Eravikulam Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide to Eravikulam covers everything from places to visit and things to do to where to stay and how to get around.


A Comprehensive Guide to Eravikulam

Eravikulam is a picturesque town in Northern Travancore, in Kerala, Southern India. Known for its scenic beauty, a tour to Eravikulam is ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to trek to the top of the mountains, explore historical monuments or indulge in local culinary delights, Eravikulam has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential information that you need to make your trip to Eravikulam an enriching and memorable experience.

List of Places to Visit in Eravikulam

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Eravikulam has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its museums and historical monuments.

  1. Kundala Dam: Built in 1946, Kundala Dam is one of the most popular attractions in Eravikulam. The dam’s serene surroundings and scenic view of the mountains are a treat to the eyes.

  2. Top Station: Located at the highest point in Eravikulam, Top Station is famous for its panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The place was once used as a rope-way station and is now a popular tourist attraction.

  3. Tea Plantations: Eravikulam is famous for its tea plantations. Visitors can take a tour around the plantations and learn about the tea-making process.

Natural Attractions of Eravikulam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Eravikulam is home to an abundance of natural beauty. With plenty of outdoor activities and scenic views to enjoy, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.

  1. Anamudi Peak: The highest peak in South India, Anamudi Peak, is located in Eravikulam. Visitors can trek to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes.

  2. Sita Devi Lake: Located amidst the tea plantations, Sita Devi Lake is a serene spot for a picnic or a relaxed boating session.

  3. Rose Garden: Filled with over 1500 varieties of roses, the Rose Garden is a beautiful attraction to visit in Eravikulam.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eravikulam

Eravikulam has some of the best hiking and biking routes in South India. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, these routes offer an exhilarating experience for adventure enthusiasts.

  1. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: A popular trekking spot, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate offers an exciting hiking trail amidst picturesque surroundings.

  2. Anamudi Shola National Park: Known for its exotic flora and fauna, the Anamudi Shola National Park is an adventure-filled spot for hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Eravikulam: Activities and Tours

Eravikulam has plenty of activities and tours that visitors can indulge in.

  1. Waterfall Tours: Eravikulam is home to some beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can take a tour around the waterfalls and experience the beauty of nature.

  2. Tea-Tasting Tours: Tea-tasting tours in Eravikulam offer visitors a chance to explore the tea-making process and taste some of the finest teas in the region.

  3. Bamboo Rafting: The calm waters of the Kundala Dam make for an excellent bamboo rafting experience that visitors can enjoy in Eravikulam.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eravikulam

Visitors to Eravikulam can plan a week-long itinerary to explore the best of what the town has to offer. A suggested itinerary would be:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Kundala Dam, the Top Station and the Tea Plantations
Day 2 Hike to the Anamudi Peak
Day 3 Visit the Anamudi Shola National Park
Day 4 Take a Waterfall Tour
Day 5 Explore the Rose Garden
Day 6 Embark on a Tea-Tasting Tour
Day 7 Enjoy a Bamboo Rafting Experience at Kundala Dam

Food and Drink Scene of Eravikulam

Eravikulam’s food and drink scene is a reflection of its local culture, with a variety of traditional dishes and beverages to indulge in.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a steamed rice cake, while Kadala Curry is a chickpea curry. It is a popular breakfast meal in Eravikulam.

  2. Fish Molee: Fish Molee is a traditional fish curry that is popular among the locals in Eravikulam.

Local Beverages

  1. Tea: Eravikulam is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can taste some of the finest teas in the region.

  2. Toddy: Toddy is a local alcoholic beverage made from the sap of coconut trees.

Where to Stay in Eravikulam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eravikulam has plenty of accommodation options for visitors to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

  1. Windermere Riverhouse: Windermere Riverhouse is a charming hotel located on the banks of the Kundala River. The hotel offers views of the surrounding landscapes and comfortable rooms.

  2. Camp Noel: Camp Noel is a unique resort located amidst tea plantations. Visitors can stay in cottages and indulge in outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Eravikulam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eravikulam has a variety of souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring back home. Some of the must-buy souvenirs include:

  1. Tea: Eravikulam is famous for its tea plantations, and visitors can bring back home some of the finest teas in the region.

  2. Spices: Kerala is known for its spices and visitors can purchase a variety of spices from local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Eravikulam

Eravikulam has a rich cultural history, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

  1. Dress Code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly while visiting religious sites or attending public events.

  2. Respecting Elders: Respect for elders is an integral part of local culture.

Best Time to Visit Eravikulam

The best time to visit Eravikulam is from September to May when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eravikulam

Do:

  1. Respect local culture and customs.

  2. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the town and indulge in outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the environment.

  2. Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eravikulam

Eravikulam is a safe place for tourists. However, visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions while indulging in outdoor activities.

Health in Eravikulam

Visitors to Eravikulam are advised to carry a basic first aid kit and take necessary medication, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Getting to Eravikulam: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eravikulam is well-connected to major cities in India, and visitors can choose from several transportation options.

Airports Near Eravikulam

  1. Coimbatore Airport: Located 111 km away from Eravikulam, Coimbatore Airport is the closest airport to Eravikulam.

Bus Stations Near Eravikulam

  1. Ernakulam Central Bus Stand: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses to Eravikulam from this bus stand.

Other Options

  1. Taxi Services: Visitors can also hire taxi services or rent a car to travel to Eravikulam from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Eravikulam

Visitors can choose from several transportation options within Eravikulam, including:

  1. Taxis: Visitors can hire taxis to get around the town.

  2. Buses: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses within the town.

Where to Go Next from Eravikulam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eravikulam is located in a picturesque region of Kerala, and visitors can explore nearby destinations and excursions. Some of the popular destinations include:

  1. Munnar: Located 13 km away from Eravikulam, Munnar is a popular hill station known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty.

  2. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 40 km away from Eravikulam, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Eravikulam is a nature lover’s paradise, with its scenic beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. It is an enriching experience that visitors can cherish for a lifetime. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can explore the best of what Eravikulam has to offer and make the most of their trip.

Eravikulam National Park Eravikulam National Park