Mudumalai National Park – Qoty,History,Timing,Address,Contact Number,images,Best time to visit

Mudumalai National Park – Qoty, History,Timing,Address,Contact Number,images,Best time to visit

Mudumalai National Park is one of the first forest ranges in India to be announced as a National Park.

FOREST COVER :

As per Forest Survey of India assessment (2009) the forest cover in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is

Very Dense Forest – 47.05 km2

Moderately Dense Forest – 214.98 km2

Open Forest – 56.16 km2

Mudumalai National Park is one of the most critical ecological systems in the country, The unique role by forming part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India, declared during 1986.

The sanctuary is divided into five ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

The Mudumalai sanctuary connects the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats together, The Moyar River runs through the reserve and you are assured to see a large variety of fauna coming there to quench their thirst.

The park is one of the very few places in the country where you can see the animals in their true natural habitat, where you actually see the tiger with all its ferocity, A must place for a true nature love.

Reception Centre is located at Theppakadu, The name Mudumalai means ” the ancient hill range”. Indeed, it is as old as 65 million years when Western Ghats were formed.

The list of endangered birds are the vultures,Monkeys like the Grey Langurs are common in the forest.

You also find varieties of snakes like the Great Indian Rock Python, Spectacled Cobra, Pit Viper and 13 percent of all mammal species in India are present in Mudumalai National Park.

The Indian Giant Squirrel, the Flying Lizard, Indian Leopard, which are in the endangered list are found here.

The animals like tigers, elephants, panthers and deer among others, you find scores of amphibians and many exotic birds, like different types of parrots, eagles, vultures and some others which you have never seen in your life, and will never see anywhere else.

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared tiger reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) north-west of Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu.

It shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state spread over 321 sq.km. at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Tiger Reserve recently owing to its tiger population of 103 and this is quite a critical ecological system in India.

you ride through the forests you are bound to see elephants roaming freely in the wilderness and different types of deer for starters.

As you move deeper into the jungle, if luck favors you, you will see many endangered species of birds and animals.

Trees like teak, sandalwood, mahogany and also bamboo grow uninhibited and tall, almost cutting the sunlight even when the sun is high in the sky. So it is advisable to reach the reserve during noon or just after noon and also carry alternate sources of light with you.

The Forest Department maintains many forest houses at various locations inside the Mudumalai National park which are provided on a first come first serve basis and they need to be booked in advance by calling the Ooty office of the National Park.

Things to do in Mudumalai National Park :

Jungle Safari – The Mudumalai National Park van safari is the most popular activity there. The buses take you to the core area of the national park where you can follow the wildlife trail.

Barking deer, python and macaque are common sights, but you can also spot tigers, panthers and leopards in shades or around ponds.

Elephant Safari – Near the reception, you can choose an elephant for a ride in the forest. However, unlike the jungle safari by a jeep/bus, elephants don’t go deep in the woods.

But watching the greenery around and above, from an elephant’s back is a memorable experience in itself.

Trekking in the Mudumalai forest – Officials of the forest department don’t allow anyone to walk or roam around, inside the core forest area.

However, plenty of guided trekking trails and mountain hiking activities are available through the lodgings and travel planners nearby. So, put on your boots and go on exploring the areas around the national park.

Bird watching – This reserve has got a wide variety of more than 260 species of birds. Eight percentage of bird species found in India are recorded in Mudumalai.

This includes rare birds like Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar laughing thrush, Frog mouths and a variety of woodpeckers, While peacock, you can also find different migratory birds. The park is also home to birds of prey like eagles, hawks and vultures.

Elephant Camp:

Located opposite to the mudumalai safari office, the elephant camp is worth visiting Camp hosts elephants maintained by the forest department.

These elephants help in controlling wild elephants that enter human habitation. They are called kumki elephants. They are looked after at the camp.

Time to explore Mudumalai National Park :

Mudumalai bus safari takes you for a one-hour ride in the jungle.

But during rush hours or weekends, you might need to wait for an hour or so, until a vehicle is available for you.

So, if all you plan is to go for the jungle safari in Mudumalai National Park, 2-3 hours would be enough.

You can choose to book a night stay if you want to spend time trekking around those thick forests, Rooms and dormitories are available at your disposal.

Best time to visit Mudumalai National Park :

Mudumalai National Park safari runs throughout the year. The climate of the area is tropical wet in nature. So the best time to visit Mudumalai National Park would be early summer or just after the monsoons.

Best shot at spotting native animals is during the beginning of summer season, between February to May.

Animals stroll down to lakes and other water sources quite often, and migratory birds too make Mudumalai their home for the time being.

If you prefer cooler temperatures, you can visit the park during September and October.

Avoid Mudumalai during the monsoon season which usually prevails during July and August.Monsoon ls unsuitable for trekking and other activities.

Mudumalai National Park Entry Fee :

30 per person Entry fee

53 for Still Camera

315 for Video Camera

340 per person For Bus safari

4200 per trip For Jeep safari

1120 per trip For Elephant safari

Mudumalai National Park Timings :