Mudumalai

Situated at a height of nearly 1140 metres on the north-eastern slopes of the Nilgiris, is the Mudumalai National Park. Covering an area of 103 sq. km, it was notified as a National Park in 1940. It is contiguous to the Bandipur Forest Reserve. The highway connecting Ootachamund with Mysore runs through the park, inevitably causing disturbance to the wildlife, but at the same time ensuring excellent game viewing to the highway users. The approach to the park from Ooty offers spectacular scenery as well as some hair-raising bends.

Some of the trees that grow here are Teak, Bejal, Indian Labumum, Kumizh etc. Bamboo and other tall grasses also grow here.

The park supports a rich wildlife. It boasts of one of the largest population of elephants. Leopards can be seen in the Kargudi area of the park. Other wildlife residents of this park are Tigers, Gaur, Giant Flying Squirrels, Sambar, Barking And Mouse Deer, Chital etc. Reptiles are also well represented here. Another major attraction of this park is the presence of a large variety of birds. Malabar Trogon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Mynas, Barbets, Parakeets, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Woodpecker, Racket Tailed Drongo etc. are some of the birds that have been sighted here.

March to June and September to October are ideal months if one plans to visit the park. It is easily accessible by bus from Ooty, Bangalore and Mysore. The park authorities also provide the means of transport within the park which include Jeeps, Vans and elephants. Accommodation is plentiful and prices reasonable. However, advance booking is advisable. It is also advisable to avail of the services of authorized professional guides.

Another important feature of the park is the Bandipur - Nagarhole - Mudumalai Corridor, which is used by the elephants migrating in search of fodder. It provides an excellent opportunity to wildlife enthusiasts or should one say, elephant lovers, to view elephants in such large numbers.

The administrative centre of the Park is at Theppakkadu.

State Tamil Nadu
District Nilgiri
Area 103 sq. km
Year of notification 1940
Topography Hillocks, Meadows
Vegetation Mixed to moist deciduous
Season March to June & September to October
Nearest Town Gudalur (16 km )
Railway Station Ootachamund (64 km)
Air Port Coimbatore (160 km)
Wildlife Authority The Wildlife Warden, Mudumalai
National Park, Mahalingam Building,
Coonoor Road,
Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu.
Chief Wildlife Warden, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Chennai (T.N).
Valuable References Jungle Hut, Bokkarpuran, P.O Masinagudi 643227, Tamil Nadu.

Jungle Trails, Chaddapatti P.O Masinagudi 643223, Tamil Nadu.

Accommodation Rest houses at Masinagudi, Abhayasranagarm and Theppakkadu

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