Mudumalai - Forest Dwellings

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Mudumalai is located in the state of Tamil Nadu on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border.

Mudumalai covers an area of 320 sq km and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, which comprises of Bandipur National Park (874 sq km), Nagarhole National Park (643 sq km), and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (344 sq km) and forms the largest protected area in southern India, with a total area of 2183 sq km.

Mudumalai, set up in 1932, is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, sambar, giant Malabar squirrel, dholes, spotted deer, wild boar, panther, gaur and sloth bears.

The Theppakadu elephant camp has more than 30 elephants that are kept for timber logging.

There's plenty of Forest Department accommodation to suit all budgets within the Mudumalai Reserve. Outside the Mudumalai Reserve, along the fringes of the forest, a lot of private resorts have come up. Many of these resorts take care of all your safaris and adventure activities like trekking, bird watching, fishing, angling, and outdoor camping.

The Jungle Retreat is a 35 acre property and a family run resort that promises a mixture of wilderness, serenity ...
... and comfort. The tariff of the rooms comes in the range of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 2500. Blue Valley Jungle Resorts has cottages, a bungalow and rooms for accommodation, offers safaris, treks, night safaris, fishing and camping. Jungle Hut provides hut accommodation in the range Rs.1000 to Rs. 1400. Monarch Safari Park is also among the best options for Mudumalai.

Bamboo Banks Farm Guest House offers safaris, jungle treks and horse riding and the rooms come with a forest view. Mountania Rest House and Green Park Resorts also offer a variety of activities from camping and tenting to fishing. Royal Park Resort is a budget Mudumalai Hotel.

Jungle Trails is set inside the jungle. The forest department has a few good lodges that boast the best locations inside the sanctuary. Theppakadu Log House has rooms and suites. Sylvan Lodge located on the banks of Moyar River is one of the best Mudumalai Hotels.

Mudumalai is best visited during the months March and April when you have a lot of sightings, especially near the water holes and the Moyar River.

Mudumalai is well linked by road to all the major neighbouring cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty and Wayanad. Mudumalai falls almost mid way on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty. Initially the roads through the park were open during the night. Now to avoid accidents and disturbances for the animals the entry gates remain closed from 9 pm to 6 am.

State transport buses that ply between Ooty and Mysore pass through Mudumalai. The nearest rail head is Mysore, which is about 65 km away. Bangalore airport is the closest airport.