Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and most attractive wildlife sanctuaries in south India. The Mudumalai National Park is situated at an elevation of about 1,000 meters at the tri-junction of the three southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Located in the most picturesque surroundings of the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, the Mudumalai National Park covers an area of approximately 321 sq km. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Moyar River, which separates Mudumalai National Park from the famous Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is also a part of the famous Nilgiri Bio-sphere Reserve of India.
Though, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is not very big in size, it is extremely rich in its bio-diversity especially the avifauna. The Mudumalai National Park supports a quite rich and varied flora, comprising of Tropical evergreen forest, Moist mixed deciduous, Moist Teak forest, Dry teak forest, Grasslands, Shrubs and Swamps.
The major wildlife in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of birds and predators. The sanctuary is unbelievably rich in its bird population and shelters over 200 species of birds belonging to 48 families. In the category of predators, the Asiatic Wild Dog or Dhole is most prominent, known for its ferocity. Even Tigers and Leopards think twice before challenging them, especially when Dholes are in a group. The Dholes are most commonly seen in the eastern part of the Mudumalai National Park, where the vegetation is scant.
Other most commonly found wild animals in the Mudumalai National Park are Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Hyena, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Muntjac, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Porcupine, Giant Flying Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, Barking Deer, Four Horned Antelope, Otter and Langurs.
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is also very rich in its avian population. The commonly noticed birds in the Mudumalai National Park are the Crested Hawk Eagles, Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar Trogon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-Tailed Drongos, Spotted Babbler, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Parakeets, Bulbuls, Cuckoos, Hornbills, Scops Owl, Tiny-eared Owl, Black Woodpecker, Mynas, Barbets, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and the King Vulture.
The reptile population in the Mudumalai National Park mainly consists of Pythons and Crocodiles (Mugger).
Apart from wildlife, the beautiful waterfall on the Moyar River and the unique and enjoyable Elephant rides are other attractive features of the Mudumalai National Park Exploring the slopes and area below the Nilgiri Hills on foot from the enclave of Masingudi (forest house) is another recreation for the tourists. But, the safest and the most convenient way to explore the natural beauty and varied wildlife of the Mudumalai National Park can be through a jeep safari.
Best Time to Visit
February - June is the best season to visit the Mudumalai National Park.
How to Reach There
By Air: The nearest airport from the Mudumalai National Park is Coimbatore at a distance of about 160 km.
By Rail: The nearest railway station from the Park is Udhagamandalam (65 km) and Mysore (95 km).
By Road: The nearest town to the Mudumalai National Park is Gudalur (16 km), on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore highway. The sanctuary is also accessible from Mysore (95 km) by road. There are regular buses from Udhagamandalam, Mysore and the neighboring towns to the Mudumalai National Park.
Wildlife in Mudumalai National Park
Birds in Mudumalai National Park
Flora in Mudumalai National Park
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