Anamudi Mountain

Address: Anamudi, Idukki district, Kerala, India

Hours: Park/trek access varies seasonally; typically sunrise to sunset (check local park office)

Admission: Entry to Eravikulam National Park (gateway for Anamudi) usually has a fee (approx ₹150-₹200 for Indians; higher for foreigners), permits required for some routes

Anamudi is a mountain peak in the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India, rising to 2,695 metres and holding the title of the highest peak in South India. The mountain sits within protected high-altitude habitat and is a prominent feature of the region’s topography.

Visitors come for high-elevation trekking, wildlife viewing and the montane landscapes protected within Eravikulam National Park, where the Nilgiri tahr and other endemic species are found. The summit offers panoramic views over surrounding peaks and valleys when conditions permit.

Anamudi is a product of the Western Ghats uplift and is part of the larger biodiversity-rich mountain chain that runs along India’s west coast. The peak and its slopes have been incorporated into park boundaries to conserve the unique montane ecosystem.

Situated in Idukki district of Kerala near the hill station of Munnar, the mountain is accessible from local towns that serve as gateways to the national park.

• Elevation and ranking: At 2,695 metres, it is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and the highest point in South India.
• Protected area and wildlife: The peak lies within Eravikulam National Park and is home to populations of the endangered Nilgiri tahr; access to the summit is regulated by the park authority.

What to See#

• Summit and ridges: The summit area and north face ridges form the highest point of the Western Ghats, offering alpine-style terrain and panoramic views from the 2,695-metre summit.
• Eravikulam National Park: Eravikulam National Park surrounds much of the mountain and protects montane grasslands and shola forest habitat, including populations of Nilgiri tahr.

Nearest town is Munnar, about 40-60 km by road depending on route (approx 1.5-2.5 hours). The closest major airports are Kochi (Cochin) and Madurai; hire a taxi or use regional buses to reach Munnar, then local transport or park buses to the Eravikulam/Anamudi trailheads.

• Permits required for ascending Anamudi via official trails-use only designated routes with authorized guides.
• Best views at dawn from Munnar or Eravikulam plateau; fog lifts to reveal dramatic ridgelines.
• Watch for sudden weather changes and avoid attempting climbs during monsoon months (June-September).