Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Location : Tamil Nadu
Major Attractions : Elephant, Gaur
Best time to Visit : February to June

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary may sometimes be seen as an extension of the neighbouring Bandipur National Park, seperated by just the shimmering waters of river Moyar which flows along the southern fringes of the park. The extremely diverse terrain of the park consisting mainly of small hillocks, gorges, water bodies and swamps with sparse vegetation of tropical deciduous and scrub forests provide ideal habitat for the wild denizens.

While the park can be visited any time of the year, the best time to visit are the months from February to June when the water dries up and the animals come out in search of food and water near whatever water bodies remain in the area. This is probably the best time when you have a chance of spotting some rare animals.

Wildlife Attractions in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The vegetation at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary consists mainly of moist deciduous forests with trees like bamboo, terminalia, grewia, aredesia, abumusum and solanancea, found in abundance. The tropical climate and varied terrain has resulted in the increase in population of animals such as gaur, langur, leopards, chital, sloth bear, barking deer, wild dog and other numerous species of rare and endangered animals.

The avian residents of the park also register their presence in large numbers, the prominent ones being peacock, goggle eyed plower, racket tailed dronge, green pigeon, malabar gray hornbill, eagle, hawk and vulture. Migratory birds also arrive here during winters from all over the world. Elephant and jeep safaris offered by the forest department are the two means of witnessing these animals. Mini bus safaris are another major tourist attraction.

Stay At

Some of the best accommodation options in and around Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary include the Jungle Retreat (situated close to the sanctuary, the resort offers well appointed huts with all the luxury amenities), Bansbari Lodge (spread over an area of 32 acres, the resort is located at an easily approachable distance from Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary), Forest Hills Farm and Guesthouse (the resort is located within the boundaries of the sanctuary and offers 4 rooms and 2 cottages that are provided with all the luxury amenities) and Monarch Safari Park (consisting of 24 beautiful cottages, the resort sprawls over an area of 65 acres and is located close to the sanctuary).

Getting There

By Air : Coimbatore, situated at a distance of just 164 km from Mudumalai is the nearest airport. Coimbatore is connected to other major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai through regular flights.

By Rail : Just 65 km from the sanctuary, Nanjangud is the nearest railhead which connects Mudumalai with Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai through daily trains.

By Road : A number of buses plying on the Ooty-Mysore highway that runs through the sanctuary, connects it with other major neighbouring cities in and around Tamil Nadu. The nearest bus stand is located at Gudalur, at a distance of 16 km from the sanctuary. Some of the distances from nearby cities are Ooty (80 Km), Bangalore (203 Km) and Mysore (91 Km).

Important Information for Visitors

• Theppakadu which is the entry point to the park also has a tourist reception centre from where all the tourist facilities can be availed.

• Entry of private vehicles is not allowed. Trekking inside the park is prohibited.

• An Elephant camp located inside the sanctuary is a major tourist attraction.

• Mini bus safari timings are 7 to 9 AM and 3 to 6:30 PM.