The stocky Nilgiri tahr is one of the Western Ghats' signature species, but there are now thought to be only around 2660 of these endangered mountain goats remaining across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The largest single population (around 840) inhabits the rolling expanses of the protected 97-sq-km Eravikulam National Park (eravikulamnationalpark.in; ₹500), 11km north of Munnar (closed February/March). While trekking at Eravikulam wasn't permitted at the time of writing, park-operated buses travel 3km to an elevated drop-off point where you can walk a little further along a paved road, with a good chance of spotting Nilgiri tahrs as well as views of shola (virgin forest), grasslands and, on clear days, 2695m-tall Anamudi, South India's highest peak. Eravikulam is hugely popular, so prebook tickets and visit on weekdays (ideally early) to sidestep the crowds; entry is from 8am to 2pm. The park is also a hotspot for neelakurinji, an endemic plant that bursts into purple-pink bloom once every 12 years (next due in 2030).
Eravikulam is easily day-trip-able from Munnar, often combined with Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Buses heading along the SH17 road will get you there; taxis/jeeps from Munnar charge ₹3200 to ₹3500 for day trips.
