Experience the Eravikulam National Park like never before with the new virtual reality park!
Eravikulam National Park in Munnar Introduces Virtual Reality Park for Tourists
In a groundbreaking move, the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) in Munnar has unveiled a 360-degree virtual reality park inside the park premises. This marks the first time a national park has introduced such an innovative feature for visitors.
Assistant Wildlife Warden Nithin Lal expressed excitement about the new virtual reality station, which offers tourists a unique journey through the ENP and the picturesque Munnar landscape. “The Eravikulam National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. However, due to conservation reasons, we cannot allow tourists to explore most parts of the park. The virtual reality station provides an immersive experience, taking visitors on a virtual tour through the Neelakurinji hills, Nilgiri tahr habitat, and stunning waterfalls,” Mr. Lal explained.
Unlike traditional virtual stations that use animated videos for entertainment, the Forest department utilized a 360-degree camera to capture the 97 sq km expanse of the park. This allows visitors to feel as though they are exploring the park’s interiors firsthand. Additionally, the virtual reality station features videos of the Thoovanam waterfalls in Chinnar, enhancing the overall experience.
Officials emphasized that the ENP boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna beyond the famous Nilgiri tahrs and neelakurinji. With 58 species of orchids, 55 mammal species, 725 flowering plants, ferns, shola forests, grasslands, and more, the park is a biodiversity hotspot. The virtual park aims to raise awareness about the park’s rich ecological heritage.
Situated at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, the ENP comprises 60% grasslands, 20% shola forests, and rocky hills. The virtual station can accommodate up to 12 visitors simultaneously, with an entry fee of ₹100 per person.
In addition to the virtual reality park, the ENP has implemented a cashless ticketing system via WhatsApp, allowing visitors to scan a QR code and purchase tickets online. Furthermore, a new parking ground has been established to alleviate traffic congestion on the Munnar-Marayur route, ensuring a seamless experience for park visitors.
With these innovative initiatives, the Eravikulam National Park is not only enhancing the visitor experience but also promoting conservation and sustainability in ecotourism.
