| Duration: | 3 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Wildlife Safari |
The Mudumalai National Park, one of the first forest ranges to be declared as a National Park is located in the Nilgiri district in the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The park is located in the Ooty-Mysore route and can be entered from both Ooty and Mysore. The National park was recently declared a Tiger Reserve with a population of about 50 tigers. The National Park is one of the most critical ecologic systems in the country, with the Bandipur National Park and the Nagarhole National Park to the north and the Wayand wildlife sanctuary to the south and between them they house more than 500 species of animals, birds, reptiles and even more species of insects. Needless to say the place is breathtaking and captivating for anyone who appreciates nature.
Different Areas in the Park
The park is widely divided into Masinagudi, Kargudi, Mudumalai, Nellakota and Thepakadu.
Karugudi : Indian leopard is commonly spotted here with other carnivorous. A few dormitories are found in this region. A swamp area in this region is famous for high population of bison and elephants. This is the most scenic area in the whole park.
Masinagudi : A few lodges and resorts are found in the border of the reserved area. Pepper, tea, coffee and other plantations are found near this region. Bird watching is a common activity in this region. Masinagudi is 7 km away from the core area of the park. A few plantations are also found here.
Thepakadu : This is the entrance of the park. Jeeps can be hired to scale the park from here. Elephants can be hired at the reception center in Thepakadu for elephant safari. Spotting predators near Thepakadu is not easy. Buses from other destinations halt at Thepakadu. From Thepakadu, you can hired park-owned vehicles. Famous for elephant camps where tourists can spot and play with elephant calves.
Mudumalai : This is the core park area where mammals and many birds can be spotted. Safari and other activities are focused in this area. No private vehicle is allowed inside the area. Walking is also prohibited. Even park-owned jeeps and buses are allowed to scale up to 15 km into Mudumalai. A few lakes and watering holes are found in this region.
Western Part of Mudumalai : This region is filled with thorn scrubs and dry deciduous forests. This allows a lot of grass varieties and shrubs to thrive. Flowering trees, coral trees, bamboo and elephant grass are common in this area. Spotting elephants, gaur and tiger are easier in this region. Jamun and wild figs are very common.
Best Season to Visit Mudumalai National Park
The best time to visit the park is from February to June. During this season, animals come to watering holes and lakes to quench their thirst. Spotting animals near water sources become easier. Bird population is highest during this season due to migration. The vegetation sheds its leaves and will be completely covered with flowers. This is the best season for photography. June to August is the worst time to visit the park.
Wildlife Safari in Mudumalai National Park
wildlife safari are conducted through jeep and open van. Walking or private vehicles is not allowed inside the park. Elephant ride is also common in the park. The safari covers only 15 km inside the park. Top spots inside the park are watchtower, Ombetta Lake, Circular road, Masaagudi road and others.
Van safari stretches for 30 minutes and 25 people can ride in a van at the same time. The trip costs INR 45 per head. Children below the age of five are not charged. The safari route starts at the office in Thepakadu and drives 10 km into the forest area.
Elephant safari costs INR 100 per head and takes four people in a ride. The trip is for 30 minutes. The cost and time period of private jeep safari depends on the driver. Private jeep safari is not organized by the park. Thejeep safari will not take you into the park. The route focuses on the main roads enveloping the park. Spotting animals is rare in this safari. The jeep safari usually stretches for one hour.
The demand for the elephant and van safari rides is very high and it is advisable to reach the spot at least 30 minutes in prior to the safari starting time to avoid being left out
Wildlife Safari Timings
Van Safari : 6:30 am to 9 am and, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
Elephant safari : 7 am to 8:30 am and, 3:30 pm to 5 pm
Private jeep safari : depends on the availability of the driver
The park is open from morning 7 until evening 6. The park is open throughout the week.
