Illustrious mountain ranges of Munnar - June 2009

The mountains in and around Munnar, Kerala varies in altitude from 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) to 1,800 meters (5,906 ft) above sea level. Verdant tea plantations, picturesque mountains, twisting roads, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar an incomparable tourist destination.

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Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala, Idukki

Located in Idukki district along the Western Ghats administered by the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department, Eravikulam National Park is the habitat for the largest surviving population (estimated less than 800) of Nilgiri Tahr - the endangered mountain goat. In India, Eravikulam is the only National park exclusively dedicated for the protection of Tahr. Eravikulam is also the first National park in Kerala. Because of the geographical proximity, Idukki district is having the most number of wild life sanctuaries in Kerala. In Idukki there are about four National parks and four wildlife sanctuaries. Among these, the Eravikulam National Park is the highest at 5000 feet above mean sea level. This national park are mostly covered with grasslands, steep rock cliffs and lacks tall trees. 94 varieties of grasses are found here and about 10 are exclusive to this region.

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From here one can get a birds eye view of the whole Munnar. This park is situated about 12 kilometers from Munnar town ( Munnar - Marayoor route) in Devikulam Taluke.

Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)

The Nilgiri Tahr also called Nilgiri Ibex is an endangered mountain goat found high up in the Western Ghat mountain slopes of southern India. These pictures of Nilgiri Tahr that includes male, female and Juvenile tahrs were taken at the Eravikulam National Park in the Rajamala mountains ranges.

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Both sexes have curved horns, which are bigger in the males. Adult males weigh between 80 to 100 kg and stand about one meter tall at the shoulder.

Mattupetty

Mattupatti Dam, near Munnar, Kerala

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Mattupetty is located about 13 kilometers from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters.

Kundala

Kundala dam site, Munnar

Photo ID: MNR_297 - Panorama

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