Mudumalai National Park

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Mudumalai National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: December to June Read More

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Mudumalai

"An exotic side of India's Fauna"

Mudumalai National Park Tourism

Mudumalai National Park is a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 150 kilometres from Coimbatore, in the Nilgiri District of Tamilnadu. It connects the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats and owes its popularity to the fact that it’s home to many vulnerable and endangered animal and bird species.

The neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka both have their borders adjacent to the park. The Ooty-Mysore highway passes through the forest, curving around the Moyar river which separates Mudumalai and the Bandipur National Park. Mudumalai is presently being considered for declaration as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The 6,000 square kilometre area under consideration comprises of the Western Ghats in Nilgiri, encompassing all of Mudumalai National Park.

Mudumalai is best known for its beautiful landscape of the blue skies complimenting the Nilgiri Hills owning the similar tint and surrounding hills and the Mudumalai National Park, which houses many species of animals and birds. Bird watching is an interesting activity here as fine bird specimens flock this area quite often.

Things to do in Mudumalai National Park

1. Madumalai National Park

Madumalai National Park
It was established way back in 1940 and was the first national park of Southern India. You can expect to see a variety of animals here including tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, (Read More)Asian elephants, and Golden Jackals.

2. The Jungle Safari

The Jungle Safari
A wonderful opportunity to see the wild up close and personal. The safari allows visitors to view various animals in their natural habitat. The safari can be on a jeep or a van.

3. Theppakadu Elephant Camp

Theppakadu Elephant Camp
Even though similar activities were carried out in this are since 1910 or even before, the 'camp' was officially established in 1972! The camp provides visitors with the wonderful experience of intera (Read More)cting with the elephants - bathing them, feeding them, etc.

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Entry Fee to Mudumalai National park

Entrance fee is INR 15 per person

Mudumalai Wildlife Safari

This one is for all the Safari lovers. Unlike most other national parks, Mudumalai offers three types of wildlife safaris. Apart from the usual Van and Jeep safaris, it also offers elephant safaris.

There is no provision for booking and the system works on first come first serve basis. Van and elephant safaris are in high demand, and it is advisable to reach the safari office at least 30 minutes before the starting time.  The safari office is in Thepakadu, at a distance of 10 km from Deep Jungle Home. The 10 km long stretch passes through the forest, making it a mini-safari before you go for the actual one.

Mudumalai National Park Safari Timings - The park is open all days of the week. Timings and fee depend on the type of safari. Private vehicles or taxis are not allowed inside the park.

Van Safari
The timing is 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM in mornings and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM in evenings. The fee is INR 45 per person. It is free for children below the age of five. The duration of safari is 30 minutes per trip, and one van can accommodate 25 people.

Elephant Safari

Elephant safaris can carry up to four people at a time and cost INR 100 per person. The duration is same as a van safari. The timing is 07.00 AM to 08.30 AM in mornings and 03.30 PM to 05.00 PM in evenings.

Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are organised by private drivers and therefore, timing, duration, and the fee all depend on the driver. Usually, the tour lasts for about an hour. The typical rate for a one hour trip is INR 1500.

Also, this safari does not go into the national park and circles the area around it. Chances of sighting animals are relatively low.

Areas of Mudumalai National Park

The entire park is divided into five ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

Masinagudi lies 7 kilometres from the core park area. The most popular tourist activity in this area is bird watching. It also offers the option for plantation visits as coffee, pepper, and tea plantations are part of this area. For an overnight stay, options are easily available in the form of lodges and resorts.

Thepakadu forms the entrance to the park and this is where jeeps can be hired to explore the area. Elephant safaris are also booked at this very spot. Thepakadu is popular for its elephant camps where travellers can see the play of elephant calves and even play with the calves themselves.

Mudumalai is the main park area where the majority of safari activities are concentrated. Lakes and some watering holes are found in this area. Many mammals and birds can be spotted here. Walking is strictly prohibited and even official vehicles are allowed to go inside up to a distance of 15 kms only.

Kargudi is the best spot for sighting the Indian leopard, along with other carnivores found in the park. It’s known for its natural beauty which is considered to be the most scenic in the entire park. A swamp is also part of this range, populated with elephants and bisons. Some dormitories can be found around this region for those looking for stay options.

Nellakota in the west is filled with dry deciduous forests, scrubs, and elephant grass. Fruit trees like jamun and figs grow here in plenty and Tigers, Indian Bisons, and elephants can be easily spotted.

Flora of Mudumalai National Park

Diverse and abundant flora thrives here. The terrain and vegetation significantly differ from one part of the forest to the other. Smooth grassland, swamps, valleys, nullahs, and flatlands are all part of the same terrain in the forest. The eastern part of the sanctuary is scantily forested, but the central and western parts are thickly populated with varied forestation. Benne block in the west receives higher rainfall than other regions and is covered with tropical mixed and moist deciduous vegetation. Bamboo, Mango, Java Plum (Jamun), Peepal, Banyan, Tamarind, Anogeissus latifolia (dhaora), Terminalia(saaj) and Grewia are commonly found here. Precious timber trees like Rosewood and Teak grow here in abundance. Flowering trees and plants like Jacaranda, Plumeria, and Solanaceae give the landscape a colourful touch.

Fauna of Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai has an abundance of diverse wildlife, with the highest density of tigers and the largest tiger population in the country. You can sight four wild cat species here, the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, and Leopard Cat. Indian wild dog (Dhole), Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, and Golden Jackal are other carnivores found in the area. Several hundred elephants live in the area along with the Gray Langur and Bonnet Macaque. Herbivores are also aplenty here. Cheetal, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambhar, Indian Muntjak, Wild Boar, and the Indian Spotted Chevrotain are common residents of the forest. You can also spot the Indian Giant Tree Squirrel and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel here. The most sighted reptile species here is the Monitor Lizard. Crocodile, Flying Lizard, Python, Spectacled Cobra, Asian Pit Viper, and Krait are also commonly found. Bird watchers are in for a treat as Mudumalai is home to a stunning 227 species of birds, 8 percent of all bird species found in India. Malabar Trogon and Malabar Gray Hornbill are endemic to the region. Eagles, Hornbills, Golden Orioles, Wagtails, Pompadour Green Pigeons, Fairy Bluebirds, Chloropsis, Alpine Swifts, Jungle fowls, Grey Francolins, Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, Lesser Yellownapes, White-bellied Woodpeckers, Emerald Doves and Loten’s Sunbirds are some other commonly sighted species. It also provides a home to 50 fish species and 21 amphibian species.

Suggested Itinerary for Mudumalai National Park

A 2-day trip is ideal to explore the beautiful surroundings and enjoy some leisure time at the resorts located in the area. Upon arrival in Coimbatore, day 1 can be spent sightseeing in Ooty and spending the night at a hotel/resort. Day 2 should be reserved for the safaris in the national park.

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How to Reach Mudumalai National Park

How to Reach Overview

The Udagamadalam station (64 km) is the nearest railhead. One can take a taxi from here to reach Mudumalai, and it takes about INR 1500 for the ride. However, major railway station nearby is Coimbatore Junction (160 km) which is connected to all the major parts of the country. The nearest airport is also in Coimbatore, which is nearly 160 km away from the Mudumalai. Connectivity from Coimbatore is also excellent, and one can take a bus or a taxi to reach Mudumalai.

How to reach Mudumalai National Park by flight

The nearest international airport is located in Coimbatore, around 127 km away from Mudumalai. The airport is well connected to major places in India like Bhubaneshwar, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, etc. Taxis are easily available for hire from the airport.

How to reach Mudumalai National Park by road

Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Mudumalai. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like Chennai, Ooty, Coimbatore, etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.

How to reach Mudumalai National Park by train

The nearest railway station is the Coimbatore Junction, located around 125 km away from Mudumalai. This is the best option as there are recurrent trains from all parts of India. 

Local transport in Mudumalai National Park

Since it mostly has parks and safaris, it is best to hire a four wheeler to view the sites and enjoy the wildlife.

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Mudumalai National Park Photos

Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
Madumalai National Park

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FAQs on Mudumalai National Park

What is famous about Madumalai?

The climate is pleasant throughout the year. Excellent road connectivity.

What are the places near Madumalai?

The top places near to Madumalai are Ooty which is 24 km from Madumalai, Wayanad which is located 51 km from Madumalai, Coonoor which is located 37 km from Madumalai, Bandipur national park which is located 12 km from Madumalai, Coorg which is located 128 km from Madumalai

What is the best way to reach Madumalai?

The Udagamadalam station (64 km) is the nearest railhead. One can take a taxi from here to reach Mudumalai, and it takes about INR 1500 for the ride. However, major railway station nearby is Coimbatore Junction (160 km) which is connected to all the major parts of the country. The nearest airport is also in Coimbatore, which is nearly 160 km away from the Mudumalai. Connectivity from Coimbatore is also excellent, and one can take a bus or a taxi to reach Mudumalai.
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What is the local food in Madumalai?

Since this is a national park, you might not find elaborate or well laid out restaurants here and options tend to be somewhat limited, other than those attached to hotels, resorts and lodges. Hence, these tend to be the most convenient options and can provide you a decent variety. There will be small tea shacks in and around the area. It is advisable to carry your own snacks (chips, cake, etc.) or make personal arrangements for your trip here, to be on the safer side.
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What is the best time to visit Madumalai?

December to June are the best months to visit Mudumalai. Monsoons offer moderate rainfall while summers a greater chance to spot tigers. The weather during winters is delightful while the whole place is covered in lush greenery. The chilly weather is perfect to indulge in safari and explore the endless wilderness replete with flora and fauna. Monsoon season in Mudumalai begins from July and continues till September bringing heavy rainfall. However, this is the least ideal time to travel to Mudumalai.
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Who should visit Madumalai?

Mudumalai is an ideal destination and one of the popular sightseeing places to enjoy the vacation with family. It is a haven for wildlife photographers and can be visited by nature lovers and bird lovers. 

What is not so good about Madumalai?

The cuisine is predominantly South Indian with limited eateries. Bull elephants are a problem in the area (be alert at all times).

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Mudumalai National Park Reviews

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S?ndhïlvelañ Somasunadaram

5 years ago
Actually it is "Mudumalai" not Madumalai ! Forest and plantations are good scenery
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