| The
sylvan hilly terrain of the Western Ghats render Mudumalai
(ancient hills) a highly attractive wildlife reserve. The Mysore-Ooty highway
cuts through the Park, trailing the course of the Moyar river, which separates
Mudumalai from Bandipur. 321 sq. km. in area, the sanctuary is home to the wild
elephant, gaur, deer and primates like the bonnet macaque and langurs. The predators
that inhabit the park are the tiger, leopard and the dhole - the Asiatic wild
dog - that hunts in packs. The predators of the skies are the crested
hawk eagle and the crested serpent eagle. The rest of the avian population boasts
of the flamboyant hornbills, the great black woodpecker with its red crest, mynahs,
barbets, parakeets, tiny eared owl and the scops owl. Lion-tailed
macaque
The Annamalai Sanctuary, adjacent to Mudumalai is famous for the two species exclusive
to it - the Nilgiri langur and the lion-tailed macaque. The
best time to visit is from February to June. How
to get there By rail: The nearest railhead is Ooty (64 km). By air:
The nearest airport is Coimbatore (160 km). Where to
stay Rest houses, Bamboo Banks Farm, Masinagudi (18 km from the sanctuary).
Contact Wildlife Warden, Mahalingam
Building, Coonoor Road, Ooty. |