Mukkurthi National Park In Nilgiri Hills
Travel To India > Nilgiri Hills > Mukkurthi National Park In Nilgiri HillsA journey to Mukkurthi National Park in Nilgiri Hills is an experience of feeling diversity in unity of nature and its uniqueness. A 45km drive from Ooty, the park forms a vital whole of Tamil Nadu Biosphere Reserve. An idea to preserve the wildlife of Nilgiris in a stable and congenial environment is the core task of the forest department of the state. An awe inspiring ride in the small gauge of Ooty to the peak of Mukkurthi, through interspersed patches of Sholas and wild bushes, connects you to the enclosed and guarded area of 7846 hectares.
The variety in the art of nature:
A smooth, steep and breath consuming walk inside the enclosed area is an experience of a life time. An invader in the forest, you become a family to the wild species and sub- species of animals and birds inside. The richness of nature and wildness of life percolates through skin to soul. The park is an established home to a line of species brutally handled at our hands outside this secluded area. The type of species and sub-species found in the park are:
- About to be extinct animal: Nilgiri Tahr
- Endangered species: Sambar, Nilgiri Marten.
- Other animals found: Barking dear, Otter, Jungle cat and Jackal.
The National Park is a pride of the state, exhibiting colorful and beautiful variety of birds to the visitors:
- Hill birds: Laughing and whistling thrushes
- Woodcick, Wild pigeon and Black eagle.
- Blu- Admiral
- Indian red Admiral
- Indian Fritillary
- Indian Cabbage white and Hedge Blues.
Mukkurthi National park is a feast to the fans of adventure and trekking which is organized from three different points coursing through three different routes:
- From Pykara
- From Parson Valley and,
- Portimund.
The Park not only is a famous spot of adventurers and lovers of wildlife, it offers other facilities and sports to tourists. Under the red- orange sun rays, fishing in the sylvan brooks is a thirst quencher. However, prior permission is required from the Assistant Director of Fisheries Department, Udhagai for practicing fishing inside the Mukkurthi National Park.
Other tourist spots:
- Ooty: Botanical garden, Ooty lake
- Coonoor and Kotagiri hill station.
When to visit the National Park: The wildlife preserver should be visited from the month of February to March.
How to reach Mukkurthi National Park in Nilgiri Hills:
The peak is easily accessible by the three major services: Air, Train and Bus.
- Flight is available till Coimbatore.
- Train from Ooty.
- Bus, from all the major cities in Tamil Nadu.