The highest peak in the Western Ghats in South India (obviously Kerala as well) is the Anamudi, a fault-block mountain positioned at the apex of Eravikulam National Park. It is also the highest peak outside of the Himalayan mountain ranges..
The literal meaning of Anamudi is 'Elephant's Foreheads' arising from the fact that the peak is home to the largest surviving population of Asian elephants, Gaurs, and Nilgiri Tahrs and has a topographic prominence of 2,695 metres.
Basic Facts
- Highest Peak in Kerala.
- Highest Peak in South India.
- Highest Peak in the Western Ghats.
- Highest Peak in the Peninsular Plateau.
- Highest Peak in India outside (south of) the Himalayan Mountain Ranges.
- Height – 2,695 m (8842 ft).
- Location – Devikulam Taluk, Munnar Panchayat, Idukki.
- Epithets – Everest of South India, Himalayas of Southern India.
- First European to scale Anamudi – General Douglas Hamilton of Madras Army (May 4, 1862).
- The Hill ranges that confluence at Anamudi – Anamala, Palanimala & Elamala.
- North of Anamudi – Anamala,
- North-East of Anamudi – Palanimala,
- South of Anamudi – Elamala.
- National Park that stands at the southern side of Anamudi – Eravikulam National Park.
- Tourism destination at the north side of Anamudi – Nilgiri.
Bamboo (Arundinaria densifolia), Tailapatra (Gaultheria fragrantissima), black wood, and teak trees of various species, and Anaphalis sp. all grow around the Anamudi Peak. Anamudi is also home to Neela Kurinji (scientific name: Strobilanthes kunthiana), the queen of the Western Ghats, which blooms every twelve years, is legendary.
The Anamudi peak is also a famous trekking destination in Munnar. Mountains, rivers, valleys, tea plantations, a plethora of exotic plants and animals, and more can all be seen from the vantage point of Anamudi Peak. Beautiful rivers like Vaigai and Thamirabarani, as well as the Periyar, flow into the eastern horizon.
- Highest independent Peak in Kerala – Cheriyam Mountain (Malappuram).
- Second Highest Peak in Kerala – Meesapulimala (2,640 m, Idukki).
- For PSC, it is Agastyakoodam/ Agasthyarkoodam / Agastya Mala (1,868 m).
- Highest Peak in Southern Kerala – Agastyakoodam.
- Highest Peak in Northern Kerala – Chembra Peak (2,100 m, Wayanad).
- Second Highest Peak in Northern Kerala – Banasura Hill (2,073 m, Wayanad).
- Hill station that lies on the southern central portion of Palani Hills – Kodaikanal.
- The famous temple located on Palanimala – Palani Murugan Temple.