Anamudi


Anamudi is a mountain located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India, at an elevation of and a topographic prominence of. It lies on the border of Devikulam Taluk, Idukki district and Kothamangalam Taluk, Ernakulam district. The name Anamudi literally translates to "elephant's head" a reference to the resemblance of the mountain to an elephant's head.. Anamudi Shola National Park was declared as National Park in December 2003 as per Notification No. 12876/F2 2003/F & WLD dated 14.12.2003 of Government of Kerala
The first recorded ascent of Anamudi was by General Douglas Hamilton of the Madras Army on 4 May 1862, but it is likely that there had been earlier ascents by local people.
Anamudi peak is one of only three ultra prominent peaks in South India. It is also the peak with the greatest topographic isolation within India.It is the highest point in India south of Himalayas. Thus it is known as "Everest of South India".

Climatic zones and biomes

Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India, having an elevation of. Anamudi is also the highest point in South India. This gives Anamudi its relatively large topographic prominence of, the associated key saddle being over away at in Haryana state just to the west of Delhi. The peak is the highest point of the Periyar river basin.
The peak is not exceptionally dramatic in term of steepness or local relief and is a fault-block mountain. It is located in the southern region of Eravikulam National Park at the junction of the Cardamom Hills, the Anaimalai Hills and the Palani Hills. The nearest town is Munnar,. 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. The north and south slopes are gentle, while the east and west slopes are steeper, with more difficult rock faces.
Anamudi and the Eravikulam National Park surrounding it is home to the largest surviving population of the Nilgiri tahr. Asian elephants, gaur, Bengal tigers, and the Nilgiri marten are some of the species of animals found here. The Anamudi peak area is also habitat of a unique frog Raorchestes resplendens. This newly discovered species is located in the Eravikulam National Park and is restricted to less than three km2 on the summit of Anamudi. The summit of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima, Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some species of Eriocaulon.

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