Nilgiri TahR Haven, Eravikulam, Sees Surge in Tourist Footfall

Over 80k visited park so far in May; total monthly turnout expected to cross 1.03L this season

- NEJMA SULAIMAN @Idukki

BEING the first national park in Kerala, Eravikulam stands as the backbone of the tourism industry in Munnar. An official at the park told TNIE that more than 80,000 tourists have arrived at the park till Friday (May 23) this month.

With just a week left for the month to end, the total monthly tourist turnout is expected to cross 1.03 lakh this season. "Although the incessant rain lashing the hill town has slightly dampened the tourist arrival, we expect that the monthly turnout will surely exceed the count in May last year," the official said.

When the park closes for the annual calving season of Nilgiri Tahrs for two months (February and March), Munnar falls into an off-peak season. Considering the low tourist arrival in the hill town, resorts and hotels conduct maintenance works during the time.