Anamudi
Anamudi is a mountain located in Ernakulam district and Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Mountain) and in 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 translates to "elephant mountain" a reference to the mountain's appearance. Anamudi is the highest mountain in peninsular India as well as the largest mountain in Kerala.
| Anamudi | |
|---|---|
A view of the Anamudi peak from the Naikolli Mala ridge | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,695 m (8,842 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,479 m (8,133 ft) |
| Isolation | 2,115 km (1,314 mi) |
| Listing | Ultra List of Indian states and territories by highest point |
| Coordinates | 10°10′09″N 77°03′38″E |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Elephant peak |
| Language of name | Malayalam |
| Geography | |
Anamudi Location of Anamudi Peak in Kerala Anamudi Anamudi (India) | |
| Location | Border between Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district and Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, Kerala, India |
| Parent range | Anamala Hills, Western Ghats |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Pan-African (Mozambique) |
| Age of rock | Neoproterozoic (804-509 mya) |
| Mountain type | Fault-block |
| Type of rock | Munnar Granite |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | by villagers(unknown) |
| Easiest route | hike |
The first recorded ascent is likely 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". 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, at a distance of 13 kilometres (8 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 metres (6,600 ft). 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 (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). Asian elephants, gaur, Bengal tigers, and the Nilgiri marten (Martes gwatkinsii) 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 Kuruna densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some species of Eriocaulon.