Mukurthi National Park
The Mukurthi National Park is situated in the Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu. This Park was earlier called the Nilgiris Tahr National Park .
History
In 1882, the Inspector General of Forests Dietrich Brandis, gave a suggestion to increase the plantation area beyond 1200 acres. On 3rd August 1982, this area was allocated as the Wildlife Sanctuary. Later in 1886, the Mukurthi forest area was declared as the Reserve forest. In 1990, this National Park, became the National Park with an area of 78.46sq.Km.
Special Things
The Mukurthi National Park is the first International Biosphere in India, which is the part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Since 1st July 2012, this Park has become the UNESCO Heritage site. This Park lies in between the Silent Valley National Park and the Mudumalai National Park.
Features of forest
The Mukurthi National Park contains the shrub lands and the aerial grasslands at the high peak area of heavy rainfall, high winds and the low temperature areas. This wildlife Sanctuary serves as the habitat to the Mukurthi Peak. This fourth highest peak is one of the best trekking places in Othagamandalam(Ooty). The Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiri Bio Reserve is the first Bio Reserve in India.
Things to see
This Sanctuary is the habitat for many species like the animals, birds, reptiles and the insects. Among these, you can see the Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Panther, Indian Elephant, Wild Dogs, Indian Leopard, Indian Elephant, Jackal and so on. The Tamil Nadu Department of forestry controls this Park and preserves the endangered grassland ecosystem along with the other organisms.
1) Flora
This place is the habitat for a large number of endemic plants. The flora like the Hedyotis verticillaris and the Alchemilla indica are seen in this Park.Then the Oberonia santapaui, Aerides crispa, Aerides ringens, Eria aliflora and the Coelogyne Odoratissima are seen on the west side of the Park.
2) Fauna
Many species like the Indian elephant, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Bengal Tiger, Bonhote’s mouse and the Nilgiri Marten are seen in this place. The other animals like the sambar deer, mouse deer, bonnet macaque, barking deer, leopard, small Indian civet, jackal cat, wild dog, otter, small Indian civet, jackal, shrew, Malabar spiny dormouse, soft-furred rat and the black naped hare are seen in this place.
Activities
- This Park offers only the trekking and the camping activities.
- Then the secret routes are available in this forest to connect to the Malabar and the Mysore, which is closed now.
- Here the forest department allows the educational tours but does not permit the commercial tourism.
Best time to visit
You can visit this Park from the September month to November month or from the
February month to May month to enjoy the trekking experience. At that time the climate
will be pleasant and the path will be dry with a clear sky.
Other places to visit
There are many places near this park like the Needle Rock View point, Wenlock
Downs and the Pykara Waterfalls that are suitable for the trip.
Entrance Fees and other charges
| Entrance | Entrance | Students | Still Camera | Video Camera |
| Children- Rs.10 (5 -12 years) | Adults – Rs.15 | Students – Rs.2 ( per person) | Rs. 25 | Rs.150 |
Transport facilities
To visit this Sanctuary, people can go through the four routes. In that, the Ooty-Gudalur-Mysore route is the best route to reach this Sanctuary. By this route, the Ooty is at a distance of 30Km and the Mysore is at a distance of 60Km. In the cities like the Mysore, Coimbatore and the Bangalore, the frequent buses are available for this site. Then you can also take the cab from the Ooty to go to this place.
If you travel through the train, you can reach the Mettupalayam Railway station. From there, you can take a train to the Ooty. Then pick a road transport from Ooty to reach this place. The nearest Airport is the Coimbatore Airport, from there you can pick a road transport to reach this site.
Location: Nilgiris , Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 9.00a.m to 5.30p.m – Open except the Tuesdays in a week.
Best time for Visit: February to June
Total Area – The total area covered by the Mukurthi National Park is 78.46 sq.Km.