| Mudumalai National Park |
| About: |
| Mudumalai National Park is one of the finest and most attractive wildlife sanctuaries in south India. Located in the most picturesque surroundings of the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, the Mudumalai National Park covers an area of approximately 321 sq km. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Moyar River, which separates Mudumalai National Park from the famous Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. The Mudumalai National Park is also a part of the famous Nilgiri Bio-sphere Reserve of IndiaMudumalai National Park is located at the foothills of the Nilgiri hills in the state of Tamil Nadu. Mudumalai which literally means ancient hills was identified as a reserve way back in 1927 and converted into a sanctuary in 1940. It is a continuation of the Bandipur National Park in the neighbouring state of Karnataka, and is separated by the river Moyar that flows along the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The park also has a border with the Wayanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Mudumalai is a part of the forest area which includes the Bandipur National Park and Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) in Karnataka, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala which together constitute the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve.Nestled on the northeastern slopes of the Nilgiris, Mudumalai National Park has the distinction of being the first wildlife sanctuary to be created in South India in 1940. This gently undulating hilly terrain of the Western Ghats lies on Tamil Nadu’s interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala. Strategically located near Bandipur National Park, Waynad Sanctuary and the Sigur and Singara reserve forests, it also comes under the proposed Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Moyar River, the most importance source of water in the sanctuary, separates Mudumalai from adjoining Bandipur, with similar flora and fauna. Since most other streams dry up in early June, you have a good chance of sighting wildlife in the dry season around the Moyar. You can see giant squirrels with ease. Known for its endemic bird species like Malabar Trogon, Malabar Grey Hornbill and Malabar Great Black Woodpecker, Mudumalai is a birdwatcher’s delight. The park forms part of an important corridor for migratory elephants who move in large herds through Nagarahole, Bandipur and Mudumalai to the forest regions of Kerala. You can interact closely with the mahouts and their tame giants at the Elephant Training Camp at Theppakadu, which has the distinction of the highest number of elephant births in captivity. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu |
| District: Coimbatore |
| Nearest City: Gudalur – 16km |
| Best time to visit: Moderate warm climate almost through the year makes it attractive destination throughout the year but the best time to visit would be December to April. |
| Climate/Weather: |
| The mercury ranges from Min 15°C – Max 30°C |
| Interesting things to Visit: |
Flora(Mudumalai National Park)
The vegetation is quite varied in this region. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests, make Mudumalai (the ancient hills) a most attractive wildlife reserve. Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea) Natural teak (Tectona Grandis), Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia, Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea are some of the flora.Fauna(Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary)
The fauna include Elephants, Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking Deer, Four Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (Mugger), Giant Flying Squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.The birds listed in this sanctuary are Peacock-our National bird, Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge Quails, Goggle Eyed Plower, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-Tailed Dronge, The Magpie-robin, Spotted Babbler, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant, besides some migratory water birds. |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Udhagamandalam railway station 65kms ,Mysore 95 kms. |
| Nearest Airport:Coimbatore |
| Road Transport:Gudalur (16-km) is the nearest town to the sanctuary, which is situated along the Udhagamandalam – Mysore highway. This sanctuary could be reached from Mysore as well. There are regular buses from Udhagamandalam, Mysore and the neighbouring towns to the sanctuary |
| Nearest Petrol Pump:Gudalur ,Tamil Nadu. |
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| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:Police Station ,Gudalur |
Nearest Hospital:Sheela Hospitals
46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2498381
PSG Hospitals
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2570170Vikram Hospital And Ent Research Institute
Venkatasamy Rd, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2550633 |
