Anamudi (Malayalam: ആനമുടി) is located in the Indian state Kerala. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India, at an elevation of 2,695 metres (8,842 ft), and a topographic prominence of 2,479 metres (8,133 ft). The name Anamudi literally translates to "elephants forehead," a reference to the resemblance of the mountain to an elephant's head.
The best time to climb Anamudi Peak: January to May and October to December.
Anamudi a view from Munnar Town.
The first recorded ascent of the Anamudi was by General Douglas Hamilton of the Madras Army on May 4, 1862, but it is likely that there had been earlier ascents by local people. The Anamudi peak is the highest point of the Periyar river basin. The Anamudi peak is not exceptionally dramatic in terms of steepness or local relief and is a Fault-block mountain. Anamudi is located in the southern region of Eravikulam National Parkat the junction of the Cardamom Hills, the Anamala Hills and the Palani Hills.
The nearest town Anamudi is Munnar, 13 kilometres (8.1 mi). The easiest route to the summit of Anamudi is a technically easy hike on grass slopes, starting from a rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft). The north and south slopes are gentle, while the east and west slopes are steeper, with more difficult rock faces. In Anamudi the heavy evergreen forests are present with bamboos, black-wood (Dalbergia latifolia), and teak growing in abundance. The heavy forest with which the range is clothed is the source of the most valuable of the rivers which traverse the drier country to the east, namely the Vaigai, and Thamirabarani ; and the waters of the Periyar, which flows into the Arabian Sea.
Anamudi and the Eravikulam National Park surrounding it is home to the largest surviving population of the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). Asian Elephants, Gaur, Bengal tigers, and the Nilgiri Marten (Martes gwatkinsii) are some of the species of animals found here . The summit of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp.,Impatiens and some species of Eriocaulon.
Tourism in Anamudi.
Anamudi is an ideal spot for trecking and Hill climbing the tourists are permiteed to climb Anamudi on foot. Enough facilities are provided by the authorities for the Tourists. The scenic beauty of Anamudi attracts thousands of Tourist from India and abroad.The best time to climb Anamudi Peak: January to May and October to December.
Anamudi a view from Munnar Town.
