At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam, 58 km from Kalakkad, and 60 km from Tirunelveli, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is positioned within the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu. That is the second largest protected space in Tamil Nadu State Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and in addition among the best Tirunelveli Vacationer Locations.
The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was created within the yr 1988 by combining Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary (251 km²) and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (567 km²), each established in 1962. This sanctuary covers an space of round 817 sq. km, out of which 459 sq. km falls below the core zone and remaining 358 sq. km comes below the buffer zone. Nestled between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Agastya Malai Hill Vary varieties the core space of the sanctuary and is a part of one of many world’s 18 biodiversity hotspots. It is usually into consideration by the UNESCO as a world heritage web site.
The Reserve is dwelling to all kinds of animals and vegetation. The fauna contains round 150 endemic vegetation, 33 fish, 37 amphibian, 81 reptile, 273 hen and 77 mammal species. One can spot Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Widespread languor, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Dhole Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, 4-Horned- Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), big flying squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Canine, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Noticed Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.
The topography of Kalakkad is rugged with quite a few perennial hill streams originating from the rainforest areas on the higher slopes and so they confluence to kind the rivers of Thamirabarani, Manimuthar and Ramanadhi. There are dams constructed throughout the Thamirabarani River and its tributaries which lie contained in the Tiger Reserve particularly Papanasam dam, Manimuthar dam and Servalaru dam. Boating Amenities can be found at Papanasam dam, however swimming is strictly prohibited as it’s populated with crocodiles. Main waterfalls contained in the Reserve are Agasthiyar Falls, Banatheertham Falls and Manimuthar Falls.
There are 24 recognized nature trails that are unfold over the reserve. It offers an exciting expertise to trekkers. Guests also can go for night time safari with a previous permission from the forest officers. Nevertheless one of the best season is from September to January.
The one lodging out there at Mundanthurai is the Forest Division visitor home. For advance reserving one has to contact Chief Conservator of Forests & Subject Director, Thirunelveli. Different choices are to remain at Tenkashi or Tirunelveli.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM