NATIONAL PARKS
Mudumalai Wild life Sanctuary
This is the first Sanctuary to be set up in India and forms part of the Jawharlal Nehru National Park. It is located 36 kms from Ooty from Kalhatty and 67 kms via Gudalur. From Mysore it is 91 kms away. This Sanctuary extends over an area of 321 sq.kms in the junction of the three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It is at an elevation of 1,140 mtrs. A variety of habitat ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps are found here.
It is rich in wildlife, like Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine etc., birds like-minivets, hornbill, fairy Blue Birds, Jungle Fowls etc., and reptiles like python, Monitor Lizards Flying Lizards etc., You can take a ride into the jungle on elephant back or take a vehicle ride along designated visitor’s route inside the jungle. The elephant rides have to be booked at Ooty. The Mayor river and the life around it is an experience by itself. The Theppakadu elephant camp is popular tourist attraction.
MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK AND MUKURTHI PEAK
Mukurthi National Park is another major attraction of the Nilgiris. It is located on the south eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hermitragus hilocrius).
27 km from Ooty and easily accessible, Mukurthi peak is certainly the most notable height of the Nilgiris. It stands 8380 feet above the sea and commands one of the most magnificent views to be seen in India. It is noticeable owing to its curious shape which is that of an acute right angled triangle with one side almost vertical. The view from this peak is one of finest in South India. The Mukurthi dam has been built at the foot of this hill under Pykara hydro electricity scheme. The dam is situated at a distance of 32 km from Ooty and the peak is reached by walk for a distance of 9 km from there.
