Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park

The Mudumalai National Park is situated at the border of the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in the Nilgiri District.

History of Mudumalai National Park

In April 2007, the Government of Tamil Nadu gave the declaration of Mudumalai to be a Tiger Reserve. As an attempt to prevent the decrease in Tiger population, this declaration was made under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in the 38V section. For this Park, nearly 350 families were driven out from the inner area and were given Rs.10 Lakhs as compensation. This Park along with the Western Ghats is in the list of UNESCO, to avail recognition as a heritage site. This Park covers an area of about 321sq.Km. Few people in the buffer zone of this Park, have become the local guides for eco-tourism. On 16th September 2010, to continue the “Project Tiger” in this site, the National Tiger Conservation Authority had given an approval for a cost of Rs.4 Crores .

Special features of Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park has got the top rank in the list of beauty of changing seasons. This is the first Wildlife Sanctuary in the country. This Park with a rich diversity serves as a connection between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. In this region, nearly 13% of the mammals are found. Here the divisions of this Park are Mudumalai, Kargudi, Masinagudi, Thepakadu and Nellakota. 

1)In Karugudi, the Carnivores like Indian Leopard are found.

2)The tea, Coffee, Pepper and other plantations comes under this Masinagudi region. Some of the resorts and lodges are open for visitors in this region. Then the watching of birds is a special thing in this part.

3) The Thepakadu region serves as the entrance part of the Park. From this area, the elephants are available for Safari.

4)Mudumalai serves as the inner area where the mammals and other birds are found.

Then the divisions of the major flora of this Park are tropical moist deciduous, southern tropical dry thorn and tropical dry deciduous.

1. Tropical moist deciduous – This Western part of the park is the heavy rainfall region, where trees are common.
2. Southern tropical dry thorn – The southern part of this Park is the minimal rainfall region with full of thorny trees.
3. Tropical dry deciduous – This middle part of this Park is the driest region.  

                  You can see the animals in the dry thorn and the dry deciduous region. This Park is the habitat for nearly 55 mammals like Bengal Tiger, deer, gaur, golden jackal, Indian

Elephant, jungle cat, leopard cat, bonnet macaque and others. This Park serves as the habitat for nearly 80 Tiger species. Then some of the migratory birds like Eagles, prey, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are also seen in this Park.                         

During the period of February to June, the animals visit this water sources, in search of water. Then more migratory birds in this season than in the other seasons, which is suitable for photographers.

What are the things to enjoy in Mudumalai National Park?

1) Elephant Safari – You can opt for the elephant ride in the forest. But elephants cannot travel in the deep woods of the forest.

2) Forest Safari – The buses here, can take you to the inner part of the forest. Else you can make the Van Safari. You can view the wildlife during this safari.

3) Elephant camps – These camps acts as a rehabilitation center for the elephants. Here you can play and enjoy with elephants, after getting permission.

4) Seeing Birds – So many birds varieties are available in the tall and large trees of the forest. You can also see the migratory birds like the Malabar grey hornbill.

5) Forest trekking – The forest Department do not permit the common people to walk inside the forest. But the Travel planners provide different packages for the mountain climbing and trekking packages to the tourists. Then you can travel deep into the forest by contacting those Travel planners.

Things to be aware during the visit

• The jeeps driven by the Private operator do not go inside the park and runs  only the Park.
• Always try to choose a morning safari, since more tigers walk during the dawn (Sunset).
• In this Park, the thick forest may leave a cool climate in the evenings, so you can wear warmer clothes to protect you from cold.
• Then you can take a raincoat or an umbrella with you, since there are chances for the frequent rainfall.
• To prevent rush during the ride, be early to the safari before the official times.

Way to reach Mudumalai National Park

The nearest Airport to the Mudumalai National park is the Coimbatore National Park at a distance of 160 Km. Then you can reach the Mudumalai National Park through the cab. The flights to Coimbatore from all Indian major cities are available.

Entrance Fees in Mudumalai National Park

Timings

• Van safari – 6.30a.m to 9p.m and 3.30p.m to 6p.m.
• Jeep Safari – depends on the availability of the driver.
• Elephant safari – 7a.m to 8.30a.m and 3.30p.m to 5p.m.