40 for breakfast.

Blackbuck Safari Lodge

It is a luxurious hotel with a multi cuisine restaurant and private pools.

When to visit Blackbuck National Park

Indian summers (March – June) are unbearable with temperatures hovering over 40°C. However it is a good time for sightings as animals congregate near water sources and the grass is sparse. However migratory birds are not present during this time. The park is closed from mid June to mid October. Winters (October to February) offer the best of bird watching and animal gazing with pleasant temperatures during the day.

How to reach Blackbuck National Park

By road:

Velavadar is 65 km from Bhavnagar and 150 km from Ahmedabad. Government run buses (GSRTC) have good frequency from all major Gujarat cities to Bhavnagar. If you are traveling via road from other states, you have to reach Ahmedabad first.

By train:

Bhavnagar is the closest railway station. You have to travel by road for further reaching Velavadar.

By air:

The closest airport is Ahmedabad.

Sustainable tips for visiting Blackbuck National Park

• Even if visitors are allowed to take their own car, visitors are not allowed to get down. Earlier it was allowed, but now it is not. There are camera traps and you will be fined if you get down. You are however allowed to get down near the wetland.
• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• It is totally understandable to get excited when you spot a wild animal in the grassland. But do not make noises – whisper if necessary.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the jungle.
• Carry water and food but do not dispose plastic or leftover food in the grasslands. Keep it in your bag or gypsy and dispose safely once you return to the hotel.
• Do not feed food to wild animals.

Reading Inspiration from Gujarat

• Ahmedabad
• Vadodara
• Bhuj
• Jamnagar
• Mandvi
• Vadnagar
• Polo Forest
• Statue of Unity

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Sloth Bears: Satpuda National Park
• For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park

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Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Jamnagar

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Jamnagar or Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the western coast of Gujarat near Jamnagar district.

It is near Narara Island, which is full of coral reefs. The sanctuary is unique as it has a combined ecosystem of freshwater and saltwater which has formed over the years.

There are large creeks on one side of the bund which support mangroves while on the other side there is inland vegetation. With ecosystems such as marine water, freshwater, marshy lands, mangroves, salt pans, mudflats, sandy beaches and farmlands, over 300 species of resident as well as migratory birds have been recorded here. It was in 1984 when Dr Salim Ali recorded over 100 species in a day here.

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is located 12 km before Jamnagar on the Rajkot-Jamnagar highway and it covers an area of about 6 square kilometres. It was declared a sanctuary in May 1981.

However, it became a natural habitat for local and migratory birds much before the 1920s when the then rulers constructed a small check dam to store waters of the River Ruparel for supply to Jamnagar.

This dam created a unique ecosphere with the freshwater lakes on one side and the salty water of the seas forming marshes on the other to support not only a variety of fauna but also flora.

My visit to Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, I started driving toward Khijadiya around 7 am. In my experience wetland birds are easily spotted until early afternoon, especially in winters due to cold weather. In fact, they come out to bask only once the sun comes out. So starting at 7 am was a good idea.

I turned left towards the milestone pointing to Khijadiya from the highway. 2 km inside the dirt road and I reached the main gate on my left. Thankfully there were very few vehicles which meant fewer people were visiting. Fewer people meant less disturbance to the birds which meant better photography for me. 

After parking the car in the dedicated area, I walked towards the ticket office and came to know the following:

There are 2 zones in Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Jamnagar

Zone 1: No vehicles allowed. Can explore by walking. Entry fee = Rs 40 per person.

Zone 2: Vehicles (2-wheelers and cars are allowed). Entry fee = Rs 400 per vehicle for up to 6 persons.

A ticket for zone 2 allows you to enter zone 1 also.

The cost of the camera is extra. Rs 200 per camera. Mobile cameras are not chargeable.

Since I have done walking safaris in bird-watching destinations around Ahmedabad, I decided to go for the car safari.

As soon as I entered zone 2, we were welcomed by a Rosy Pelican and a couple of coots doing their business. I rolled down my car window and braved the chilling winter winds to start photographing them. 

Once I was satisfied with clicking the pictures, I went forward and noticed a lot of larks hopping around the car. On my left was a stone chat and on my right was a cormorant, both basking happily in the sun.

I reached the watchtower while trying to take in the expanse of the wetland and I was in awe. I could actually see the wetland on one side and the salt pans on the others. It was surreal.

I spent a good 4 hours in Khijadiya till the sun became unbearable. While I wanted to quickly visit zone 1, it was not possible to do so. I guess I will come back for it.

How to Reach Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Jamnagar

By Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect Jamnagar with various cities of Gujarat and Maharashtra. One can even self-drive the car as the roads are in excellent condition. 

By Railway: There are daily trains on the Western Railway with direct connections to Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

By Air: There is a domestic airport which is 10 km away from the city. Various domestic airlines connect Jamnagar to Mumbai.

Best Time to Visit Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

Summers are harsh with high temperatures and the park is closed during monsoons as the wetlands may get flooded. October to March is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary with December being a peak season. The weather is pleasant and you can stay out in the Sun all day long.

Stay for Khijadiya

There is no accommodation inside the Sanctuary and camping is not permitted. The best thing to do is seek accommodation in Jamnagar where there are hotels ranging from budget to luxury as well as dormitories and guesthouses.

Anaya Beacon Hotel and Hotel Aram are good options for accommodation in Jamnagar and for Khijadiya. I stayed in Anaya Beacon and found it to be covid safe, the rooms were clean and the food was amazing. Read my detailed review on Tripadvisor. 

Sustainable tips for visiting Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat

• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the surrounding – green and brown shades work the best around wetlands.
• Do not make noises when you spot a bird, it may get distracted and fly.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray during the visit.
• You may carry water and food but do not picnic in these areas as you are in a sanctuary area.

Also Read: India’s version of Birds of Paradise

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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