Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary :
Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve is situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The park is separated from the Bandipur national park by river Moyar that flows along the border of the state, acting as a vital water resource that sustains the flora and fauna of the region.
The terrain is extremely varied with hills, ravines, valleys, watercourses and swamps, while the vegetation is deciduous with tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests occupying most of the area.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months from February to June, which is also the time when animals can be easily spotted moving around the area in search of water.
Wildlife Attractions in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Flora
Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary with its tropical climate and varied terrain is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The vegetation is quite diverse with the western ghats covered in a blanket of dense moist deciduous forests, that lend a unique charm to the area. Other variety of trees found in the region include Bamboos, Natural Teak, Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia, Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, Labumusum, Aredesia and Solanancea.
Fauna
The sanctuary is home to a myriad variety of animals. Some of the most attractive and exotic animals found in the country have made their homes here in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. From gigantic Indian Elephants to little Porcupines, prominent among the animals found here include Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking Deer, Four Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (Mugger), Giant Flying Squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare and Mongoose.
Avian Populationsub
Besides animals the avian residents of the park are equally large in number. The birds can often be seen flying around, registering their presence to the visitors. Among the major birds listed in the sanctuary are Peacock, Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge Quails, Goggle Eyed Plower, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-Tailed Dronge, The Magpie-robin, Spotted Babbler, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls and Mynahs. Preyry birds include Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and Vulture. Other migratory birds can also be seen throughout the year.
Safaris
Moving inside the park is not a problem with jeeps available for hire at reasonable prices. The uneven terrain of the park can be easily covered on a sturdy vehicle which can also penetrate deeper into the areas inaccessible by some of the other means. Besides jeeps, elephant safaris provide a unique thrill and excitement to the visitors.
Elephants being a part of the animal kingdom can get closer to the animals without frightening them. Mini bus safaris are organised by the park authorities, the timings for which are 7-9 AM and 3-6:30 PM
Other Attractions
The area around Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers with two other national parks of Bandipur and Nagarhole situated at an easily approachable distance.
Other touring options around the area include the picturesque hill town of Ooty and the historic city of Mysore, the erstwhile kingdom of theTiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan.
How to Get There
By Air - Coimbatore city has a major airport which connects the area to other cities in the country through a number of direct and indirect flights. Indian Airlines flight operate between Delhi-Coimbatore (6:30, daily) and Chennai-Coimbatore (14:40, Wed, Fri, Sun). Jet Airways connects Mumbai to Coimbatore (12:35 & 16:00, daily).
By Rail - The sanctuary can be easily accessed from the Nanjangud railway station, just 65 km from the sanctuary. Another important railhead is Mysore, 91 km away, which is connected via The Swarna Jayanthi Exp. (Dep. 6:00, Mon) to Delhi. Mumbai is connected through the Sharavathi Exp. (21:30, Tue) while Chennai is connected through the Mysore Exp. (21:45, Daily).
By Road - The Ooty - Mysore highway runs through the park and is an easy way to reach the area. The nearest town is Gudalur, just 16 km from the sanctuary. State transport buses provide regular services from all the major neighbouring cities including Ooty and Mysore. To reach by road from Coimbatore, take the Ooty highway to Gudalur, Mysore highway to Theppakadu and Muddumalai's main forest base.
Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 1920 km
Coimbatore : 164 km (NW)/3 hrs.
Ooty : 80 km (N)
Bangalore : 203 km (SW)
Mysore : 91 km (S)
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The entry point to the park is from the reception range forest office at Theppakadu, which also has an information centre. Mini bus safari organised by the park authorities can be booked here.
- No jeep safaris are offered by the authorities and entry of private vehicles is also not allowed. Trekking inside the park is prohibited.
- Park charges are Camera : Rs. 25 (still) & Rs. 500 (video), Mini bus safari : Rs. 35/head
- The park has an Elephant camp, which is one of the biggest camps of its kind in South India. The timings for the same are 5:30 to 6 AM
- Follow the rules of the park and do not cause any harm to the environment.
- Wear shades of light green and grey color that blend with the surroundings.
- Take along a pair of binoculars to observe animal habits closely.
- Things to carry include protective clothing, mosquito repellent cream, prescribed medication, clothes according to season etc.
