The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 160 km (99 mi) north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala states in South India. Mudumalai, which means 'first hills’, is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.Here one can often spot herds of endangered Indian elephants, vulnerable Gaur, and Chital. The sanctuary is a haven for Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopards and other threatened species. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered species like the Indian White-rumped Vulture and the long-billed vulture.
The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.
Location
The Mudumalai Sanctuary is as an important wildlife habitat due to its strategic position as a Wildlife corridor between several other protected areas that are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. To the north is the Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park. To the west is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and in the south are Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley National Park. To the east is the Segur plateau which connects to the Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary and Reserve forests and Biligirirangan Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. These parks, sanctuaries and the adjoining Reserve forests cover over 3,300 square kilometers (1,300 sq mi) of forest supporting a population of 1800-2300 elephants.
The elevation of the sanctuary varies from a minimum of 960 meters (3,150 ft) m to a maximum of 1,266 meters (4,154 ft). The sanctuary has a tropical savanna climate or tropical wet and dry climate that corresponding to the categories Aw and As of the Köppen climate classification. Rainfall ranges from 790 mm (31 in) to 2,000 mm (79 in).
Conservation History
Until late 18th century, the forests of the sanctuary were under the control of the Nilambar Tirumalapad religious sect (Tirumalapad Kovilagam). In 1927 the area was declared a reserved forest. The park was created in 1940 to become the first wildlife sanctuary in South India. Originally 62 km2 (24 sq mi), the sanctuary was enlarged to 295 km2 (114 sq mi) in 1956. In 1958 the sanctuary was extended to 318.7 km2 (123.1 sq mi) and subsequently to its present size of 321 km2 (124 sq mi). The sanctuary is contiguous with Bandipur National Park (874 km2 (337 sq mi)), Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary (344 km2 (133 sq mi)) and Sigur and Singara reserve forests.The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Accommodations
The forest department has cottages in various locations within the forests available on a first come first serve basis.There are various private resorts and guest houses that visitors can stay in.
• Greenwoods Nature Camp - an eco friendly wild life nature camp is located at the backdrop of dense Mudumalai/Bandipur wildlife sanctuary. An ideal weekend get away for wildlife or nature enthusiasts, provides affordable packages (Accommodation, Food, Jeep Safari, Trekking, Camp Fire) with no compromise on the quality.
• Jungle Home Mudumalai Accommodation - offers cottages, swiss cottage tents near stream, family camping tents, good food and activities
• Wilderness resorts Mudumalai Accommodation - offers independent cottages with a good view of the Nilgiri hills, good food, Safaris and campfire in the night.
Communications
There are three post offices in the sanctuary. STD/ISD/PCO telephone service is available in Theppakadu, Masinagudi, Thorapalli and the nearby towns. The mobile phone network (BSNL) is available in the Sanctuary.
