Thursday, January 2, 2014

Ooty - Places of Interest - VII

Mudumalai National Park
Introduction
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park is situated at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka on the North Eastern Slopes of the Nilgiris part of Western Ghats descending to the Mysore Plateau. An erstwhile game reserve, Mudumalai was declared a wildlife sanctuary with a 62 sq KM area in the early 1940 by the then Madras Presidency. With Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) in the north and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the west the region forms a single, continuous viable habitat for a varied range of wildlife and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. While Mudumalai western half receives the southwest monsoon, the eastern tracts receive the relatively gentler north-east monsoon which results in a diversity of vegetation types and typical migration of herbivores.

Situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai is flanked by Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary. This contiguous forest, forming one of the most extensive ranges for the Asiatic Elephant, is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and covers an area of approximately 2000 sq.km. With its varied topography and rainfall pattern from West to East, this Park has vegetation types ranging from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and dry thorn forests. Mudumalai is best known for its Elephants and herds of these are quite commonly seen along the National Highway which bifurcates the Park. Other mammals commonly encountered are Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaques, and Giant Squirrels. The Dhole is the most visible predator and is found in packs varying from 2 to 25 individuals. The Sanctuary is open throughout the year, but the monsoon months are best avoided and also the driest months of April and May, when the Park staff are engaged in fire fighting.


The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a declared Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 km (93 mi) north-west of Coimbatore city in Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. It shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges – Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.
The protected area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species including Indian elephant, Bengal TigerGaur and Indian Leopard. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered Indian White-rumped Vulture and long-billed vulture.

The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.
General Information
Mudumalai National Park
முதுமலை தேசிய பூங்கா மற்றும் வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம்
முதுமலை புலிகள் காப்பகம்
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Country
State
Established
1940
Area
 • Total
321 km2 (124 sq mi)
Elevation
1,266 m (4,154 ft)
Languages
 • Official
Nearest city
Ooty 67 km (42 mi)
II
Distance from Ooty
67 kilometres (42 mi) SE
Distance from Mysore
90 kilometres (56 mi) NE
Distance from Coimbatore
160 kilometres (99 mi) SE
Visitors Centre at Theppakadu
Governing body
2,000 millimeters (79 in)
Avg. summer temperature
33 °C (91 °F)
Avg. winter temperature
14 °C (57 °F)
Recommended Private Accommodation
Website
Introduction & History
Mudumalai has a rich and varied history. These teak-rich forests were originally temple property (belonging to the Raja of the Nilambur). Logging began here in the early nineteenth century when it was leased to timber merchants. The lease was transferred to the Government in 1862 for a reported annual rent of just Rs.3500/- In 1914 Mudumalai became State Government property and in 1927 it was declared a Reserve Forest.

The first step towards protection was initiated in 1940 when an area of approximately 60sq.km was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. The Second World War, however, intervened and a jungle warfare training camp was established here to prepare troops for the fighting in Burma. The remnants of this can still be seen today and has reportedly been used by Wild Dogs whilst shifting dens with their pups. In 1977, Mudumalai along with a part of the Sigur Range was reorganized as a Wildlife Sanctuary covering a total area of 321 sq.km.


This tract is drained by the Moyar, which flows through the Sanctuary and then turns east to form the northern boundary between Mudumalai and Bandipur. The Mysore - Udhagamandalam (Ootacamund) highway that runs north to south splits the Park.
Location & Geography
Mudumalai is situated in the Nilgiri Hills of the state of Tamil Nadu and is bordered by Bandipura Tiger Reserve to the north and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary to the west. This contiguous forest, forming one of the finest and most extensive ranges for the Asiatic Elephant, is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and covers an area of approximately 2000 sq.km
Area:
Wildlife Sanctuary:  217.76 sq.km.
National Park: 103.24 sq.km.
Total: 321.00 sq.km.
Latitude: 11°33' - 11°39' N
Longitude: 76°23' - 76°43' E 
Elevation: Approximately 1000 metres (3280 feet)
Annual Rainfall: Mudumalai receives most of its rainfall from the South West monsoon which commences in May and continues till September/October. The Northeast monsoon also causes some precipitation, but this is very light. Due to the topography, the amount of rainfall varies through the area, with the western part of the Sanctuary receiving heavy precipitation but the eastern part, lying in the rain shadow, receiving considerably less. This results in a strong west-east gradient, with average rainfall ranging from 2300 mm-900 mm. (90-35 inches)
Temperature: Temperatures range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 35°C(95°F) with the coldest month being January and the hottest, May
The Mudumalai Sanctuary is as an important wildlife habitat due to its strategic position as Wildlife between several other protected areas that are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. To the north is the Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park. To the west is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and in the south are Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley National Park. To the east is the Sigur Plateau which connects to the Satyamangalam wildlife sanctuary and Reserve forests and Biligirirangan Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. These parks, sanctuaries and the adjoining Reserve forests cover over 3,300 square kilometres (1,300 sq mi) of forest supporting a population of 1800–2300 elephants.



The elevation of the sanctuary varies from a minimum of 960 metres (3,150 ft) m to a maximum of 1,266 metres (4,154 ft). The sanctuary has a tropical savanna climate or tropical wet and dry climate that corresponding to the categories Aw and As of the Köppen climate classification. Rainfall ranges from 790 mm (31 in) to 2,000 mm (79 in).
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
There are 48 tigers in the Nilgiri Reserve across which tigers are free to roam. In April 2007, the Tamil Nadu state government declared Mudumalai as a Tiger Reserve, under section 38V of the Wildlife, in an effort to conserve the country's dwindling Tiger populations. Subsequently, about 350 families living in the core area have been evicted from the park and given 1 million rupee ($20,800) compensation. Those in the 5 km buffer area around the park fear they too will be evicted; however, nobody will be dislodged from the buffer zone. In fact, some people in this zone will be involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their income through eco-tourism.


Continuance of Project Tiger’ in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve for FY 2010/11, at the cost of Rs.40 million, was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority on 16 September 2010.
Flora
There are three main types of forest in the sanctuary: tropical moist deciduous occur in the western Benne Block, where rainfall is higher than in the other blocks. Tropical dry deciduous forest occurs in the middle and southern tropical dry thorn forests are in the east.
In addition there are patches of tropical semi ever green forest in the Southwest and Western part of Mudumalai. The annual rainfall there exceeds 2,000 mm (79 in).



Tree species in this habitat include Casseria ovoidesLitsea mysorensisCinnamomum malabatrum andOlea dioca. Climbers including Sneeze Wort (Watakaka volubilis), Gnetum ula and Entada scandens are also found in these semi evergreen forests.
Moist Bamboo brakes are found amidst dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests and along the fringes of riparian forests and swamps. There are two species of bamboo found in Mudumalai, the giant clumping bamboos: Bambusa (arundinacea) andDendrocalamus strictus. Elephants and Gaur eat both species of bamboo.



In all types of forest, a green strip of riparian forest is seen along the shore of dry seasonal and perennial streams. This type of forest remains green in all seasons. The plant species found here includes: Mangifera indicaPongamia glabraTerminalia arjunaSyzygium cuminiIndian rosewood Dalbergia latifolia and the bamboos. Larger mammals such as elephant, gaur, sambar and tiger use riparian forest patches for feeding and resting.
This sanctuary is home to several species of wild relatives of cultivated plants including wild rice, wild ginger, turmeric, Cinnamon, Solanum, Guava, mango and pepper that act as a reserve gene pool for the cultivated plants. In certain places mixed vegetation types are present. The deciduous trees shed their green leaves during the summer, and adopt a floral garb while the arrival of the monsoons hails fruits and tender greens.



Tropical moist-deciduous vegetation towards the western parts of the sanctuary gives way to dry-deciduous and thorn-scrub along the east. It is varied with tall grasses called ‘Elephant grass’, Bamboo, valuable timber like Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Vengai, Venteak and fine flowering trees and shrubs like Indian laburnum, Flame of the forest and Coral trees. Riverine patches and swamps add to diversity. Among the fruit bearers are jamun, nelli, jujuba and varieties of wild Figs.
The varied topography and resulting rainfall pattern from West to East has resulted in vegetation types that range from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and dry thorn forests.
The moist deciduous forest is generally composed of Laegostroemia microcorpa,Terminalia crenulataSyzigium cuminii, Teak (Tectona grandis), and Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea).




Shorea roxburgiTerminalia crenulata and Anogeissus latifolia dominate the dry deciduous forest found mainly in the northern part. The southern part mainly has Teak (Tectona grandis). 
The eastern part of the Sanctuary, which adjoins the Sigur plateau, is characterized by thorn and scrub forests. The trees are stunted and grow poorly with Zizyphus and Acacia species being predominant.
Trees such as Ficus sps., Mango (Mangifera indicaTerminalia arjunaSchleichera oleasa, along with Bambusa arundinacea are found along water courses like the Moyar and its tributaries.
Fauna
It is an exciting place to see Elephant, Gaur, Chowsingha, Mouse deer and Sloth bear. The animals include, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Blackbuck, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Four-horned Antelope (Chowsingha), Wild Dog, Jackal, Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Leopard Cat Striped Hyena, Leopard-cat, Small Indian Civet, Striped-necked Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Sloth Bear, Indian Giant Squirrel,, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Striped Hyena, Slender Lories, etc.. Tigers are largely elusive but leopards or a pack of Wild Dog, on the move are frequently seen.



The reptiles present are the Python, Monitor Lizard, Flying Lizard, Cobra, Krait , Vipers etc.
There is a high diversity of animal life in the sanctuary with about 50 species of fishes, 21 species of amphibians, 34 species of reptiles, 227 species of birds and 55 species of mammals. Mammal diversity is higher in the dry deciduous and dry thorn forests than in the other habitats. Thirteen percent of all mammal species in India are present in Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.



Mudumalai is best known for its Elephants (Elephas maximus) and herds of these are quite commonly seen along the National Highway which bifurcates the Park. Visitors encountering Elephants along the Highway are advised to maintain a safe distance and give these herds the right of way. Under no circumstances should visitors alight from their vehicle or disturb the animals by honking or shouting, as this can be very dangerous.
The other herbivores commonly seen include Gaur (Bos gaurus), spotted deer or Chital, Sambar (Cervus unicolor)Barking Deer or Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Three species of primates are found here - the Common Langur (Semnopithecus entellus), the Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata) and the slender loris (Loris tardigradus).



Amongst the predators, Tigers (Panthera tigris) and Leopards (Panthera pardus) are occasionally seen. Possibly, the most visible predator is the Indian Wild Dog or Dhole (Cuon alpinus), which is found in packs varying from 2 to 25 individuals in a single group.
Almost all visitors to Mudumalai will see a few Giant Malabar Squirrels (Ratufa indica) and Sloth Bears (Melurses ursinus) are also quite easy to see. If one is extremely lucky one may spot Mouse Deer (Tragulus meminna) or Chowsingha (Tetracerus quadricorn)
The diversity of habitat is reflected in the richness of birdlife which includes species such as Malabar Blue Winged Parakeet, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Malabar Great Black Woodpecker, the Crested Serpent Eagle, the Crested Hawk Eagle to name a few.
Mammal species
found in India
in Mudumalai
and their percentage in MWS
# species in India
# species in MWS
 % in MWS
15
3
20.00
Even-toed ungulates (deer, gaur, pig)
34
7
20.50
Proboscidea (elephant)
many
29
100
Carnivora (tiger, leopard, sloth bear)
58
19
32.70
Pholidota (ant eater)
1
1
100
Lagomorpha (black-napped hare)
11
1
9.09
Insectivora (shrew)
3
2
66.66
Rodentia (rats, squirrel)
102
14
13.73
Chiroptera (bats)
113
7
6.19
Of 15 cat species in India, 4 live in Mudumalai: Bengal tigerIndian leopardJungle cat and Leopard cat. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has the highest density of tigers in the country. For every 8.67 km2, there is now at least one tiger in Mudumalai. There are 44 to 80 Tigers (E) in the Mudumalai forest. The single largest tiger population in India (Mudumalai – Nagarhole – Wynad) includes the Mudumalai tigers. These tigers are a breeding source for populating the Northern and Eastern parts of the Western Ghats. This population exists at high density due to the high density of prey species thriving in its deciduous forests.



The Indian leopard (P. pardus fusca) (NT) is most often seen in the Kargudi area. Other carnivores include the Dhole (Cuon alpinus) (V), the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) (NT), the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) and the Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) (V). The population of Indian Elephants, Elephas maximus indicus (E), totals several hundred animals. Three Primates found here include the Gray langur (Semnopithecus priam) and the Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata). Important prey animals for tigers and panthers here are theUngulates including the Gaur (Bos gaurus) (V), the Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) (VU), the Chital deer (Axis axis), Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), the Indian Spotted Chevrotain, Moschiola indica, and the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), all of whom are common here. Rodents include the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica maxima) and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista).




Amongst reptiles the Common Cobra, Indian Rock Python, and the Common Krait are found here. Calotes (garden lizard) are very visible and if one is lucky, one may even see a Draco (flying lizard), or a Chameleon. There are Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in the Moyar, but beyond the tourism zone. Soft shell turtles are seen basking on logs by water bodies and the star tortoise is also reported from the area.
Avifauna
Some of the rare birds of prey like the Rufous bellied hawk eagle can be occasionally seen in this Sanctuary. Avifauna is varied with Changeable Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Jerdon’s Baza, Bonelli’s Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Besra, Mottled Wood Owl, Brown Hawk Owl Minivet, Hornbills, Golden Oriole, Chloropsis, Paradise flycatcher, Golden backed and Malabar Great Black woodpeckers, Bluewinged parakeet, Fairy bluebird, Jungle fowl Racket tailed drongo, Peacock Grey, Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, Grey Francolin, Painted Spurfowl, Painted Bush Quail, White bellied Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Golden Woodpecker, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Emerald Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Grey-headed Bulbul, Forest Wagtail, Crimson-bcked Sunbird, Loten’s Sunbird.



Eight percent of bird species in India are occurring in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Among the 227 bird species found in Mudumalai, 110 species are insectivores, 62 are carnivores, 23 species are fishivores, 12 species are omnivores and 20 species are grainivores. These include the unique near threatened Black-and-orange Flycatcher. Regional endemics include Malabar trogon and Malabar grey hornbill.



Some rare birds of prey like the Rufous bellied hawk eagle can occasionally be seen in this sanctuary. Other predatory birds include crested hawk-eaglecrested serpent eagleChangeable Hawk EagleBlack EagleOriental Honey-buzzardJerdon's BazaBonelli's EagleCrested GoshawkBesra,Mottled Wood Owl and Brown Hawk OwlMinivet.sp.




Park attractions
Attractions in the park include:
1.      Scenic spots in the sanctuary are the Chief Minister’s Watchtower, the view point at Kargudi, the Ombetta Lake and the Safari Van rides on Sand Road, Circular Road, Manradiar Road, Jayadev Avenue and Bombax Road. The public roads: Kakkanalli – Torapalli road, Teppakkadu – Masanagudi road and Moyar – Masanagudi road are also rewarding places to see wild life in the Sanctuary.
2.      Moyar River running through the dense forest is a good place to see animals when they come to drink water from the river.
3.      'Moyar River Gorge, also called the Moyar Canyon, is a dramatic 20 km (12 mi) long gorge dug out by Moyar River, which plunges into the gorge below Theppakadu in a roaring water-fall popularly known as Moyar falls.
4.      Elephant Safari and Van Safari, conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, depart from park headquarters at Theppakadu
5.      The Elephant Feeding Camp where one can interact with elephants and see how they are fed. The captive elephants in the sanctuary are no longer used for timber extraction work, since these areas are managed exclusively as protected areas. The elephants are engaged mainly for Eco-tourism, patrolling for anti poaching operations, to control Man-Elephant conflict outside the sanctuary or other areas and as a conservation and training centre for elephants which can be visited by public.
6.      Museum near the Elephant feeding camp is where some animals that once lived in the Mudumalai Jungle are preserved.
7.      Kallatty falls located 30 km (19 mi) from Theppakadu, is a beautiful falls with a breathtaking view.
8.      Pykara Lake – Located 40 km (25 mi) from Theppakadu is a clean and scenic lake situated between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and crowds. Boating is conducted here. An annual summer boat race was introduced to this lake in 2008.
9.      Bandipur National Park: Bandipur National Park is known for its tiger population. Also, the park shelters some of the most rare and endangered species of wildlife. Bandipur National Park is one of the protected areas within Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats.
10.  Wayanad Sanctuary: This sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. It houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. The sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant and one can spot herd of elephants roaming in the area.
11.  Masinagudi: There are night safaris in 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 adjoining forest and not into the park. Such night safaris are illegal and create disturbance to the animals of this region. There was a recent incident of a French tourist being killed by a wild elephant when she went on one such safari.
12.  Theppakadu is the Reception Point, where accommodation, Van rides and Elephant rides are arranged.
13.  Ombetta vayal – swampy area is mid way between upper Kargudi and Mudumalai game hut is a place to lookout for elephant and Bison.
Elephant Camp at Theppakadu
The Theppakadu Elephant Camp was established in 1972 in Mudumalai Range, which became the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in 1942. Its predecessor which served as Range Headquarters was established in 1910 near the Mudumalai game hut and later shifted to Theppakadu. 
The Forest Department took up elephant capturing by the conventional Pit Method from 1889 onwards in the Madras Presidency, mainly to build up the work force of elephants needed for timber extraction. In the Anamalais where large areas were cleared for planting with teak, elephant capturing operation was taken up in 1889. Till 1972 more than 600 elephants were captured from wild to meet the demand for working elephants.
In Mudumalai, elephant capturing was taken up in 1910 and continued till 1953. Thus there was a necessity of building up permanent Camp Sites with necessary infrastructure such as “Kraals” to train newly captured elephants. Surplus elephants and elephants considered not fit enough for timber extraction work such as calves were disposed of by conducting auction sales.
The use of local tribal people as elephant handlers clearly predated the establishment of elephant camps. This system was followed mainly because of the tribals’ expertise in the jungles, their long traditional association with capture and training elephants. Even today, the local tribals are the backbone of capturing, training and handling of elephant in the forest department.
The Kurumbas in Mudumalai, the Malasars, the Pullayars and Kadars of Anamalais are some of the tribals who have traditional knowledge in the art of capturing, training and handling elephants.
The captive elephants in the sanctuaries and national parks are no longer used for timber extraction work, since these areas are managed exclusively as protected areas. Hence the elephants are engaged mainly for the following purposes.
Ø  Eco tourism
Ø  Patrolling for anti poaching operations
Ø  To control Man-Elephant conflict outside the Sanctuaries or other areas (Kumki work)
Ø  As a conservation & Training center for Asian elephants which can be visited by public.
At present all the captive elephants are stationed either at Theppakadu. This creates considerable pressure on the exciting fodder resources around these camps. The surrounding area appears depleted of fodder. The addition, indiscriminate lopping of fodder trees within 10 kms radius around the camps has resulted in the total absence of many of the fodder trees particularly many species of Ficus, Grewia, Kydia etc. For this purpose and also to avoid infections through fecal infestation, periodic shifting of camp to rest locations is Mandatory.
The camp has a permanent Stores shed to keep the grain rations as well as various equipments and accoutrements intended for the day today use in the camp.
The elephant camp has one Forester who is responsible for the day to day management of the camp. A forest guard and sometimes a Forest Watcher assist him. The forest Range officer has the administrative control over the supervision of the camp and the staff.
Two persons, a mahout and cavady handle elephant over two meters in height. For the elephants less than 2 meters in height such as the calves, only one attendant in the rank of Cavady is in charge.
All the elephants, in addition to natural grazing, are provided with grain rations in cooked form. The standard practice and norms are being followed. The Forest Veterinary Officer is the authority to fix the quantum of grain rations for each animal according to its size, sex, capacity for work etc.
Elephants used for work such as timber dragging, patrolling or any other hard work are given “work rations” as and when they are used for work. Resting animals or animals that are not engaged for work are given the “Rest Diet” which is less than the work rations since these animals spend comparatively more time in grazing.
An elephant being a mega herbivore needs to spend at least 16-18 hours per day for grazing and the working elephants spend considerably less time. In addition they spend every for various types of works for which they are engaged. Hence they have to be compensated by providing more grain rations.
Some animals such as pregnant elephants, lactating or nursing mothers and animals, which are in run down condition, are prescribed special rations by the Forest Veterinary Officer or the Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in the camp.
The grain rations normally consist of Horse gram and Ragi and sometimes Rice. The prescribed rations are given in cooked from both in the morning and evening at fixed hours. In Mudumalai large number tourists witness the evening feeding.
Standardized Wooden Moulds are used for making cakes of known size and weight to facilitate easy check. If the animals are being fed the proper quantity of rations are prescribed. Each feeding shed prominently displays the ration chart indicating the quantity of rations prescribed for each elephant. This chart also has the biodata of the animals. This practice had been in vogue for long time and is followed in every camp.
The elephant camp at Theppakadu serves an important educational purpose, where over a lakhs visitors every year, see the management and feeding of pachyderms and thereby increasing public awareness about the species. This also serves an important center for Research and Training for capture elephant management.
Theppakadu elephant camp is located just nearer to Theppakadu Reception Centre. There are 23 elephants. Visitors are allowed to this camp in the evening during elephant feeding to witness the feeding process. Everyday 2 elephants perform Pooja to Lord Vinayaka inside the camp. The elephants are used for joy riding of tourists early morning and evening on charges.
Travel
Mudumalai approached from Theppakadu or Kargudi is a mixture of deciduous and grass area and rewarding with all the herbivores and carnivores.
The nearest international airport is at Coimbatore (130 km (81 mi)) and the closest railway station, is at Ooty (67 km (42 mi)). The other nearby railway stations include Mysore(90 km (56 mi)), Coimbatore (130 km (81 mi)) and Erode (160 km (99 mi)) which are on the major broad gauge line served by trains from across the country. The park is most conveniently accessible by road from Mysore on NH 212 to Gundalpet, then NH 67 to Theppakadu. There are two routes from Ooty; one is via Kallatty, 36 km (22 mi) on the Masinagudi road that has 36 hairpin bends and the other by NH 67 via Gudalur which is 67 km (42 mi) from Ooty. There are regular bus services that connect all the major adjoining cities with this sanctuary.
By Road:
The Sanctuary is well connected by National Highway. All buses plying from Mysore to Ooty stop at the Reception Centre at Theppakadu.
It is approachable from Ooty by two different routes. 
One is via Kallatty, 36 KM from Ooty that has 36 hairpin bends through natural forests.
The other route is via Gudalur which is 67 KM from Ooty. It can also be approached by road from Mysore 91 KM away.
By Train:
Nearest Railway station: Ooty – 67 KM., Mysore – 90 KM
By Air:
Coimbatore – 160 KM, Bangalore – 245 KM.
Nearest Fuel Stations:
Thorapalli – 7 KM., (towards Gudalur), Gudalur – 18 KM., (towards Ooty) Gundalpet – 30 KM (towards Mysore)
Activities
Jungle Safari
You can enjoy jungle safari on the vehicles (van) of the forest department & private jeep Safari also. On your way, you can notice group of elephants and spotted dear, the Sambar that pricks its ears, langurs jumping from one tree to another and many other glamorous varieties of birds.
The Jungle Safari is a place that allows people to come and experience exotic animals living in their natural habitat. Both vehicle safaris and elephant safaris are available through the Forest Department. One Jeep is used and is operated on a first come first served basis. The jeep can only accommodate six people at a time. Van safaris are available as well. The van holds 25 people at one time. 
Timing
Morning - From 5.30 AM
Evening - From 4 PM
Main Road Safari
Private Road Safaris are also available on hydro-electric project road and village roads. On the way, you can see Elephants, Tiger, Buffaloes, Wolf, Snake, Deers which will be crossing the road. For sure, you will come out with a fantastic experience
Timing
Morning - From 5.30 AM
Evening - From 4 PM
Elephant Safari
In Mudumalai, 40 minutes elephant safari has been started with bookings to be done at the Ooty forest office and 50% of tickets sold at Mudumalai Theppakadu reception center on a first come first serve basis. 
Booking can be done by us also. Subject to weather conditions
Maximum 4 people per elephant
Timing
Morning - 7 AM to 8.30 AM
Evening - 3.30 PM to 5 PM.
Bird Watching
Bird watching or birding is the observation and study of birds with the naked eye or through a visual enhancement device like binoculars. Mudumalai bird sanctuary is very rich in birdlife suitable for bird watching by experienced and novice birders. In Mudumalai, Birding often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are more readily detected and identified by ear than by eye.
The birds listed in this sanctuary are Peacock-our National bird, 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, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant, besides some migratory water birds.
Ø  Brown Fish Owl
Ø  Spotted Owlet
Ø  Grey Jungle Fowl
Ø  Great Pied Hornbill
Ø  White Bellied Minivet
Ø  White Bellied Wood Pecker
Ø  Tree Pie
Water Hole Visit
Water hole visit is an activity which is conducted by Private Agencies. When you sit near the hole, animals will come to see you. This will be a nice experience for you in our activities. It’s a day program where animals will come and meet you.
Camping
Camping is nothing but staying in the tent for one whole night. Camp fire is also there
Timing will be only at night.
Tree Top Watch Tower
Private Resorts have privately owned tree houses in private forest near water hole, where you can sit and watch wild animals and beautiful birds, all the animals come under your seat.
The most enjoyable activity in your plan & will be too awesome.
River Side Picnic
River Side Picnic will be arranged by Private Agencies to relax ourselves along the river-side. You can find cool air with silent atmosphere. You can hear birds sound like a music.
Swimming
Swimming in the Forest Steams & Ponds will mesmerize your inner soul. Lot of choices are available for this activity. Be careful while indulging in Swimming. Swimming in the natural pool will have lot of medicinal values as these waters are soaked in natural herbs which is good for health.
Sanctuary Drive
Game sanctuary drive will be arranged by forest department. They will arrange a van which has capacity to carry more than 20 peoples.
Best time to visit 
Throughout the year (except between June and August). The Sanctuary is likely to close during the driest months of April and May, when the Forest Department staff are engaged in fire fighting
The area records equable climes with summer temperatures at a moderate 290C and reasonable winters at 100C lower. The rainfall averages around 700 mm. per year. The southwestern winds bring an abundance of rain lasting from April to June. October and November also receive some rain. December to June is the ideal season to be at Mudumalai. In the summers, the sanctuary is closed. Early mornings and the afternoons, when official tours are usually arranged, ensure diverse sightings.
Communications
There are three post offices in the sanctuary. STD/ISD/PCO telephone service is available in Theppakadu, Masinagudi, Thorapalli and the nearby towns. The only mobile phone network (BSNL) is available in the Sanctuary.
Threats
Tourism, especially in the Sigur/Masinagudi area, is claimed by some to pose a threat to the region, but this is strongly repudiated by persons who live and work in the area. The extensive growth of Invasive species, such as lantana, that hinder the natural regeneration process of the forests has occurred as a result of excessive cattle grazing. Construction activities of the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory at Singara, Masinagudi, are likely to have significant impacts on the local wildlife. The 5-year work plan, high volume of debris and waste disposal, blasting activities, extensive vehicular activity and large number of outside workers and their support infrastructure all threaten to disrupt the wildlife corridor on the Sigur plateau, including Mudumalai Sanctuary, connecting the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
Entry Fees & Timings 
Entry Fee
Ø  Rs 15 per Person
Ø  Rs 25 For still Cameras 
Ø  Rs 150 For Video Cameras 
Ø   All days of the week
Ø  6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Ø  3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Facts
Ø  Theppakadu which is the entry point to the park also has a tourist reception centre from where all the tourist facilities can be availed.
Ø  Entry of private vehicles is not allowed. Trekking inside the park is prohibited.
Ø  An Elephant camp located inside the sanctuary is a major tourist attraction.
Ø  Mini bus safari timings are 7 to 9 AM and 3 to 6:30 PM.
Ø  Museum near the Elephant Feeding Camp offers visitors information on wildlife that was once found in the Mudumalai Jungle.
Ø  Mudumalai has high diversity of animal life. About 55 species of mammal, 227 species of birds, 50 species of fishes, 34 species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians are found in the park.
Ø  Thirteen percent of all mammal species in India are found in Mudumalai.
Timings
·         Safari timings ( Tamil Nadu Forest Department at Theppakadu and Karnataka Forest Department at Bandipur ) 
·         6:30AM to 9AM and 3:30PM to 6:00PM.
·         Entry point at Karnataka Forest check point is closed from 9PM to 6AM.
·         Entry from Theppakadu to Masinagudi is closed from 8PM to 6PM.
Accommodation
The forest department has cottages in various locations within the forests available on a first come first serve basis, and there are various private resorts and guest houses that visitors can stay in.
Being a wildlife sanctuary it is surrounded by resorts and home stays.
Tamil Nadu Forest Department
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has accommodation in Forest Rest Houses at Theppakadu, Kargudi, Abayaranyam and Masinagudi. Prices for these ranges from Rs.25/- per head for a bed in a dormitory to Rs.300/- for a suite with 2 beds. The caretakers of the lodges can provide simple and basic meals, but it is advisable to travel with dry rations. Masinagudi is a flourishing little township where one can buy just about anything from Mineral water, soft drinks to meals at the local eatery. 
Wildlife Warden
Mudumalai and Mukurthi National Parks and Sanctuary,
Mount Stuart Hill, 
Ooty – 643001
Ph: + 91 0423 44098
Reception Range Officer,
Mudumalai and Mukurthi National Parks and Sanctuary, Theppakadu
Nilgiris District, Tamilnadu
Ph: 0423-526235
A personal visit to the reservation office in Udhagamandalam is necessary to confirm your bookings.
Greenwoods nature camp  
No.3/136, Mollapalli,
Thorapalli, Mudumalai Village
2 Kms off Ooty - Mysore Road,
Gudalur Taluk,
Nilgiris,
Tamilnadu – 643211
Karnataka - + 91 – 9620401689
Tamilnadu - + 91 – 9442662853 / 9710841751
Jungle Retreat
Jungle Retreat, Masinagudi.
Nilgiri District
Tamil Nadu – 643223,
Ph: +91 (0)423 2526469/70/59.
Wild Woods haven
8/323, Achakarai, Masinagudi,
The Nilgiris 643 223
Ph: +91 94 43052360
The Bank details are as follows:
Name of Account: Wild Woods Haven
Bank: State Bank of India
Branch: Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Account No: 3219 3308 186
IFS Code: SBIN 0000 891
Secret Ivory
Secret Ivory Farm & Guest House
Achakarai
Masinagudi, Mudumalai
Tamilnadu – 643223
Mobile:   +91 944 3204102 
Office:   +91 - 423 2526844
Glenview Resorts
Bokkapuram
Masinagudi - 643 223
The Nilgiris
Reservations [Bangalore]: +91 98450 44322
Office Landline [Bangalore]: +91 80-2572 4180
Operation time - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Mon - Sat)
Bear Mountain Jungle Resort
Bokkapuram Village,
Masinagudi
Tamilnadu – 643223
Ph: +91 – 9884050575/9443326504
The Wilderness
Corp. Address
#38, Richmond Road, Opp Cathedral School,
Bangalore 560025
Ph: +91-80-25573191
Property Address
Allurvayal, Thorpally
Mudumalai, TN
Bharath S
Ph: +91-98450-50892
P A Varghese
Ph: +91-9488428923
Deer meadow
Ph: +91 – 8041230008
Ph: +91 – 9448485160CT ADDRESS
Jungle Hut
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi,
Nilgiris - 643 223.
Tamil Nadu, India.
Mobile: +91 9787 633433
Telephone: +91 423 2526463
Telefax: +91 423 2526240
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: 91- 0423-225555-1101
TTDC Youth Hostel 
Theppakadu
Ph: 91- 0423-256249
Bamboo Banks farm
Masinagudi
Ph: 91- 0423-256222, 256211
Phone: +91 94433 73201 (Mr. Zerasp Kothavala)
Email:
Belmont Retreat
Bokkapuram
Ph: 91- 0423-256253
Gem Holiday Resorts Ltd
Bokkapuram
Ph: 91- 0423-256296
Monarch Safari Park
Bokkapuram
Ph: 91- 0423-256250, 256343, 256326
Mountain Rest House
Masinagudi
Ph: 91- 0423-256240, 256267
Jain Resorts 
Vazhai Thottam
Ph: 91- 0423-256318 
Forest Hills Farm & Guesthouse 
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi P.O., 
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643223
Ph: 91- 0423-2526216, 2526399
Jungle Home
12 / 464,
 Thorapalli, Gudalur,
Nilgiris District,
Tamil Nadu.
Ph: 91- 042362 - 264198






The Tiger Paw Resort
Masinagudi (P.O),
The Nilgiris, 
Tamil Nadu-643223.
Telephone: 0423-2526909,
De Rock - Jungle Living 
4/126D, Bokkapuram, Masinagudi 
Nilgiris District- Pin-643223 
Mobile: +91-944-2525003, 91-962-6905665
Email: info@de-rock.com, info@de-rock.in
Deep jungle home resort
Office Address
Door No 1, Bapusa Palya
Bank Avenue, Off Kalyan Nagar,
Bangalore
Resort address
Deep Jungle Home Mollapalli Village, Mudumalai
Panchayath, Off Thorapalli, Gudalur
Ph: 080 4123 0008 / 09900087611
THE NESTINN
Singara Road,
Masinagudi - 643 223.
Phone: 0423-2526786
Cell: 09843577133 - Santosh (Manager)
Monarch Safari Park
Bokkapuram, Masinagudi
Tel: 0423 2526250, 2526343
Fax: 0423 2526326 
Green Park Resorts
Singara Road, 
Masinagudi Nilgiris- 643223 
Tel: 0423 2526351 / 09443174641
E-mail: mahadevan1001@gmail.com
Hotel Tamil Nadu
Tel.: 0423-56249
Chital Walk (Jungle Trail Lodge)
Tel.: 0423-56256