About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai
Wildlife Reserve is situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The
park is separated from the Bandipur national park by river Moyar that flows
along the border of the state, acting as a vital water resource that
sustains the flora and fauna of the region.
The terrain is extremely varied with hills, ravines, valleys, watercourses
and swamps, while the vegetation is deciduous with tropical moist deciduous
forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests occupying most of the area.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months from February to
June, which is also the time when animals can be easily spotted moving
around the area in search of water.
Wildlife Attractions in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Flora
Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary with its tropical climate and varied terrain
is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The vegetation is quite diverse
with the western ghats covered in a blanket of dense moist deciduous
forests, that lend a unique charm to the area. Other variety of trees found
in the region include Bamboos, Natural Teak, Anogeissus latifolia,
Terminalia, Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, Labumusum, Aredesia and
Solanancea.
Fauna
The sanctuary is home to a myriad variety of animals. Some of the most
attractive and exotic animals found in the country have made their homes
here in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. From gigantic Indian Elephants to
little Porcupines, prominent among the animals found here include 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 and Mongoose.
Avian Populationsub
Besides animals the avian residents of the park are equally large in
number. The birds can often be seen flying around, registering their
presence to the visitors. Among the major birds listed in the sanctuary are
Peacock, 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 and Mynahs. Preyry birds include
Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and Vulture. Other migratory
birds can also be seen throughout the year.
Safaris
Moving
inside the park is not a problem with jeeps available for hire at reasonable
prices. The uneven terrain of the park can be easily covered on a sturdy
vehicle which can also penetrate deeper into the areas inaccessible by some
of the other means. Besides jeeps, elephant safaris provide a unique thrill
and excitement to the visitors. Elephants being a part of the animal kingdom
can get closer to the animals without frightening them. Mini bus safaris are
organised by the park authorities, the timings for which are 7-9 AM and
3-6:30 PM
Other Attractions
The area around Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife
enthusiasts and nature lovers with two other national parks of Bandipur and
Nagarhole situated at an easily approachable distance.
Other touring options around the area include the picturesque hill town of
Ooty and the historic city of Mysore, the erstwhile kingdom of theTiger of
Mysore, Tipu Sultan.
How to Get There
By Air - Coimbatore city has a major airport which
connects the area to other cities in the country through a number of direct
and indirect flights. Indian Airlines flight operate between
Delhi-Coimbatore (6:30, daily) and Chennai-Coimbatore (14:40, Wed, Fri,
Sun). Jet Airways connects Mumbai to Coimbatore (12:35 & 16:00, daily).
By Rail - The sanctuary can be easily accessed from the
Nanjangud railway station, just 65 km from the sanctuary. Another important
railhead is Mysore, 91 km away, which is connected via The Swarna Jayanthi
Exp. (Dep. 6:00, Mon) to Delhi. Mumbai is connected through the Sharavathi
Exp. (21:30, Tue) while Chennai is connected through the Mysore Exp. (21:45,
Daily).
By Road - The Ooty - Mysore highway runs through the
park and is an easy way to reach the area. The nearest town is Gudalur, just
16 km from the sanctuary. State transport buses provide regular services
from all the major neighbouring cities including Ooty and Mysore. To reach
by road from Coimbatore, take the Ooty highway to Gudalur, Mysore highway to
Theppakadu and Muddumalai's main forest base.
Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 1920 km
Coimbatore : 164 km (NW)/3 hrs.
Ooty : 80 km (N)
Bangalore : 203 km (SW)
Mysore : 91 km (S)
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The entry point to the park is from the reception range forest
office at Theppakadu, which also has an information centre. Mini bus
safari organised by the park authorities can be booked here.
- No jeep safaris are offered by the authorities and entry of private
vehicles is also not allowed. Trekking inside the park is prohibited.
- Park charges are Camera : Rs. 25 (still) & Rs. 500 (video), Mini
bus safari : Rs. 35/head
- The park has an Elephant camp, which is one of the biggest camps of
its kind in South India. The timings for the same are 5:30 to 6 AM
- Follow the rules of the park and do not cause any harm to the
environment.
- Wear shades of light green and grey color that blend with the
surroundings.
- Take along a pair of binoculars to observe animal habits closely.
- Things to carry include protective clothing, mosquito repellent
cream, prescribed medication, clothes according to season etc.
Arranging travel tickets and required permits for you will be our concern
when you travel with 'Wildlife Tour India'. You are just a gentle
click
away from the experience of a lifetime amidst Indian wildernes.
Jungle
Resorts in Mudumalai
| Jungle
Retreat |
Bansbari
Lodge |
Situated
at the foothills of the Nilgiri hills, the Jungle Retreat is a beautiful
resort situated in close proximity to the Mudumalai National Park
|
The
resort sprawls over an area of 32 acres, overlooking the beautiful
Nilgiri mountains. It is situated at a short distance from Mudumalai
Wildlife Sanctuary.
|
