In short
- Drive 20 minutes from Munnar to the 5th Mile entrance.
- Park your private vehicle outside the park gates.
- Ride the mandatory 20-30 minute forest safari bus to Rajamala.
In this article
Getting to the Rajamala zone in Eravikulam National Park requires two steps. First, you travel to the park's base station. Then, you transfer to government transport to protect the local ecosystem.
Where is the Eravikulam National Park entrance?
The main entrance is at the 5th Mile base station on the Munnar - Udumalpet Road.
This checkpoint is a 20-minute drive from Munnar town. A local taxi costs ₹800 to ₹2000. You will stop here to park and show your tickets.
Are private cars allowed inside Eravikulam National Park?
No. Private vehicles cannot go past the 5th Mile base station.
The forest department strictly bans private transport beyond the entry gates. You must leave your car or taxi at the designated parking areas outside Eravikulam.
How do you reach the Rajamala tourism zone?
All visitors transfer to official forest department mini-buses.
These buses pick you up at the 5th Mile entrance and drive you up to the Rajamala viewpoint. The bus ride takes 20 to 30 minutes.
How much does the forest safari bus cost?
The bus ride is included in your Eravikulam National Park entry ticket.
You pay ₹200 for Indian adults and ₹500 for foreigners, plus a ₹50 reservation fee. This single ticket covers your transport from the base to the Rajamala zone.
What should you expect at the bus queue?
Wait times for the safari buses get very long during peak months.
Expect significant queues in December and January. Arrive early to avoid spending your morning standing in line at the base station.
What happens when you arrive at Rajamala?
The bus drops you at the Rajamala Viewpoint, the main visitor area.
From here, you explore on foot. You can walk the paved Kurinji Trail or look up at Anamudi Peak. Walking off the designated paths is strictly prohibited.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Eravikulam from Munnar?
The 5th Mile base station is a 20-minute drive from Munnar town.
Can I walk up to Rajamala instead of taking the bus?
No. You must ride the official forest department mini-buses from the 5th Mile entrance to the Rajamala zone.
Is parking available at Eravikulam National Park?
Yes. Designated parking areas are located outside the entry gates at the 5th Mile base.
