Anamudi is the highest peak in South India, standing at 2,695 metres. It sits inside Eravikulam National Park near Munnar and is often called the “Everest of South India.” The peak is protected as part of a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, so visiting it works a little differently compared to other treks.
An Important Note Before You Plan
Unlike most treks, reaching the actual summit of Anamudi is not open to the general public. The peak lies in the core zone of Eravikulam National Park, which is protected to safeguard the Nilgiri Tahr population, and summit access needs special permission from the Kerala Forest Department. This kind of permission is rare and usually limited to researchers or specific approved groups.
What most visitors can do instead is enter the tourism zone of the park at Rajamala, where you get clear views of Anamudi and can walk a short, well-marked trail through the grasslands. This is the part of the experience open to regular travelers.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Height | 2,695 m (8,842 ft) |
| Location | Eravikulam National Park, Idukki district |
| Nearest town | Munnar (about 15 km away) |
| Park timings | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Entry fee | Around ₹125 for adults, ₹95 for children (check current rates before visiting) |
| Summit access | Restricted, special forest permission only |
| Tourism zone access | Open to all visitors, no special permit needed |
How to Reach
Eravikulam National Park is reached through Munnar town.
- By road: Munnar is well connected by bus and taxi from Kochi, Kottayam, and other towns in Kerala.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Aluva, around 110 km away.
- By air: Cochin International Airport is the closest, about 130 km from Munnar.
From Munnar, you will need to travel toward Rajamala to reach the park entrance. Private vehicles are not allowed inside, so you will need to take the park’s own shuttle bus from the entry point.
What to Expect in the Tourism Zone
Once inside, the park runs a shuttle that takes visitors to the walking trail in the Rajamala area. This trail is short, easy, and takes around 2-3 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you will pass through rolling grasslands and shola forest patches, with good chances of spotting the Nilgiri Tahr up close, since they are used to visitors in this part of the park.
Anamudi itself is visible from several points along this walk, towering over the landscape even though you cannot trek up to its summit.
Best Time to Visit
January and February bring the most pleasant weather, with clear skies and cooler temperatures around 17°C. The monsoon months from June to August bring heavy rain, so trails can get slippery and misty, making views less reliable. If you are hoping to see the rare Neelakurinji flowers, keep in mind they bloom only once every twelve years, so this is not something to plan around unless the timing lines up.
Tips for Your Visit
- Book your entry tickets early, since the park limits the number of visitors allowed per batch.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the ground in the tourism zone can be uneven in places.
- Carry a light jacket, as it gets windy and cool at higher points along the trail.
- Keep a respectful distance from the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife, even though they may approach visitors.
- Avoid single-use plastic, and carry back anything you bring in.