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Munnar is a scenic hill station situated in Kerala, India. It is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala, with green tea gardens, rolling hills, and quiet scenery. And, if you are seeking thrill amid its scenic landscapes, then head to its national parks. Munnar national parks, rich in wildlife, natural beauty, and different activities, are becoming the must-visit attractions in the hill station. So, whether you are a naturalist or a wildlife enthusiast, do add these national parks into your list of places to visit in Munnar for a fascinating experience.
10 Munnar National Parks
With lush landscapes and misty rolling hills, Munnar national parks are an absolute wealth of beauty in terms of flora and fauna in the Western Ghats. Here are the ten famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries situated in and around Munnar that offer you a unique experience.
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1. Eravikulam National Park
Photo Credit: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Eravikulam National Park is spread over 97 square kilometres, with thousands of footfalls every year. The park houses the highly endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr. The rolling grasslands, magnificent shola forests, trekking opportunities, and wildlife-spotting habitats in the park are meant to leave you in awe. Another speciality of Eravikulam is the blooming season of Neelakurinji flowers. Blooming once every 12 years, these flowers give a blue colour to the sides of the hill. So, if you are a nature lover, do visit here.
Distance From Munnar: 15 km
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kerala
2. Anamudi Shola National Park
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
This is part of the Anamalai sub-cluster, which belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage site. Blessed with diverse biodiversity ranging from flora to fauna, including rare, endangered, and endemic species, it is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to explore. Besides the shola forests, there are emerald grasslands and pure streams so as to let you indulge in serenity in the lap of nature.
Distance From Munnar: 45 km
3. Mathikettan Shola National Park
Photo: Vinay Robin Antony / Wikimedia Commons
This national park, spreading across 12.82 sq. km, is popular for its shola forests which have the highest density and an outstanding niche. It is home to a kingdom of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, diverse avifauna, and butterflies. ‘Mathikettan’ in the local language means “mind confuser.” Thus, the twisted paths through the forest give the region such a name.
Distance From Munnar: 32 km
Suggested Read: Nagaraja Temples In Kerala
4. Pampadum Shola National Park
Photo Credit: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Kerala. It has an area of only 1.318 square kilometres. Although small, the park houses incredible biodiversity and harbours different endemic species of flora and fauna. Its name translates into ‘the forest where the snake dances’, which speaks a lot about its wildlife’s richness and natural beauty. So, if you are keen observe exquisite wildlife, you must come here.
Distance From Munnar: 35 km
5. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons
Chinnar is a unique protected area due to its various flora and fauna, significant animal populations, dry thorn forests, riparian forests, the vast patch of cathartics, and grizzled giant squirrels. So, here you can witness the rare grizzled giant squirrels, elephants, leopards, and many species of birds and reptiles along with sandalwood forests and scenic viewpoints. Spread over 90.44 square kilometres, the sanctuary receives less than two months of rain. The wildlife sanctuary is 18 km north of Marayoor, about 60 km off Munnar.
Distance From Munnar: 60 km
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6. Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Photo Credit: KiranNiranjan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kurinjimala Sanctuary was primarily set up to protect the habitat of the Neelakurinji flowers, spanning over an area of 32 square kilometres. The sanctuary consists of grasslands and forests with perfect habitat conditions for different kinds of bird species, butterflies, and other species. The Neelakurinji flowers bloom only once in 12 years. You can visit the sanctuary during that time of the year for a unique experience.
Distance From Munnar: 40 km
7. Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Photo Credit: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Covering an area of 958 sq km, Anamalai Tiger Reserve consists of different types of habitats, from tropical rainforests and dry deciduous forests to montane forests. This is an essential and protected habitat of tigers and other wildlife animals, such as elephants, gaur, and various species of birds and reptiles. Picture-postcard scenery, with rich biodiversity, makes this park a must-visit place for wildlife enthusiasts like you.
Distance From Munnar: 90 km
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8. Silent Valley National Park
Photo Credit: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Silent Valley National Park is one of the country’s last undisturbed tropical rainfalls. It is spread across 237.52 sq km and has one of the richest treasuries of flora and fauna with several endangered species, including the Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Kunthipuzha River flows through the park, adding charm to the still and pure atmosphere.
Distance From Munnar: 150 km
9. Periyar National Park
Photo Credit: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Occupying the area around the picturesque Periyar Lake, this national park spans 925 square kilometres. This park is admired for its exotic wildlife, which includes elephants, tigers, and a variety of birds. Boat cruises on its lake provide a unique view of wildlife in its natural environment. Its varied ecosystems and beautiful scenery of this park are meant to leave you spellbound.
Distance From Munnar: 110 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kochi At Night
10. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Photo Credit: Varada Phadkay / Wikimedia Commons
In recent years, the 643.66 square kilometres of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, lying between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have come to be recognized as the epitome of tiger conservation in India. This reserve, housing the most significant single population of the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is solely known for its fauna, namely tigers. The list also includes elephants, leopards, and many species of birds and reptiles. Here, you can have an immersive experience amid the dense forests while cherishing this reserve’s quiet, serene air.
Distance From Munnar: 120 km
Munnar national parks offer various fun activities, enriched with natural beauty and biodiversity. As you hike across the lush green forests, these parks offer you an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The accessibility, activities, and landscapes of these national parks make them a must-visit place. Plan your perfect trip to these national parks in Munnar with TripXL, and hop on an unforgettable adventure.
Cover Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
