Introduction
The card post of Munnar is Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) – rolling shola-grasslands, high ridges and Nilgiri tahr grazing silently in the walking path.
The visitor zone is highly controlled: all people ascend and descend using forest shuttles and the walking path is a pre-determined and picturesque one. That science maintains the wilderness untouched and the adventure stress free.
The best method of getting in season is to purchase tickets in advance, online and select a clever time slot. This is the guide that offers just that: what to reserve, when to come, how the shuttles operate, what one hour blocks of time are relatively empty most of the time.
Getting There and Best Time
The entrance of the Rajamalai is located approximately 10-13 km on the Munnar-Udumalpet road (SH17) of the Munnar town. You will arrive at the bottom first to the reception/ parking. Here, all you do to get to the top of the visitor area is by the use of the park shuttles. No access of personal cars beyond the gate.
Weather and season matter. October-March is cool and sunny with low morning rays- best when watching the scenery and tahr. In April-May it is warmer and busier (school holidays) and in the morning it is still pleasant.
The park is usually closed during a few weeks towards the end of January up to March during the Nilgiri tahr calving period and may also be closed in heavy rain or landslips. You should always make sure to visit the official site the evening before you come to the site.
The well-known neelakurinji flower is a 12-year festival (last mass bloom 2018; the next one will be around 2030), yet adore the landscape at any time of the year.
How Online Tickets and Shuttles Work (Step‑by‑Step)
- Directions: Open the official site (eravikulamnationalpark.in). Select date, time slot and the number of visitors. Popular weekends sell out – reserve 2-5 days in advance in season.
- Step 2: Fill information, make an online payment (UPI/cards). You will receive an e-ticket/QR on email/SMS.
- Step 3: Arrive at the base reception 30-40 minutes prior to your slot with one government identification on the booking lead. You may park your car/two wheeler in the designated lot.
- Step 4: Present QR in the counter, take wristbands/boarding slip, and proceed to the shuttle line to the counter with your slot.
- Step 5: The upper visitor area is accessible by shuttle ride (lasting approximately 15-20 minutes). Use the footpath (approximately 1-1.5 km each way depending on the open area on that particular day) (one way or the other).
- Step 6: Return shuttles are loop running. It is possible to spend 1.5-2 hours above (on the park territory) and then board down. Note: Walkways and view bays are not movable. No off-trail walking, picnics and drone.
Quick Planner: Distance, Time and Typical Costs
| Munnar town → Rajamalai (base) | 10–13 km; 25–35 mins | SH17 towards Udumalpet |
| Shuttle ride (one way) | 15–20 mins | Frequent loops |
| Time at the top | 60–90 mins (average) | Benches and view bays available |
| Online ticket (adult) | ₹150–300 | Includes visitor entry; follow official board |
| Child/Student ticket | Concessional | Age/ID as per board |
| Shuttle/vehicle component | Usually included | Structure can change; see site |
| Parking | Two‑wheeler ₹10–20; Car ₹20–50 | Pay‑and‑park at base |
| Camera/mobile | Personal usage allowed | No drones; no professional shoots without permit |
Top Sights on the Rajamalai Walk
| Spot/Section | What you’ll see/do | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| First View Bay | Rolling grasslands and valley layers | 8:30–10:00 AM |
| Mid‑Trail Curves | Chance Nilgiri tahr on slopes | Morning |
| High Ridge Turn | Windy panorama to tea estates below | Late morning/early afternoon |
| Interpretation Panels | Park ecology, shola‑grassland facts | Any |
| Base Interpretation Centre | Short video/exhibit | Start or end |
Prices, Rules and Safety Notes
- Online tickets cannot be transferred; they are date/slot specific and cannot be moved.
- The concrete road is relatively flat with benches. The elderly cope with it by taking short breaks.
- There is a ban on plastics, food litter, loud music and drones. Carry wrapper and bottle till bins at base.
- Wildlife priority: In case a tahr passes the road, wait, the staff will inform on the time to move.
- Closures: Closures of the park are frequent (tahr calving usually late Jan-Mar) and occasionally during red-alert weather. Status is provided on a daily basis in the site and base board.
Do’s and Don’ts for First‑Timers
| Book online 2–5 days ahead for weekends/holidays | Don’t carry plastic snack packs onto the trail |
| Reach base 30–40 minutes before your slot | Don’t step off the paved path for photos |
| Pick 8–9 AM or 1–2 PM for lighter crowds | Don’t approach Nilgiri tahr—observe quietly |
| Don’t approach Nilgiri tahr—observe quietly | Don’t fly drones or play loud music |
| Scan the interpretation panels—makes the walk richer | Don’t overstay near closing; last shuttles queue up |
FAQs
How long does the whole visit take?
- Approximately between 2-3 hours door to door: 30-40 minutes base buffer, 15-20 minutes shuttle up, 60-90 minutes walk/photos, and 15-20 minutes shuttle down.
Is the purchase of online tickets compulsory?
- Walk-in counters are open, however the slots may run out during the weekends/holidays. Online booking will help keep off the longest queue and also provide you with a sure window.
What if it’s misty at my slot?
- Wait 10-15 minutes; perceptions open intermittently. In case it is a blackout, concentrate on the textures, macro shots, and the interpretation panels.
Is it wheelchair or path stroller friendly?
- it is paved with certain gradients. Light strollers are easy to handle, wheelchairs require powerful support. Request employees on the most convenient turnaround bay.
When is the park closed?
- Tahr calving is usually late Jan-Mar and when there is a heavy rain/landslip alert. Cheque eravikulam.org one day before.
Can I carry food?
Avoid carrying open food. Water is fine. Do not litter, there are bins at the bottom reception.
