Mukurthi National Park - Ooty ,Udagamandalam,History,Timing,Address,Contact Number,images,Best time to visit

Mukurthi National Park History,Timing,Address,Contact Number,images,Best time to visit

 

Mukurthi National Park :

 

 

Mukurthi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site  since 2012. and was formerly known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.

 

It Spread across the area of 78.46 sq km, Bordered by Mudumalai National Park and Silent Valley National Park, the Mukurthi National Park is one of the best trekking places in Ooty. The park is part of the Nilgiri Bio Reserve which is India’s first Bio Reserve.

 

This protected area The park was established in 2001, on 12th December, the prime motive of conservation of its keystone species, the Nilgiri Tahr. The Nilgiri Tahr which is supposed to be found only in the forest region of the park.

 

Considering that, Mukurthi National Park is a treasure trove for all those who wish to have an indelible wildlife,

Situated in the western part of the Nilgiri Plateau in the Western Ghats, this national park is one of Ooty’s greatest pride.

 

 The landscape in the reserve is covered with shrubs and mountainous grasslands. The area in the National Park which are at an elevation and experience high rainfall are covered with sholas and lush green tropical grasslands.

 

The vegetation, climate and appearance of the Park bear a striking resemblance to that of the Himalayas minus the snow,Montane grasslands and shrublands on a high altitude, strong winds, low temperature and sholas scattered around – that’s what the forest is like.

 

There are many rivers and streams running through the park and they are often frequented by the different species of fauna that inhabit the jungle.

 

There are also a few watch towers built by the Forest Department exclusively for researchers and bird watchers. The vegetation mainly consists of rhododendron, raspberries and black berries, otherwise seen commonly in the Himalayas.

 

Being a part of the Western Ghats, the jungle is heavy with a wide range of animals, birds, reptiles and even insects. The most common among them are the Barking deer, Indian Elephant, the jungle cat, wild dogs, panther, Indian leopard, the Jackal, the list is endless. 

 

The Mukurthi Park is famous for the Nilgiri Tahr, which is supposedly found only in the forests of these regions.

 

This wildlife sanctuary is also home to Mukurthi Peak, the fourth highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. And at an altitude of 2,554m (8,379ft), the peak attracts many trekkers to visit these forests.

 

The Mukurthi National Park is a highly protected area and under the strict surveillance of Tamil Nadu Department of Forestry, But to trek your way up or to walk down the trails in the Mukurthi National Park, permission is required from the forest department.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT :  Although one can visit this attraction any time during the year. Yet,February to May, September to November are the considered as the best time to visit Mukurthi National Park.

 

Entry Fee's :

 

The park is open on all days from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm except Tuesdays.

 

 

Children’s (Age 5 to 12 years) – Rs. 10/-

 

Children’s of Government and aided Schools (Age 5 to 12 years) – Rs. 02/-

 

Adult – Rs. 15/-

 

Still camera – Rs. 25/-

 

Handy Camera / Video Camera – Rs. 150/-

 

Charges for documentary educational films using Handy camera and Video Camera – Rs. 2000/-

 

 

Parking vehicle charges :

 

Motor car/van Rs. – 15/-

 

Motor Cycle – Rs. 5/-

 

Accommodation :

 

Accommodation is available at Forest Rest Houses – Bangi Tapal, Upper Bhavani (EB), Mukurthi Fishing Hut.

Mukurthi National Park Ooty Address:

 

Pykara, O' Valley, Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu, 643237, India

 

How to Reach Mukurthi National Park?

 

The Mukurthi National Park spread over an area of about 80 square kilometers can be entered in four ways. The Ooty-Gudalur-Mysore route being the most accessible.

 

It is about 60 km from Mysore, but at only 30 km away, Ooty is the nearest town.

 

Being a renowned tourist destination, Ooty enjoys good connectivity with nearby places and here are the different ways to reach Ooty.

 

Location :    Mukurthi National Park

 

Places near Mukurthi National Park Ooty :

 

1. Mukurthi Peak : The Mukurthi Peak is the highest peak in the region with an elevation of 2,500 metres above sea level. It is one of the most sought-after hiking areas for adventure enthusiast and backpackers. 

The trekking  is challenging and it takes 4 hours to reach the top. But once you do conquer the summit, the view is breathtaking. 

2. Needle Rock View Point – The place is marked by a huge pointed rock, thus the name. It is situated near Gudalur, a few kilometres off the main road, about 35 km from the Mukurthi National Park. 

It offers a bird’s eye view of the nearby Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the surrounding area. The trekking experience it provides, it also puts up an amazing backdrop for some candid photographs. 

3. Pykara Waterfalls –  River Pykara originates from Mukurthi Peak and forms the famed Pykara Waterfalls, on the way, about 20 km from Ooty. 

A popular boating rides and photography  for tourists, The lake, which is open from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, is ideal for romantic activities such as boating and picnics cascading waterfalls . 

4. Wenlock Downs – One of the landscapes which add to the beauty of Ooty is the vast stretches of rolling meadows, popular as Wenlock Downs,These grasslands act as an apt place to spend some leisure time among panoramic views of the Nilgiris in the distance. 

The spots near 6th Mile and 9th Mile Ooty are the best and have been featured in many Indian movies.You can enjoy activities like horse-riding and pleasant nature-walks when you are in the Shooting Point.