Mudumalai National Park

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also a d tiger reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills Blue Mountains, in Nilgiri District, about 150 kilometres 93 mi north-west of Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu. It shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The sanctuary is divided into five ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

The protected area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species including Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, gaur and Indian leopard. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. Both Bnadipur and Mudumalai attract tourism as the forest dept has trekking routes inside the parks and organizes safaris as well. Rides into the parks on especially laid-out dirt roads called game-roads which usually pass along the grazing areas, salt licks and water holes offer stunning views of wildlife. Most of the animals like deer, gaur, elephant and langur can be seen from close quarters. Short jungle rides on elephant back are available at Bandipur in the morning and evening.