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.
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.
How to Reach Mudumalai National Park
By Air: The nearest airport of Coimbatore is situated at a
distance of approximately 160 km.
By Rail: The sanctuary is 65 km away from Udhagamandalam railway
station and 95 km away from Mysore railway station.
By Road: Since Mudumalai is situated along the Mysore-Ooty
Highway; it is well connected with the other cities of India.
