Mudumalai National Park - मुदुमलाई राष्ट्रीय उद्यान
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 Photo by : williewonker in flickr More images... |
Mudumalai National Park is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu and stretches over the forest belt between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains. While crossing the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty, you will come across this picturesque park, which comes under the Nilgiri district of the state. The term 'Mudumalai' literally means 'Ancient Hill Range'. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary of India is spread over an area of 300 Sq km and lies on the northeastern slopes of the Nilgiri mountain range, known as Wynad.
Mudumalai holds the distinction of being the first sanctuary to be set up in the state of Tamil Nadu. The best time to visit the Madumalai Bird Sanctuary is during the months of March to June and September to November. One should avoid going there in the wet season, which stretches during the months of June to August.
The Mysore - Ooty highway with 36 hairpin bends runs through the thick jungles of the park. On the highway there are chances of sightings of animals like deer, boar and even elephants at odd hours.
The 321 Sq. km. reserve, one of the most picturesque destinations provides diverse habitats like hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps. The vegetation comprises of moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests which make Mudumalai a most attractive wildlife reserve. Apart from rich fauna, the wide range of animal and bird life has made this sanctuary a hot spot for the wildlife enthusiasts. The temperatures vary between 10 degrees in the winter months to 35 degrees in the summers.
The flora in Mudumalai sanctuary include dense groves of Bamboo (Bambusa Arundinacea), thick forests of Natural teak (Tectona Grandis), eucalyptus, blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea etc.
It has one of the largest populations of elephants in the country, supposedly numbers about 600 and gaur in the region. Another attraction is the giant Malabar squirrel. The other animals found here include Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, bonnet macaque, 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, Porcupine, Pangolin the scaly ant eater and Mongoose.
The birds spotted in this 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, woodpeckers, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant, besides some migratory water birds. Morning time trekking is preferable since to watch more bird variety.
The wildlife department has a big camp for elephants of 12.2 acres in the Theppakadu ranges of the sanctuary where sick elephants and those captured from poachers / illegal tamers are brought and taken care of. A peculiar weekly pooja (on Friday evening) performed by trained elephants of this camp is a special attraction for the kids.
Entry Fee : below five years - Free, Children above five years and below 12 years - Rs.10.00, School Children (Age 5 to 12 years) from Government and aided Schools - Rs.2.00, School Children from Private Schools (Age 5 to 12 years) - Rs.10.00. Adult : 15.00.
Still Camera: Rs.25, Handy Camera / Video Camera - Rs.150, Charges for documentary educational films using Handy camera and Video Camera - Rs.2000.
Since Mudumalai is situated along the Mysore-Ooty Highway; it is well connected with the other cities of India's.
12 / 464, Thorappalli,
Gudalur, Nilgiris District
Tamil Nadu.
Ph: 04262 - 264198
Bear Mountain
Bokkapuram
Masingudi P.O.
Nilgiris-643 223
Tamil Nadu.
Jungle Retreat
Bokkapuram,
Masinagudi P.O. 643223,
Nilgiri Dist. Tamil Nadu
Ph: 91-423-2526469/70, Fax: 91-423-2526659
Email - Contact Us
Forest Hills Farm & Guesthouse
Bokkapuram,
Masinagudi P.O.,
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643223
Ph: 0423-2526216, 2526399
Email - Contact Us
Blue Valley Resorts
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi,
Nilgiris, Tamilnadu,
Ph : 91- 0423-2526244, 2526344; Fax : 91- 0423-2526319
Casa Deep Wood
Koil Rd, Masinagudi
Tamilnadu - 643223
Ph: 225555-1101
TTDC Youth Hostel
Theppakadu
Ph: 256249
Forest Guest House of Theppakadu
Ph: 2444098,56235
Bamboo Banks farm
Masinagudi
Ph: 256222,256211
Belmont Retreat
Bokkapuram
Ph: 256253
Gem Holiday Resorts Ltd
Bokkapuram
Ph: 256296
Monarch Safari Park
Bokkapuram
Ph: 256250,256343,256326
Mountain Rest House
Masinagudi
Ph: 256240,256267
Jain Resorts
Vazhai Thottam
Ph: 256318
Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court 3 Star
123, Selbourne Road,Udgawandalam (Ooty)- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2441415 / 16, 2441068, 2443022,
Fax : 0423 - 2441417
Email - Contact Us
Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty 3 Star
Sheddon Road, Udagamandalam-643001
Phone : 0423 - 2442955, 2443066, 2441761, 2441762
Fax : 0423 - 2444302,
Email - Contact Us
Hotel Khems
Ettines Road, Udagamandalam- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2441635 /36, 2444188,
Fax : 0423 - 2442461,
Email - Contact Us
Hotel Lakeview
West Lake Road, Ootacamund-643004
Phone : 0423 - 2443580 - 82, 2443904, 2440978 - 83,
Fax : 0423 - 2443579,
Email - Contact Us
Hotel Sinclairs Ooty Udagamandalam 3 Star
444, Gorishola Road,Udagamandalam- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2444309, 2441376 - 80,
Fax : 0423 - 2444229,
Email - Contact Us
Howard Johnson The Monarch 3 Star
Church Hill,Off Havelock Road,Udagamandalam- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2444408, 2444418, 2443655,
Fax : 0423 - 2442455,
Email - Contact Us
Howard Johnson The Monarch Safari Park Udagamandalam
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi-643 223
Phone : 0423 - 2526250, 2526343,
Fax : 0423 - 2526326,
Email - Contact Us
Merit Inn Southern Star Udagamandalam
22, Havelock Road, Udagamandalam- 643001
Nahar Hotels (Nilgiris) 3 Star
52 A. Charring Cross, The Nilgiris , Ootacamund- 643 001:
Phone : 0423 - 2442173, 2443685,
Fax : 0423 - 2452253,
Email - Contact Us
Nalapad Residency 2 Star
ood Cock Road, Near Rex School
St. Marys Hill
Udagamandalam- 643 001
Savoy Hotel Heritage
77, Sylks Road, The Nilgiris
City : Udagamandalam- 643101
Phone : 0423 - 2444142 upto 2444147,
Fax : 0423 - 2443318,
Email - Contact Us
Sterling Holiday Resorts (India) Ltd
P.B. No. 73, Kundah House Road, Fernhill-Udagamandalam- 643004
Phone : 0423 - 2441073, 2450948, 2450949,
Fax : 0423 - 2445890,
Email - Contact Us
Sterling Holiday Resorts, Elk Hill
P.B. No. 25, Ranakrishna Mutt Road, Ramakrishna Puram
Udagamandalam-643001
Phone : 0423 - 2441395,
Fax : 0423 - 2444265,
Email - Contact Us
The Nilgiri Woodlands
Ettines Road, Udagamandalam- 643 001
Phone : 0423 - 2442451, 2442551,
Fax : 0423 - 2442530,
Email - Contact Us
The Willow Hill Udagamandalam 2 Star
58/1, Havelock Road, Udagamandalam- 643 001
Phone : 0423 - 2444037, 2444758, Cell: 9994310025,
Email - Contact Us
Welcome Heritage Fern Hills Palace
Fernhill Post, Fernhill, Udagamandalam- 643004
Phone : 0423 - 2443910 to 15,
Fax : 0423 - 2443097,
Email - Contact Us
Welcome Heritage Regency Villas
Fernhill Post, Fernhill, Udagamandalam - 643004
Phone : 0423 - 2442555, 2445681 /82 /83,
Fax : 0423 - 24443097,
Email - Contact Us
Mahalingam Buildings,
Coonoor Road,
Udhagamandalam – 643001
Location: Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India
Total Area : 300 Sq km
Nearest Town : Gudalur - 16km
Best Time : March to June and September to November
Main Attractions : Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, etc
Mudumalai holds the distinction of being the first sanctuary to be set up in the state of Tamil Nadu. The best time to visit the Madumalai Bird Sanctuary is during the months of March to June and September to November. One should avoid going there in the wet season, which stretches during the months of June to August.
Elephants, gaur
Mudumalai National Park is located at the foothills of the Nilgiri hills in the state of Tamil Nadu. Mudumalai which literally means ancient hills was identified as a reserve way back in 1927 and converted into a sanctuary in 1940. It is a continuation of the Bandipur National Park in the neighbouring state of Karnataka, and is separated by the river Moyar that flows along the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The park also has a border with the Wayanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Mudumalai is a part of the forest area which includes the Bandipur National Park and Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) in Karnataka, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala which together constitute the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve.The Mysore - Ooty highway with 36 hairpin bends runs through the thick jungles of the park. On the highway there are chances of sightings of animals like deer, boar and even elephants at odd hours.
The 321 Sq. km. reserve, one of the most picturesque destinations provides diverse habitats like hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps. The vegetation comprises of moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests which make Mudumalai a most attractive wildlife reserve. Apart from rich fauna, the wide range of animal and bird life has made this sanctuary a hot spot for the wildlife enthusiasts. The temperatures vary between 10 degrees in the winter months to 35 degrees in the summers.
The flora in Mudumalai sanctuary include dense groves of Bamboo (Bambusa Arundinacea), thick forests of Natural teak (Tectona Grandis), eucalyptus, blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea etc.
It has one of the largest populations of elephants in the country, supposedly numbers about 600 and gaur in the region. Another attraction is the giant Malabar squirrel. The other animals found here include Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, bonnet macaque, 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, Porcupine, Pangolin the scaly ant eater and Mongoose.
The birds spotted in this 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, woodpeckers, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant, besides some migratory water birds. Morning time trekking is preferable since to watch more bird variety.
The wildlife department has a big camp for elephants of 12.2 acres in the Theppakadu ranges of the sanctuary where sick elephants and those captured from poachers / illegal tamers are brought and taken care of. A peculiar weekly pooja (on Friday evening) performed by trained elephants of this camp is a special attraction for the kids.
Flora
The main areas of the Mudumalai National Park comprise of low hills, marshy meadows and open grasslands. The vegetation found in the park is quite varied, ranging from the mixed deciduous type to the moist deciduous type. The majority of the plants and trees found dominating the park are those of Teak, Bejal, Indian Laburnum, Bamboo, Kumizh, etc. The water needs of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary are met mainly by the Moyar River of Tamil Nadu, which also forms the boundary between Madumalai and Bandipur.Wildlife
The major wildlife attractions of Madumalai National Park of India comprise of Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar, Mouse Deer, Chital, Barking Deer, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Striped Hyena, Slender Loris, Common Otter, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Black Napped Hare, Porcupines, Sloth Bear, Rusty Wild Boar, Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Spotted Cat, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Mongoose, Pangolin, Giant Fruit Bats, Jackal, etc.Reptiles
The reptile population of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu includes Turtles, Rock Pythons, Flying Lizards, Monitor Lizards and a wide variety of snakes.Bird Species
The most common bird species seen at Madumalai Bird Sanctuary of India are Shaheen Falcons, Honey Buzzards, Black Woodpeckers, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Paradise Flycatchers, Gray Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Serpent Eagles, Gray Headed Firhings, Crested Hawk Eagles, Racket Tailed Drongos, etc. Other birds that are worth watching are Little Scops Owls, Common Scops Owls, Tiny Eared Owls, Blue Bearded Bee-Eaters, Pea Fowl, Scarlet Minivets, Green Imperial Pigeons, Scimitar Babblers, Lesser Coucals, Paradise Flycatchers, Fairy Blue Birds, Malabar Whistling Thrushes, etc.Facilities inside the sanctuary
The forest department arranges facilities for wild safari inside the park which enables the visitor to have a look at the flora and fauna. There are mini buses, jeeps and trained elephants available. Elephant safaris last about one hour and is available in the mornings as well as evenings. The Safaris can be booked in advance at the Wildlife Warden's office in Ooty or directly at the cc Reception Centre. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park.Entry Fee : below five years - Free, Children above five years and below 12 years - Rs.10.00, School Children (Age 5 to 12 years) from Government and aided Schools - Rs.2.00, School Children from Private Schools (Age 5 to 12 years) - Rs.10.00. Adult : 15.00.
Still Camera: Rs.25, Handy Camera / Video Camera - Rs.150, Charges for documentary educational films using Handy camera and Video Camera - Rs.2000.
How to Reach
Air
The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, 160 km away, which has direct flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and New Delhi. Calicut in Kerala has an international airport which is 140 km away.Rail
The sanctuary is 65 km away from Udhagamandalam railway station and 95 km away from Mysore railway station.Road
The Mysore - Ooty highway runs through the thick jungles of the park. Gudalur (16 km) the nearest town to the sanctuary is situated along the highway. There are regular bus service, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu state transport buses as well as private buses from Udhagamandalam (64 km), Mysore (95 km) and the neighbouring towns to the sanctuary.Since Mudumalai is situated along the Mysore-Ooty Highway; it is well connected with the other cities of India's.
Accommodation
There are a number of Forest rest houses as well as private resorts located in and around the park. Places like Theppakkadu, Masinagudi and Kargudi have quite a few resorts. Jungle Trail run by an ex-marine biologist is one of the best options for wild life and nature enthusiasts. Some of the resorts in the area are; Jungle Home12 / 464, Thorappalli,
Gudalur, Nilgiris District
Tamil Nadu.
Ph: 04262 - 264198
Bear Mountain
Bokkapuram
Masingudi P.O.
Nilgiris-643 223
Tamil Nadu.
Jungle Retreat
Bokkapuram,
Masinagudi P.O. 643223,
Nilgiri Dist. Tamil Nadu
Ph: 91-423-2526469/70, Fax: 91-423-2526659
Email - Contact Us
Forest Hills Farm & Guesthouse
Bokkapuram,
Masinagudi P.O.,
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643223
Ph: 0423-2526216, 2526399
Email - Contact Us
Blue Valley Resorts
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi,
Nilgiris, Tamilnadu,
Ph : 91- 0423-2526244, 2526344; Fax : 91- 0423-2526319
Casa Deep Wood
Koil Rd, Masinagudi
Tamilnadu - 643223
Ph: 225555-1101
TTDC Youth Hostel
Theppakadu
Ph: 256249
Forest Guest House of Theppakadu
Ph: 2444098,56235
Bamboo Banks farm
Masinagudi
Ph: 256222,256211
Belmont Retreat
Bokkapuram
Ph: 256253
Gem Holiday Resorts Ltd
Bokkapuram
Ph: 256296
Monarch Safari Park
Bokkapuram
Ph: 256250,256343,256326
Mountain Rest House
Masinagudi
Ph: 256240,256267
Jain Resorts
Vazhai Thottam
Ph: 256318
Bangalore to Ooty
Alternately one can stay at Ooty, 64 km away. Here are a list of hotels in Ooty.Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court 3 Star
123, Selbourne Road,Udgawandalam (Ooty)- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2441415 / 16, 2441068, 2443022,
Fax : 0423 - 2441417
Email - Contact Us
Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty 3 Star
Sheddon Road, Udagamandalam-643001
Phone : 0423 - 2442955, 2443066, 2441761, 2441762
Fax : 0423 - 2444302,
Email - Contact Us
Hotel Khems
Ettines Road, Udagamandalam- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2441635 /36, 2444188,
Fax : 0423 - 2442461,
Email - Contact Us
Hotel Lakeview
West Lake Road, Ootacamund-643004
Phone : 0423 - 2443580 - 82, 2443904, 2440978 - 83,
Fax : 0423 - 2443579,
Email - Contact Us
Hotel Sinclairs Ooty Udagamandalam 3 Star
444, Gorishola Road,Udagamandalam- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2444309, 2441376 - 80,
Fax : 0423 - 2444229,
Email - Contact Us
Howard Johnson The Monarch 3 Star
Church Hill,Off Havelock Road,Udagamandalam- 643001
Phone : 0423 - 2444408, 2444418, 2443655,
Fax : 0423 - 2442455,
Email - Contact Us
Howard Johnson The Monarch Safari Park Udagamandalam
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi-643 223
Phone : 0423 - 2526250, 2526343,
Fax : 0423 - 2526326,
Email - Contact Us
Merit Inn Southern Star Udagamandalam
22, Havelock Road, Udagamandalam- 643001
Nahar Hotels (Nilgiris) 3 Star
52 A. Charring Cross, The Nilgiris , Ootacamund- 643 001:
Phone : 0423 - 2442173, 2443685,
Fax : 0423 - 2452253,
Email - Contact Us
Nalapad Residency 2 Star
ood Cock Road, Near Rex School
St. Marys Hill
Udagamandalam- 643 001
Savoy Hotel Heritage
77, Sylks Road, The Nilgiris
City : Udagamandalam- 643101
Phone : 0423 - 2444142 upto 2444147,
Fax : 0423 - 2443318,
Email - Contact Us
Sterling Holiday Resorts (India) Ltd
P.B. No. 73, Kundah House Road, Fernhill-Udagamandalam- 643004
Phone : 0423 - 2441073, 2450948, 2450949,
Fax : 0423 - 2445890,
Email - Contact Us
Sterling Holiday Resorts, Elk Hill
P.B. No. 25, Ranakrishna Mutt Road, Ramakrishna Puram
Udagamandalam-643001
Phone : 0423 - 2441395,
Fax : 0423 - 2444265,
Email - Contact Us
The Nilgiri Woodlands
Ettines Road, Udagamandalam- 643 001
Phone : 0423 - 2442451, 2442551,
Fax : 0423 - 2442530,
Email - Contact Us
The Willow Hill Udagamandalam 2 Star
58/1, Havelock Road, Udagamandalam- 643 001
Phone : 0423 - 2444037, 2444758, Cell: 9994310025,
Email - Contact Us
Welcome Heritage Fern Hills Palace
Fernhill Post, Fernhill, Udagamandalam- 643004
Phone : 0423 - 2443910 to 15,
Fax : 0423 - 2443097,
Email - Contact Us
Welcome Heritage Regency Villas
Fernhill Post, Fernhill, Udagamandalam - 643004
Phone : 0423 - 2442555, 2445681 /82 /83,
Fax : 0423 - 24443097,
Email - Contact Us
Contacts
The Wildlife Warden,Mahalingam Buildings,
Coonoor Road,
Udhagamandalam – 643001
General Information
Place : Udhagamandalam, Tamil NaduLocation: Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India
Total Area : 300 Sq km
Nearest Town : Gudalur - 16km
Best Time : March to June and September to November
Main Attractions : Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, etc
 Photo by : williewonker in flickr |
 Photo by : williewonker in flickr |
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 Photo by : williewonker in flickr |
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 Photo by : sripathi in webshots |
 Photo by : govind_asa in webshots |
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 Photo by : govind_asa in webshots |
 Photo by : musamayer in webshots |
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 Photo by : ani2601 in panoramio |
 Photo by : sillyminds in panoramio |
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