A Bus Journey to Eravikulam During Monsoon

Unplanned trips during weekends are nothing new to me and my friends. Unlike the other weekend trips, my journey to Eravikulam was an unusual one. We usually get away to nearby destinations during weekends. But this time I was alone. I really needed a break from my work and I decided to leave for Eravikulam. As monsoon was getting stronger, it wasn't a good time to go for a trip. It was pouring outside and a bike trip didn't seem like a good option for me. I thought about trying a different mode of transport which is safe. So I decided to get there by bus.

I Started early in the morning from the Ernakulam transport bus station. My destination is 135 Kms far from Cochin. Till morning it was raining really hard and I doubted whether my plan is going to work. But all of a sudden the weather changed and was looking Ok. As the bus rode up the hilly terrains of Idukki district, I could feel the air was getting colder. What really inspired me for this trip could probably be the Ghat roads of Idukki. Some of my friends who did their college education in Idukki have told me about the bus journey through the Ghat roads. Journey through these narrow Ghat roads offer a different experience.

Getting on top of Rajamalai hills

It took almost three hours to reach Munnar. The Eravikulam national park (Also known as Rajamalai to the locals) is half an hour drive from Munnar. The national park is known for its endemic population of the Nilgiri Thars. This mighty mountain is part of the Western Ghats which is about 2500 meters above the sea level.

To get on top of the Rajamalai hills, the park authorities provide minibus service. These mini buses will take you to a point on top of the Rajamalai, till the end of the narrow road. Cold wind kept blowing gently and it rained every five minutes. You have to walk further up, where you can see the Nilgiri Tahrs or the Nilgiri mountain goats in large numbers. Their body is designed to withstand the cold climate here. The Eravikulam national park attracts thousands of visitors from different parts of our country and other parts of the world.