The park is home to several endangered species, with approximately 50 tigers, over 600 elephants, and numerous leopards. Other notable mammals include gaur, sloth bear, wild dog, sambar, spotted deer, and Indian giant squirrel. The park boasts rich bird life with over 260 species, including critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture. Reptiles like python, king cobra, and monitor lizard are commonly found, along with numerous butterfly species.
Mudumalai's vegetation consists of moist deciduous forests in the western region, dry deciduous forests in the east, and scrub forests in the fringes. The park hosts over 500 species of plants, including valuable timber species like teak, rosewood, and sandalwood. The understory is rich in bamboo varieties, particularly the giant bamboo. Notable flowering plants include Terminalia species, Indian kino tree, and various medicinal plants used in traditional medicine.
The park is situated at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, at the foothills of the Nilgiri Hills. The terrain varies from 960 to 1,266 meters above sea level, featuring rolling hills, deep valleys, and water bodies. The soil types range from black clay to red laterite, supporting diverse vegetation. The park is drained by several tributaries of the Moyar River, creating a complex network of water sources essential for wildlife.
Established in 1940, Mudumalai was the first sanctuary to be set up in South India. Originally a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary to protect its rich biodiversity. The park was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2007 under Project Tiger and was declared a National Park in 1990. The area has historical significance as it was part of the ancient trade route connecting the Mysore kingdom with the Malabar Coast.
Key attractions include the Moyar River and its waterfalls, the Theppakadu Elephant Camp where visitors can observe elephant training and care, and several watchtowers offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The park offers various safari options including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks with trained guides. The Tribal Heritage Museum near the park entrance provides insights into local indigenous cultures. The park's location within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve makes it part of a larger protected area network crucial for wildlife conservation in South India.
Mudumalai National Park experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March to May) with temperatures reaching 33°C, monsoon (June to September) with moderate rainfall averaging 1,000mm annually, and winter (October to February) with temperatures dropping to around 15°C. The most comfortable time to visit is during winter months when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. The park occasionally closes during peak monsoon season when heavy rains can make trails impassable.
India
11.5930°, 76.5330°
1940
321
Mudumalai National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park features varied vegetation types from moist deciduous to dry thorn forests. It harbors several endangered species including Indian elephants, Bengal tigers, and Indian leopards.