Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve |
About: |
Kalakad -Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Agasthyamalai hills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known for abundance of rare plants and several endangered animals. KMTR being a tiger reserve enjoys total protection where no collection of any sort is allowed. It comprises the wet forests on higher elevations and dry forests in the foothills. Kalakad-Mundanthurai-Tiger Reserve was started during the year 1988, area of 800 sq. kms in the southern most western ghat ranges of Tirunelveli Kottabomman district. The great diversity of edaphic and climatic features Of this conservation unit has led to rich biodiversity of fauna and flora. 32 species of flora and 17 of faunal species are already recorded as highly endangered. From these dry forests along the eastern boundary of KMTR, fuelwood and fodder are extracted by people of around 145 villages . While the women of all age and classes collect fuel wood, its the men who herd the cattle here. These villages have varying levels of dependence on the forests based on their Socio-economic structure, farming practices and water availability.ATREE developed a conservation intervention program to decrease this dependency on the forests as well as simultaneously build awareness in the people about the biodiversity they have in their neighborhood. The rich forests of the Reserve form the catchment area for 14 rivers and streams. Among them the Tambraparani, Ramanadi, Karayar, Servalar, Manimuthar, Pachayar, Kodaiyar, Kadnar, Kallar form the back-bone of the irrigation network and drinking water for people of Tirunelveli, Turicorin and part of Kanyakumari district. Sever major dams - Karaiyar, Lower Dam, Servalar, Manimuthar, Ramanadi, Kadnanadi and Kodaiyar - owe their existence to these rivers. Being a newly created tiger Reserve steps have already been taken up to provide adequate infrastructure and protection to the reserve. The relocation of the village settlements from the core area has already been taken on a priority basis. Various management activities similar to other project tiger areas and site specific requirements of the project have already been planned and initiated since 1990-1991. The legal status as a National Park is still pending.The Population of the tiger was reported as 81, during 1989. Similar to other project tiger areas, the census of tigers and herbivores has also been planned on a regular basis at an interval of 2 years. The Agasthyamalai peak at 1,681 m falls within this reserve and is the third highest peak in South India. As many as 14 rivers and streams run through the forests including rivers like Tambraparani, Ramanadi, Karayar, Servalar, Manimuthar, Pachayar, Kodaiyar, Kadnar and Kallar.Some of the forest types seen in this protected area include southern hill top tropical evergreen forests, west coast tropical evergreen forests, Tirunelveli semi-evergreen forests, southern dry mixed deciduous |
Location info: |
Address:Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India |
District:Tirunelveli |
Nearest City:Kalakkad |
Best time to visit: September to March |
Climate/Weather: |
History: |
Surrounded by the Agasthyamalai hills, the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 covering an area of 223.58 sq km. The Mundanthurai Sanctuary was established in 1977 covering an area of 567.38. Both these sanctuaries, situated in the Kalakad and Mudanthurai districts of Tamil Nadu. |
Interesting things to do: |
Interesting things to Visit: |
Flora and Fauna in Kalakkadu Sanctuary: Avian Population in Kalakkadu Sanctuary: Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar Temple: Srivaikuntam: The Sangam: Kanyakumari Temple: Gandhi Mandapam: Vivekananda Memorial Rock: Pottalpudur Dargha: |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Cheranmadevi at a distance of 20 km from here. Ambasamudram railway station is at a distance of 15 km from Tirunelveli. |
Nearest Airport:Madurai Airport is located at a distance of 200 km, while Thiruvananthapuram's international airport is at a distance of 140 km. |
Road Transport: Tirunelveli is well connected to Ambasamudaram and Kalakad and frequent buses are plying on this route. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
Ottapidaram: Tenkasi: Papanasam: Sankarankovil: Padmanabhapuram Palace: Suchindram Temple: Baywatch Water Amusement Park: Portuguese Church: Vattakottai Fort: Muttom Beach: Sanguthurai Beach: Chothavilai Beach: |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Petrol Pump:Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu HP Petrol Pump:Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Parvathy Residency: 400, P.W.D Road, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu India,Ph:04652 227799 |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:
Kalakkad Police Station:Kalakkad, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu Kadayam Police Station:Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu |
Nearest Hospital:
Karthick Clinin:43-1, Jawaharlal Road Street,, Shencottah, Tamil Nadu,Ph:04633 233784 PRDental speciality centre:Opp:Rajan Textiles, Thirumala, Trivandrum, Kerala,India,Ph:09249434490 |
Society/Community Phone Number |
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve |
Ottapidaram: |
This is the birth place of V.O Chidambaram, freedom fighter. His maiden venture in navigation against the East India Company caused his imprisonment. That is why he is popularly called as "Kappalottiya Thamizhan". His home has now become a memorial..... ............more |
Tenkasi: |
The name itself implies that this town is Kasi (Varanasi) of the South. The flagstaff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and 400 years old............more |
Papanasam: |
This holy place is on the western ghat of Pothigai Hills. Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the "Agasthiya falls". To commemorate the visit of the divine couple. The Agasthya temple was built there...................more |
Sankarankovil: |
Sankarankovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice in a year sun rays fall on the pedestal.......more |
Padmanabhapuram Palace: |
It's a large mansion of the Travancore Kings, located around 40kms from Kanyakumari on the road to Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its natural splendor, the main attraction of the palace is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace dates back to 17th or 18th century. Unlike north Indian palaces, it's made of granite and teakwood displaying a perfect combination of clean lines and gentle angles, sloping tiled roofs of various interconnecting buildings. And the Palace has a dining hall, which seated 2000 Brahmins at one time! The palace is excellently maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, which offers a guided tour through the labyrinth of 108 rooms that is expressive of sheer opulence................more |
Suchindram Temple: |
A small sleepy village Suchindram, located 12 kms from Kanyakumari, is profusely rich in art, culture and architectural heritage. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, commonly known as Suchindram temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful 134ft tall gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from valuable artifacts of different periods...........more |
Baywatch Water Amusement Park: |
Baywatch Water Amusement Park The interesting water park has many different types of rides available like the Bumping Car, Crazy Chairs, Giant Wheel, Milky Way, and Multiple Splash. It's open every day of the year and it has many different attractions for adults and children including its world famous wax museum that is the counterpart of Wax Museum at London..........more |
Portuguese Church: |
Portuguese Church The church with its beautiful archaic structure is a major monument of Christian influence. The massive towering spires and stained glass window panes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The simplicity of the interiors is a sharp contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors. A walk down to the fishing jetty behind the church is quite interesting especially if the boats have just come in with their catch............more |
Vattakottai Fort: |
Vattakottai Fort It is one of the many forts erected a symbol of military history of India. This small yet charming circular fort on the seashore, 6 kms away from Kanyakumari is an 18th century fort. So, only the ramparts and a few broken down structures of this granite fort have withstood the ravages of time. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation overlooking the blue waters makes it an idyllic hideaway..............more |
Muttom Beach: |
The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari as well. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beachside. The sun set viewpoint at Muttom is very famous and one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old lighthouse built by the British. People come and see all these with full interest..............more |
Sanguthurai Beach: |
Sanguthurai is a beautiful beach resort and is very convenient for the local population of Nagarcoil. It is only about 10 kms from the city. Unfortunately no infrastructure facilities were available in this beach. The district administration has now sanctioned a project for putting up of a children`s park, seating facility, open huts or Kudils with Terracotta roofs and lighting facility at the beach. These facilities are expected to increase the tourism in the beach site. The entire work has been completed. It is also proposed to put up a few shops for Women Self Help Groups at the site. These will provide eatables for the tourists at the beach side. All these give a colourful impression to the tourists..........more |
Chothavilai Beach: |
This beach is located at the distance of about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari. This is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has shallow water and High sand dunes on the background. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road, which is a very beautiful drive along the sea-coast. People enjoy the place very much as they visit this with of joy............more |