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When to visit
The best times to visit Mudumalai are December to February, as well as June. Heavy rain is common in October and November and the park may be closed during the dry season.
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For Whom
This rich forest belt is ideal for nature, wildlife and adventure lovers. With its lovely resorts, it is an excellent weekend getaway option for anyone seeking a break, less ordinary.
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Getting Around
Since this is a reserve forest, the best way to get around is either in your own vehicle or the jeeps arranged by the resorts/forest guides.Four wheelers are also available on hire.
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Cuisine
Since Mudumalai is on the border of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, the cuisine here borrows heavily from these regions.
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Trivia
This forest reserve is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage committee for selection as a World Heritage site.
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Places to stay
The Mudumalai National Park lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills, about 80 km north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala.
The park was created in 1940 to become the first wildlife sanctuary in southern India. Originally 60 square kilometres, the sanctuary was enlarged to 295 kms in 1956 and subsequently to its present size of 321 kms. The sanctuary is contiguous with Bandipur National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur and Singara reserve forests.
Accomodation in Masinagudi include a choice between Government guest houses and a host of private guest houses, all at affordable costs.
The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (84km) and the closest railhead at Udhagamandalam (64km). The park is most conveniently accessible by road from Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty highway.
This deciduous forest boasts a wealth of flora and fauna for the avid nature lover. There is every chance of seeing/encountering wildlife (sloth bears, elephants, bison, dholes, tiger, panther, a variety of birds, etc.) at close quarters.
Primates found include the Gray langur and the Bonnet Macaque. There are as many as 37 Tigers in Mudumalai forest area, whereas the Leopard is most often seen in the Kargudi area. Other carnivores include the Dhole, the Striped Hyena, the Golden Jackal and the Sloth Bear. The Asian Elephant population totals several hundred animals.
Ungulates include the Gaur, the Sambar Deer, the Chital, Indian Muntjac, the Indian Spotted Chevrotain and the Wild Boar.
Rodents include the Indian Giant Squirrel and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel.
Bird life is rich. Regional endemics include Malabar trogon Harpactes fasciatus and Malabar grey hornbill Tockus griseus. Predatory birds include crested hawk-eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus and crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela. The forest also holds the isolated southern population of the Striped Tit-babbler Macronous gularis.
Of the reptiles, monitor lizard Varanus bengalensis is the most regularly observed species.
There are night safaris on open top jeeps arranged by resorts and guides who are freely accessible in Masinagudi. The night safaris are conducted on the peripheral roads running through the forest and not deep into the forest.
Oher places to visit in this region include -
- The Elephant Feeding Camp - A place where you can interact with Elephants and also see how they are fed.
- Museum - Near the Elephant feeding camp there is a museum where dead animals are preserved. These preserved animals once lived in the Mudumalai Jungle.
- Moyar River - See how the Moyar river runs through the dense forest. Spotting animals while they come to drink water in the river is fun.
- Kallatty falls - Located 30Km from Mudumalai forest department . A beautiful falls with a breathtaking view.
- Pykara Lake - Located 40 km from Mudumalai Safari office. It is a clean and scenic lake between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and crowds. Boating is conducted here.
Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore (160 km), connected by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways with Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and New Delhi.
Train: The nearest railhead is Ooty (64 km), connected through Chennai and Coimbatore to major Indian cities.
Car/ bus: Mudumalai is 91 km from Mysore by road. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu state transport facilities are regularly available from Mysore.