The checkpost regulates access to the habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats.
Eravikulam National Park is the first national park in Kerala, established to protect this specific mountain goat species.
The park enforces a strict carrying capacity to minimize human impact on the fragile ecosystem.
The high-altitude grasslands surrounding the checkpost area are known as 'shola-grassland' mosaics.
Private vehicles are strictly forbidden from ascending the final road stretch to the park's internal bus station to reduce traffic stress on wildlife.
Rajamala Hills Checkpost serves as the mandatory entry point for visitors entering the Eravikulam National Park, a protected sanctuary in the Western Ghats. This location regulates all vehicle access into the park, as private vehicles are prohibited beyond this point. Visitors must transfer to authorized forest department shuttle buses at this checkpost to reach the Eravikulam plateau. The area is situated at a high altitude within the Kannan Devan Hills, primarily known as the habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The checkpost facilities include a visitor reception area, a ticketing counter, and informational signage regarding the local ecosystem. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rolling grasslands and shola forests, typical of the high-altitude Kerala environment.
The elevated view from the checkpost entrance overlooking the valley toward the Nilgiri Tahr habitat.
Book your entry permits online in advance, as visitor numbers are strictly capped daily.
Carry a light jacket, as temperatures at this altitude can drop quickly even during the day.
Keep your identification documents ready, as they are mandatory for verification at the gate.
Do not arrive without a pre-booked permit, as walk-in entries are often unavailable during peak seasons.
The park is periodically closed for the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr, typically during the spring months.
Do not litter or feed wildlife; maintain silence to avoid disturbing the sensitive mountain ecosystem.
