Mukurthi National Park: The Hidden Wonders Of Tamil Nadu
The Mukurthi National Park is one of the best places in Tamil Nadu State for you to visit. This is a place where you can enjoy mother nature. I am sure you will enjoy visiting the Tribal villages as well. I believe this article may guide you to plan your wonderful trip there. Share your experience with us after you visit there. Do Share whether this article could help you as well.
The Importance Of The Mukurthi National Park
The Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiri Hills is one of the most beautiful places in Tamil Nadu State. Further, The Mukurthi National Park is a part of The Nilgiri Reserve. Not only that but also The Nilgiri Biosphere is The First-ever International Biosphere Reserve in India.
The Man and Biosphere Programme of UNESCO in the year 1886 announced The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Moreover, The Mukurthi National Park in the Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That was declared by UN in the year of 2012.
Mukurthi National Park is Famous For?
Mukurthi National Park is famous for many reasons. Most of the time, the visitors who visit here are especially nature, mountains, and wild animal enthusiasts. The young generation visits here and stays camping. There are many endangered animals in The Mukurthi National Park that are rare in South India.
Feel Wonderful Nature In This Region
There is a very popular blue color flower in this region. Those are available everywhere in the Mukurthi National Park. The name of that flower is “kurunji”. Thousands of Kurunji flowers bloom at once there in this region. Can you imagine the beauty of this park when these thousands of flowers are available? That is really beautiful scenery in the Ooty area.
The highest mountain in Ooty is “Doddabetta”. You have to walk around 10km from this Mukurthi National Park to meet that Doddabetta mountain. Try to visit there also.
The Society And Culture Around Mukurthi National Park
I hope knowing about the society and the cultural practice in this region may be valuable for you. Therefore I am sharing here some important pieces of information, Dos and Donts here, Tribes that live in this place, their language, and the religions as well. Moreover, I mentioned the main practices. This information may help you to visit and enjoy this place without disturbing their society.
Mukurthi National Park Ooty
Mukurthi National Park Ooty or the “Mukurthi National Park TN”. Both are used for the same place. (Normally we use TN for Tamil Nadu State in short form). Therefore, I thought of writing on Ooty a bit in this chapter.
Ooty is the present name for this place. There were many names in history. In the past, people called this place “ottakal mandu”. What is the meaning of it? “Oottaka” means single stone in their language. “mund or mandu” is a word received from the Toda people who live there. As per the Toda language, “mund” means the place where they have settlements.
Ooty is the popular name we use mostly at present. But the official name of the Ooty is “Udhagamandalam”. Ooty also has another official name. That is Ootacamund. Anyway, Ooty is the headquarters of the Nilgiri District at present.
This area is Popular For Tourism
The Economy of Ooty is mainly full of Agriculture and Tourism Industry. Further, Ooty is also very much popular in Film Industry as it’s rich in nature.
Ooty is on the northwestern side of Coimbatore. Further, Ooty is also on the southern side of Mysore. This is a place where full of beautiful hills available. Therefore, People call the Ooty the “Queen of Hill station in south India”. This natural beauty attracts Indian and foreign visitors to Ooty. At the same time, the region of Ooty is popular as the eco-region. This is also a part of Western Ghats. Moreover, Ooty also contains rainforests. Simply, this is a wonderful region in South India.
You Are Entering To Plastic-free Place
This district is very special. No one can use all kinds of plastic items and polytene items here. The Government of TN and The Authority of this place do not permit you to bring such things here. The district is concerned about the protection of the environment. Therefore, you must not bring such items when you visit here. This is the first District of Tamil Nadu that banned this plastic. Therefore, let’s help them to maintain this as an environmentally friendly district.
Must Know About “Don’ts” At The Mukurthi National Park
You have to remember that you can’t get a bath in rivers and streams there in the National Park. We have to understand the culture and its limitations of India. Accordingly, we have to respect such conditions.
There will be a strong wind at the hill range, be ready for them when you visit here. Please be kind enough to plan your visit and bring your items accordingly.
Would you like to watch Tribal Societies in Nilgiri?
There are many Tribal groups and Indigenous societies such as Badagas, Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, and Irulas people occupied in Nilgiri District. Therefore, many researchers related to anthropology, ethnomethodology, and tribal studies visit here for academic purposes. It is interesting that there is also a considerable number of members of the tribal societies such as Kattunaika and Paniya in the Nilgiri District.
There are crops cultivated by these indigenous people such as tea, and coffee in the region after the influence of the British.
Languages in This Region Where The Park Situated
There are about ten native Dravidian languages available in the Nilgiri District. However, 48.5% of the Nilgiri Population speak the Tamil language. At the same time, there are 17% of the population of Nilgiri District speak the Malayalam language. Moreover, there are around 16.6% of the population speak Badaga Language. That is a tribal language. Further, 6.7% of people speak the Kannada language in this region. In addition to them, there are about 6% of the population speak Telingu Language as their mother Language.
Anyway, we can say that the “Badaga” language is the dominant language here among the tribes and among the indigenous people. There are many such as Kotagiri, Coonoor, Gudaluru, Ootacamund, Toda, Udagamandalam, and Doddabetta languages as well.
Tourism plays an important role in Nilgiri District and is a major income.
Things To Do in Mukurthi National Park
Watch Bengal Tiger at Mukurthi Park
The Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the most special animals here. Because the above tiger is very rare. Therefore, the visitors come here to watch them and to do research about these animals as well.
You can Watch Asian Elephants Here
Are you aware of The Asian Elephant and its importance of it? This is another rare animal that lives in Mukurthi National Park. Asian Elephants are also very rare. Elephants are attractive animals in Parks. There are foreign tourists, especially looking for Elephants. (I have explained about Asiatic Elephants in my other article about Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park, Karnataka, India )
Watch a few Mammals At The Park
Many more Mammals; Most Importantly, the main purpose of creating this park is to protect the Nilgiri Tahr.
The Mammals also play a good role here in Mukurthi National Park. So, The Nilgiri Tahr is one main mammal living and protected in this Mukurthi National Park.
Above all, there are some species such as silver wattle, blackwood, green wattle, and black wattle living near the Toda society. Most importantly, these members are also rare.
Certainly, Nilgiri langur is one of the other mammals that lived in the park. People call them old-world monkeys. At the same time, this variety is especially distributed and only available among the Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats, Kodayar hills in TN state. That’s why these animals are important. They are available only in a few hills in Kerala state, and Forests in Kodagu region of Karnataka state.
In South India, there are only one marten species available. That is only Nilgiri Marten. They received this name because they are lives only in Nilgiri Hills. You can watch these rare animals in the Mukurthi National Park.
You can Watch Rare Endemic Animals At Mukurthi National Park
There are many more animals in The National Park such as shrew (a mouse), and sambar deer (a larger deer that lives in the Mukurthi Nationa Park. Most importantly, these animals are endemic to the Indian sub-continent. Anyway, as per the studies, these animals are vulnerable mammals. For example, Sambar deer can only be visible in Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, South China, Burma, Nepal, and the Himalayas. Moreover, the leopard is also living in Mukurthi National Park.
Watch, Rare and Natives in South Asia such as Malabar Spiny Dormouse in This Park
This Malabar spiny dormouse is a mouse that is endemic to western ghats in South India. Moreover, there are jungle cats living in the above park. Most of the time, the jackal and barking deer are also here. Indians call the barking deer muntjacs. Some people call them Kakar. Anyway, In English, we call these animals rib-faced deer. They are rare animals. Further, they are the natives of South Asia. At present we can see barking deer in Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Indonesian islands.
Mouse deer are also very popular in this park. There is another name for mouse deer. That is chevrotain. They are small by size. Further, they are only living in the forests in South Asia and Southeast Asia as well as in the rain forests of central and west Africa. Black-naped Hare is also an animal living in Mukurhi National Park. It is good to know that the black-naped hare also has another name. People call them Indian hare. Because they are natives of the Indian Sub-continent and Java. Moreover, there is a wild dog living in this place.
soft-furred mated (they are also known as the soft-furred rat. They can be seen in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal), Zati (the zati are known as bonnet macaque. This is an endemic species to south India. They have been distributed around the Tapti River and Godavari River in India. As they are endemic, this animal is very much important to this park) and many more animals and mammals.
Watch Hundreds of Birds’ Varieties at Mukurthi National Park, TN
There are considerably a large number of birds in the Mukurthi National Park. They are woodcock, and the Nilgiri flycatcher (The Nilgiri Flycatcher is also known as the old-world flycatcher. Most importantly, these Birds are a very rare species that live in the higher mountains and hills in south India. So, they mostly live in Biligirrangan hills, Anamalai ranges, Palais, Brahmagiri hills, and Nilgiri hills. Moreover, they normally live above the 1200m in the hill area). Above all, there are birds such as the black eagle, the wood pigeon, and the laughing thrush in this park. (these birds are mostly living in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. A rare variety of bird)
Nilgiri Pipit, black bulbul, whistling thrush (a medium-size bird living in India and Southeast Asia), and many more birds are available in the Mukurthi National Park in Ooty. ( Nilgiri pipit – These birds are endemic to the high hills in the south India region. We can watch them at Nilgiri hills, Ponmudi hills, and Palani hills in south India). (black bulbul is also called the Himalayan black bulbul by the Indians. Some use Asian black bulbul. The bird basically found in the Himalayan hill areas in India. They are also rare birds).
You can Take Photos of Beautiful Flowers in This Park
Flowers also play a wonderful role in The National Park. The Rhododendrons flowers make the Park more beautiful as the Rhododendrons tree produces thousands of flowers at once. This is also a very much important flower. Because this flower is The National Flower in Nepal. The orchids are also very much attractive and bloom at the high levels of the park.
There are many endemic plants and shrubs available here in the National Park. There are more than 58 varieties here. Therefore, this is a real place to do research related to nature.
Do research on many varieties of Snakes in The Park
Snakes at the Mukurthi National Park are also a popular topic. Because many scholars visit this National Park to do research on snakes. There are many including skink, horseshoe pit viper (Craspedocephalus strigatus), rat snake, and bronze-headed vine snake (their scientific name is Ahaetulla Perroteti. But they have another name as well. Some people use them as Perrotet’s vine snakes. Many researchers use them as Western Ghats bronze back because they are endemic to the Western Ghats of south India), Jerdon’s kukri snake (Oligodon venustus), and checkered keelback (Asiatic water snake).
Watch A Huge Number of Butterfly Varieties here
There are hundreds of varieties of butterflies in the Mukurthi National Park. They bring beauty and attraction to the National Park. The butterflies provide relaxation and a wonderful experience for the visitors. Some are endemic to the western ghats.
Experience The Toy Train At The Park
There is another wonderful experience for you as visitors. That is “Toy Train”. Some people use the word “The Nilgiri Mountain Train” for the Toy train. Anyway, both words are used for the same thing. Therefore, you can just keep aware of these two words. That will be important to you when you communicate with people there to get service. Because the train can attract many National and International tourists. As the journey can have many beautiful views besides the train experience is really wonderful here. You can pass many forests, hills, and cool wind while you travel on this train.
Participate and Enjoy The Annual Flower Show organize at Mukurthi National Park, TN
The Government of TN is organizing an Annual Flower Show at this Mukurthi National Park Ooty. The Government implements this Show each year. Roses are taking the lead role in this Flower Show. If you are crazy about Roses, you can join here during that period.
You can Visit and Watch a Few Waterfalls Here
There are few waterfalls in this place nearby. One of these beautiful waterfalls is the Pykara Waterfalls in the Ooty region. That is also most popular among foreign and Indian tourists. Moreover, this is the largest river in this region as well.
As per the secondary data, The place “Doddabetta” is the highest point of the Nilgiri Mountains. That is 2,637 Hight from the earth level. This is also a viewpoint and popular among the visitors. If you prefer climbing mountains, you will love this.
Mukurthi National Park Trekking
If you prefer trekking, then you can try it here as there are many beautiful mountains such as Kudikkadu, Derbetta, Nadugani, Mukurthi, Kolaribetta, Pichalbetta, Avalanche hills, Doddabetta, Anginda, Gulkal, Nilgiri, Sispara, and Kudikkadu available in this place.
Normally It takes 4-5 days at least for you to trek in Mukurthi National Park if you do it properly. The guide will advise you and support you on trekking. You can get advice from him or her on protecting the animals. Anyway, the park has few routes. You can follow them as per you spend your days there. According to your days, you can select one rooting plan.
Best Time To Visit Mukurthi National Park
Do you know that Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiri Hills is The Sanctuary for visitors all year? yes, it is.
The Mukurthi National Park is open throughout the year. You can visit here as you wish at any month. Ooty is more popular among visitors during the summer season. Therefore, People call Ooty the “summer capital of Madras”. Anyway, the majority of the visitors prefer to enjoy this place from February to May. From September to November time period is also very much popular among the visitors.
The Mukurthi National Park will close the Tuesdays. Tuesday is a holiday here. Else, you can visit the rest of the days. The Park opens by 9.00 am in the morning and closes by 5.30 pm in the evening each day.
Facilities And Services at Mukurthi Park
Under this Topic, I am going to share with you some important information about accommodation, services provided by the Management, The charges for entry and other expenses.
Mukurthi National Park Stay
Many of the visitors are requesting information on the Mukurthi National Park stay. The accommodation, foods and a guide are available here. These facilities are provided by the Department of Forest, TN, India.
Spend The Night At Forest Houses At The Mukurthi National Park
There are few Rest Houses in the forest there which have been built long years back. Further, there is trekkers shed at the Mukurthi National Park which has built in the year of 1930. The researchers who visit here to study the wild animals and tribal societies are staying in these places at present.
Management of The Mukurthi National Park
The Mukurthi National Park is under the Management of the Department of Forest, Government of Tamil Nadu. The Government has appointed some officers as local fire watchers to control the damages. The Department of Forest use to conduct many awareness programs and campaigns to make an aware society of protecting the place and its value of it.
The commercial tour operation is not available here. Special interest groups and researchers are welcome to the park. They can participate in educational programs as well. They can also participate in trekking and camping programs as well.
Services Available At The Mukurthi National Park
If you plan to do a trek and do camping here then you have to bring your sleeping bag and rucksacks with you. Some facilities such as food, guide, tents, and porters will provide by the department of forest, TN. You can contact The Department and register with them and get advice before you plan to visit there. Please be aware that you need to get the permission of the department of forest for the trek.
The Entry Charges
Fees for entering The Mukurthi National Park are as follows at present. (Normally, the fees change from time to time. We hope to update the changes once we get the updates)
The fees for an adult are 15/= Indian rupees,
The fee for a child is 10/= Indian rupees. Most importantly, you must be aware that children between 05years and 12 years are coming under the child category here in Mukurthi National Park.
You don’t need to pay for kids below 05years of age. It’s free for babies.
They charge only 2/= Indian rupees if the students visit here with uniforms,
You have to pay additional 25/= Indian rupees if you are using and carrying a still camera into the National Park. If you are carrying and using a video camera, then you have to pay 150/= Indian rupees.
You have to pay 2000/= Indian rupees if you plan to shoot there and do a video or educational film etc
How To Reach Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi National Park in which State?
The park is located in Tamil Nadu (TN) State of South India. Moreover, The Tamil Nadu State of South India is the home of the native Tamil People all over the world. Further, Tamil is a Dravidian language in India. So, “Nadu” means the state in the Tamil Language. Therefore, the meaning “Tamil Nadu” means “State of Tamil Peoples”. The Tamil Language is one of the oldest and most classic languages in India. Moreover, Tamil is also the official language in TN. The state is representing the sixth largest population in India. TN is bordering to few states in South India such as Karnataka state, Kerala state, and Andhra Pradesh.
The above, Tamil Nādu State has 38 districts. Accordingly, The Mukurthi National Park is belonging to The Nilgiris District. So, there is a range of mountains spread there in south India among a few states of South India such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Nilgiri Mountains are a part of a larger mountain chain. That is the Western Ghats.
Mukurthi National Park is Located in Which District
Ooty city is the administrative headquarters of the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu State. The boundaries of the Nilgiri District are as follows. The Malappuram district of Kerala is bordering to the west side of The Nilgiri District. The Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu and The Palakkad district of Kerala state is bordering in the south corner of the Nilgiri District. The Erode is on the east side of The Nilgiri District. There are two districts bordering Nilgiri in the Northside. That is the Chamarainagar district of Karnataka state and the Wayanad district of Kerala state.
Therefore, The Nilgiri District is bordering to three states of India such as Karnataka state, Kerala state, and Tamil Nadu states. As a result of that, we can see there are Tamil, Malayali, and Kannada people living in the Nilgiri District.
The Meaning of The Word “Nilgiri” is a Blue Mountain.
You have to reach South India First. Most of the time, that can happen on Air as you are a visitor. Here, there are few Airports available near The Mukurthi National Park. See, which is easiest for you.
Want To Reach Mukurthi National Park Through Air?
If you travel by Air, you can reach the Coimbatore Airport of TN. The Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport to the Mukurthi National Park. The above Airport is 96kms far from the park.
Otherwise, you can come through Mysore Airport. The Mysore Airport is also 120kms far from the National Park. The next is Calicut International Airport. That is 140kms far from this park. You can also reach here through the Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport. That is around 273km far from the park. Therefore, you can travel to the Mukurthi National Park, as per your pocket and considering your interest too.
Travel By Road To Mukurthi National Park
The Roads of this Mukurthi National Park is well connected to the roads and cities all over South India. This place is 260km from Bengaluru city. Coimbatore city is just 86kms from the park. There are 124kms from Mysuru to National Park. Further, if you come across Chennai, then there is 158km from Chennai to the Park. You have to travel 135kms from Malappuram to the park. Moreover, from Kannur, you have to travel across 221kms to the park. There are 157kms for you to reach the park from Calicut. Almost you have to reach 110kms from Wayanad to park.
There are many bus services operating in each of these cities from the park.
Reach Mukurthi Park by Train
If you prefer to travel by train, then Nilgiri Mountain Railway is available in Ooty. That is also a very much enjoyable experience for a visitor. You can decide that as per your choice.
Murkurthi National Park Map
Keeping a Map of Mukurthi National Park and following it may help you when you reach this place. on the other hand, plan your trek or walk even within the Park as the area is large. That can give you maximum benefits.
Contact Details of Mukurthi National Park
If you want to contact the office of Mukurthi National Park for getting more details, here is the contact number of the office.
TP: 0423 2444 098
The address is as follows,
The Mukurthi National Park Ooty,
Pykara, O’Valley, Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu 643237, India
Summary of The Content
This article will share with you some information on the location of this Mukurthi National Park and its importance, History, The tribes nearby and the society and culture in this region, the mountains you can trek, The endemic animals, butterflies, and birds, How to reach it, Things to do, Dos, and Donts, services, stay and accommodation, Entre charges, contact details, and further readings.
Special Note
If you need to know any other information please comment below. We will try our best to update and provide you with the necessary information. Further, please do write down your experience regarding this journey for the information of our loyal readers.
Further Reading About This Place
The official web link of the Mukurthi National Park is Here. Please go to the link, read and study first before you visit there.
Coming Up Next
Ponmudi, TVM, Kerala, South India. The article is written by Reshma Nair (A Native Author of that Region)
