10-hour drive from Bengaluru, national park is reopening this week where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr

Wildlife admirers have something exciting to look forward to as Eravikulam National Park is set to welcome visitors again starting April 1. The protected area had remained inaccessible for nearly two months to ensure a disturbance-free breeding period for the endangered Nilgiri tahr. With the reopening, tourists can once again explore its breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity.

Accessibility and Scenic Travel

Located near the hill town of Munnar, the national park lies roughly 470 to 500 kilometers from Bangalore. The journey typically takes between ten to twelve hours by road, making it an appealing option for a weekend escape or an overnight road trip filled with picturesque views of the Western Ghats.

The Unique Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri tahr, scientifically known as Nilgiritragus hylocrius, is a rare mountain-dwelling herbivore native exclusively to the southern stretches of the Western Ghats. This species occupies a narrow range of about 400 kilometers spanning parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Its habitat preference includes high-altitude grasslands interspersed with steep rocky slopes that provide natural shelter.

Stronghold of the Species

Eravikulam National Park serves as the most significant refuge for this species, supporting the largest remaining population and highest density of Nilgiri tahr in the wild. Earlier classified under a different genus, the animal’s scientific name was revised following phylogenetic studies conducted in 2005, which led to its current classification.

Relatives and Adaptations

The Nilgiri tahr shares ancestry with other mountain goats such as the Himalayan tahr found in northern regions like Kashmir and Bhutan, and the Arabian tahr native to parts of the Middle East. However, it stands apart as the only member of its kind adapted to thrive in a cool, moist tropical environment. These animals are active during daylight hours, particularly during early mornings and late afternoons when they graze.

Conservation Status

According to World Wide Fund for Nature, this species is the only mountain ungulate found in southern India among the country’s dozen such species. It also holds cultural significance as the official state animal of Tamil Nadu. Classified as Endangered on the global conservation scale, it receives the highest level of legal protection under India’s wildlife laws.

Population and Visitor Information

A study conducted by WWF India in 2015 estimated the wild population of Nilgiri tahr at just over 3,100 individuals. Visitors planning a trip to the park can enter between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Entry charges are set at ₹200 for Indian adults and ₹500 for foreign tourists, while camera fees vary depending on the type of equipment. Reservations can be made at the Munnar information center during designated hours.