At a distance of 40 km from Ooty, Mukurthi Nationwide Park is a protected space positioned within the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu state. It is likely one of the most tasty wildlife sanctuaries in South India and among the many greatest locations to go to as a part of Ooty Tour Packages.
Beforehand generally known as the Nilgiri Tahr Nationwide Park, Mukurthi Nationwide Park is located within the western nook of Nilgiris Plateau. The complete space of Mukurthi Nationwide Park was declared as a Reserve forest in 1886. The realm was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1982 and upgraded to a Nationwide Park in 1990 in an effort to defend the Nilgiri tahr. The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first Worldwide Biosphere Reserve. As a part of the Western Ghats, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since 1st July 2012.
Overlaying over an space of 78.46 sq. km, the park is characterised by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas in excessive altitude areas. It’s sandwiched between the Mudumalai Nationwide Park and the Silent Valley Nationwide Park. This wildlife sanctuary can also be residence to Mukurthi Peak, the fourth highest peak within the Nilgiri Hills. And at an altitude of two,554m (8,379ft), the height attracts many trekkers to go to these forests. Three rivers – Pykara, Billithadahalla, and Kundah – move by means of the park due to its inclination in the direction of the east and south.
Mukurthi Nationwide Park is residence to a number of endangered mammal species together with Nilgiri tahr, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur, and Bonhote’s mouse. There are additionally leopard, bonnet macaque, sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer, otter, jungle cat, small Indian civet, wild canine, jackal, shrew, Malabar spiny dormouse, and soft-furred rat. The varied avifauna of the park contains Gray-headed Flycatcher, Laughing Thrush, Black-winged Kite, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Wooden Pigeon and Woodcock.
Trekking and Tenting are the one actions out there in Mukurthi Nationwide Park, and that too with the permission from the forest officers. Additionally they allow and arrange academic excursions, however business tourism is not allowed. So, both you possibly can take permission to trek along with your troop or go on the 3-5 days trekking expeditions organized by the federal government. Tamil Nadu Forest division does provide day journeys to the Higher Bhavani backwaters and which offer you a fleeting glimpse of the gorgeous jungle, however one of the best ways to expertise this nationwide park and its wealthy ecosystem is to remain inside at one among their forest relaxation homes for a couple of days and go on each day treks into completely different components of this biodiversity hotspot.
There are numerous trekking choices out there, however probably the most well-known trekking route is the 52 km and four day journey from Bangitapal by way of Sispara, Pocchiparai, and Silent Valley Nationwide Park. The 18 km trekking path from the trekking shed to Nadugani by way of Kengerkundi comes an in depth second. The treks vary from medium to excessive problem. Relaxation homes and trekking sheds can be found, however they’re unfurnished. So, affirm the out there facilities with the authorities prematurely. The division organizes the trek for a gaggle of 20 individuals at a time. All amenities akin to tents, cooks, guides and consuming preparations, that are required to finish the trekking journey, are offered. The participant trekkers have to carry sleeping luggage and rucksacks together with them. Permission to enter the forest is just granted to those that have particular pursuits. Downhill treks within the area take about 3-5 days.
For visiting permission attain out to the workplace of the wildlife warden at Ooty or any of your nearest District Forest workplaces for steerage. Contact – 0423- 2444098, 0423- 2443977, 0423- 2447167
One of the best time to go to the Mukurthi Nationwide Park is between the months of February to Might and September to November.
Timings: 9 AM – 5.30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
Entry: RS. 25 for Adults, Rs. 10 for Youngsters, Rs. 25 for Digital camera & Rs. 150 for Video