Mudumalai National Park: A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise!

Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu is a habitat for several animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The sanctuary is divided into five ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi, and Nellakota.

The area is strictly protected as it is home to several endangered species. The sanctuary comprises hills and valleys with several perennial streams and swamps. The ecosystem and biodiversity in the Park make it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Mudumalai National Park Climatic Conditions

Summers (March–May) are often dry, with warm days and pleasant nights. The trees normally shed during this time of the year, but it is ideal for the jungle safari to watch animals. Birds and larger animals gather in the streams to drink water.

Monsoon (June- November) showers are not heavy, but safari trips can occasionally be canceled if the rain clouds gather. From June to September, the southwest monsoon brings rain to the western region, while from October to November, the northeast monsoon brings showers to the eastern sections.

Winter (December-February) offers clear days with pleasant skies. Nights can be cold therefore, it is advised to bring sweaters if you intend to travel to Mudumalai during winter. Wide varieties of birds can be seen migrating in for the winters. Ideally, this is the best time of the year to visit the National Park. 

How To Reach Mudumalai National Park

By Road: Bus services are available to Mudumalai from Ooty, Gudalur, and Coimbatore. Tourists can choose Bus service or drive their vehicle as the National Park is between Ooty and Mysore. Buses run from Bangalore (300 km), Coimbatore (85 km), and Mysore (125 km).

By Train: The closest railway station is Mysore, about 90 km from Mudumalai. Trains services to Mysore are available across major cities in India. After reaching the railway station, cab and bus services are available to reach Mudumalai National Park.

By Air: The nearest airport to Mudumalai is Coimbatore International Airport. Both domestic and international flights arrive at the airport. Cab services are readily available from the airport.  

Kindly note that once you reach the Madumalai National Park, private vehicles are prohibited inside the buffer zone of the Park. The safari guide will accompany the tourist from the reception of the Park.

Entry Fee And Timings

The National Park is open seven days a week from six in the morning to six in the evening. The entry fee to the National Park is 30 rupees per adult. Extra charges are applicable if you intend to bring a camera or choose a safari. The charges are as follows;

Attractions In Mudumalai National Park

The most popular activity in the Mudumalai National Park is the Jungle van safari. The buses take tourists to the core areas of the Park.  Familiar sights in the region include deer, pythons, tigers, panthers, and leopards. The bus safari timings are between 7 am and 10 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. 

Tourists can ride elephants while exploring the jungle. Tickets for the Elephant rides should be bought from the reception center at Thepakadu. The timing of the elephant safari is from 7:00 am to 8:00 am and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The Elephant camps provide the opportunity for visitors to interact with elephants. Both adults can children can enjoy the elephant feeding camp at an entrance fee of 50 INR. Visitors can watch them play in their natural habitat. The timing of the camp is from 8:30 am to 9:00 am and 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm. 

Mudumalai National Park is known for its wide variety of bird species. Birdwatching is a prominent recreational activity. Peacock, jungle fowl, and Malabar grey hornbill are among the commonly found birds in the territory. The Park is also home to various migratory birds. 

Food And Accommodation Near Mudumalai National Park

You will find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies in restaurants around the National Park. Ooty Varkey is a famous native delicacy of Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu, India.

There are several South Indian delicacies that you can try out if you are traveling through the Mysore route. South Indian coffee and Mysore Bonda is a lip-smacking snack combination to try.  

Things To Remember while Visiting Mudumalai National Park

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