Erawan national park, Kanchanaburi province, Thailand

Topography
Erawan national park was designated in June 1975 as Thailand's 12th national park. It covers an area of 550 square kilometers of high mountains and valleys. The eastern mountains rise to nearly 1000 meters with shear limestone cliffs. These mountains protect the area from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. In summer the weather is sweltering, but it is cool between November and February. The main feature of the park is the stunning Erawan waterfall.

Deciduous forest covers about 78% of the park with Pterocorpus macrocarpus, Hopea odorata, Afzelia xylocarpa and Spondias pinnata being some of the dominant tree species. There are also dipterocarp, dry evergreen and bamboo forest. Wildlife surveys of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians have been carried out. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of elephants, gibbons, Siamese hare, flying squirrels, eagles, white-eyes, king cobras or pythons. Fish, crabs and insect are abundant in many steams.

Tourist attractions

Erawan waterfall The 7 levels of this waterfall drops 1,500 meters down steep-sided cliffs. It is surrounded by beautiful forest with many types of trees and orchids. There is a trail as far as the 6th level and from there you have to scramble up the cliff to reach the 7th level. The climb is well worth the effort, for the sight of tumbling water, spraying off the boulders into the deep pool below. This fall resembles the head of the Erawan Elephant (the 3-headed elephant from Hindu Mythology) which gives the whole waterfall its name.

Wang Bahdan cave is a big limestone cave located 54 km from the headquarters. Its narrow entrance widens into a large hall festooned with strange limestone formations.

Pratat cave is 12 km from the headquarters. Strange-shaped stalactites and stalagmites fascinate the eyes, and a huge rock garden with a stupa or eagle-shaped sandstone decorates the centre of the cave.

Ta Duang cave Unfortunately boulders have collapsed in front of the mouth of this cave and it is no longer possible to enter. There are wonderful stone age paintings of people, trees and way of life on the walls of this cave.

Mee cave This large 5 roomed cave has many strange shaped rocks and striking colored stalactites and stalagmites.

Rua cave Main feature of thes cave is ancient boat-shape waterbowl carved out of a log. The head of the waterbowl has a nose, 2 eyes, and 2 ears, which help support it from falling. Sadly, the condition of this ancient artifact is deteriorating due to the bat droppings.

Accommodations and facilities
There are some bungalows and dormitories available. There is also a visitor centre, bathrooms, restaurants, a shop and public telephones.

Contact address
Erawan National Park
P.O.Box 107 Amphur Srisawat,
Kanchanaburi 71250
Tel: 034-516 530


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