The state of Tamil Nadu is noted for its glorious architectural edifices, splendid temples, flourishing automobile industry and steel and glass software conglomerates. The state has earned another feather in its cap owing to the pristine natural splendor of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.

Dense impenetrable forests cover the state of Tamil Nadu. Myriad forests ranging from moist deciduous, wet evergreen forests, sholas and grasslands cover the topography that is marked by an amalgam of lofty mountains, low-lying plains and the Western Ghats. The elevated jungle-clad mountainous terrains are home to the elephants, tigers, bisons, monkeys and deer. Several wildlife reserves like the Madumalai and Annamalai (Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary) have cropped up in the hilly terrains of the Western Ghats.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is juxtaposed between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats in the Nilgiri Hills and occupies a sprawling expanse of 321 sq. km. The landscape is drained by the Mayyar River and marked by an assortment of low lying flatlands, rolling parklands, vast open grasslands, swamps, valleys and nullas.

The sanctuary also encloses a 103 sq. km wide National Park that is a hallmark of ecological bliss. This oasis of idyllic green is easily accessible since the Mysore-Ooty Highway passes through the park and demarcates Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary from its legendary counterpart at Bandipur.

The sanctuary is abundant in its offerings of luxuriant flora and variegated species of animals. Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Dhole Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-Hourned- Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), Giant Flying Squirrel, Sambhar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose are some of the wild beasts the sanctuary boasts of.

The sanctuary is an ornithologist and birdwatcher’s paradise with its abundant range of migratory and resident birds that include Peacock, Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-tailed Dronge, Shama, Magpie-robin, Spotted Babbler, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeon, Little Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls, Mynahs and the predatory Eagle, Hawk, Buzzard, Harrier, Falcon and Vulture.

Tourists, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts can have a wonderful time exploring the wilderness of Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary and National Park.

Last Updated on 1/17/2011

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