Tuesday, 21 May 2013

"Go slow... Jumbo crossing!" - Mudumalai forest, Tamil Nadu.

Photo: "Go slow... Jumbo crossing!" - Mudumalai forest, Tamil Nadu.

http://www.holidayiq.com/destinations/Mudumalai-Overview.html?src=fbook


About Mudumalai Tourism
Mudumalai is a wildlife sanctuary located in Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India. The exact location of this place is at the meeting point of three states, namely Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Located in dense forests of the Nilgiris, this place is renowned for its wildlife sanctuary. Described as one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in southern India, the biodiversity conservation place is often referred to as Masinagudi Sanctuary by the locals.

History of Mudumalai
Mudumalai constitutes a major part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Moyar River and its proximity to the Nilgiri Mountain range, helps Mudumalai remain distinct, even when the range of biodiversity is similar to Bandipur. Mudumalai spreads on an area of 321 sq. km and has all the major geographical diversity. The place has thick wooded hills on one side, deep valleys on the other with waterfall and river completing the picture.

Established in 1940, Mudumalai is one of the most renowned efforts to conserve the natural resources of flora and fauna in India. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is the most popular attraction of the place and is home to many exotic species of fauna that are usually difficult to locate.

Things to do in Mudumalai
Jungle safaris organised by the Forest Department are great experiences, which tourists can enjoy anytime at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The main characteristics of this sanctuary are the swamps, evergreen forests, grasslands and a wide variety of wildlife. The distinct wildlife here includes species like gaur, tigers, deer, panther, hyena, jackal, chital, sloth bear, flying squirrel, leopard, sambar, wild boar, civets, monitor lizards, langurs, antelopes and macaques.

Apart from animals, bird species found at Mudumalai are more than 200 in number. The sanctuary is also home to a diverse range of plant life. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary has three types of forest that include tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous and southern tropical dry thorn forests.

The tiger reserve at Mudumalai has the highest density of tigers found in the country. The place has a tropical dry and wet climate, which usually remains unchanged during the entire year. The annual rainfall at the place is 2000 mm on an average basis. The wildlife sanctuary at Mudumalai is also a home to many endangered species of plants, animals and birds thus making the same a vital asset to conserve biodiversity in India. To explore the place better, tourists can also opt for attractive Mudumalai holiday packages.

The sanctuary at Mudumalai is in the process of being considered as a World Heritage Centre by UNESCO. Bandipur National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Masinagudi are some nearby attractions located in the vicinity.

Travelling to Mudumalai
Mudumalai is about 160 km away from Coimbatore airport. Tourists can also reach Mudumalai by air as the airport here is well connected to most cities in the southern part of the country as well as major cities elsewhere. Taxis are available from the airport. The nearest railway station is at Ooty, around 64 km away. The other major railway station is in Coimbatore. The nearest bus stand is at Gudalur, 16 km away. Buses that run on the Ooty-Mysore Highway connect the sanctuary to neighbouring places in and around Tamil Nadu.

Accommodation options in Mudumalai
There are several popular hotels in Mudumalai. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary has a fair share of budget hotels run by the government. Mudumalai, on the other hand, has a few resort options for tourists as well. Since the park is only open for a few months a year, it is advisable to book the hotel well in advance.

Mudumalai can be visited anytime of the year. However, in summer there is high chance of spotting tigers. The average temperature during the summer season is 30⁰ Celsius while the average winter temperature is around 20⁰ Celsius.

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