Nilgiri Tahrs at Eravikulam National Park

Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the hill ranges of the Western Ghats of Southern peninsular India. Those who have travelled frequently to Lahaul & Spiti can find the similarity to Himalayan Tahr. They are indeed closely related and so is the Arabian Tahr which is found in arid mountains of Sultanate of Oman. Travel to Eravikulam National park can’t be complete without mentioning Nilgiri Tahr. Two reasons for it, firstly this animal can be seen only in these hills of the park, and secondly, this is an endangered animal under the IUCN red list. There are estimated 700 to 800 Nilgiri Tahrs in the park. This park is also known for some glorious waterfalls and rare wildlife including Malabar Giant Squirrel. Most romantic of them is the Neelakurinji flowers which blossom once in twelve years. Nilgiri Tahr is state animal of Tamil Nadu and it is called as Varaiaadu in Tamil.