In the embrace of nature, with grasslands portraying the immense natural beauty, the animals displaying fauna including a wide variety of species and the beautiful plateau, the mystic beauty of the Mukurthi National Park lies in the Western Ghats Mountain. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, there are also various endangered species that are found in the National Park.The breathtaking view from the park, the Pyakara River and other rivers and a lot of other major attractions, the spell-binding beauty of the place fascinates tourists from all over the country.

Why visit the Mukurthi National Park?

A nature lover, adventure lover, and trekkers would find no good excuse to escape this beautiful land which has a treat for all. The spell-binding view from the peak for the nature lovers, the path full of thrilling experiences with a number of rivers and streams running on the way and the extreme happiness after reaching the top and the climb is a good deal for the trekkers with a complimentary view of the flora and fauna of the area and everyone visiting the park is delighted by the spectacular view and the immense beauty of the area.

LOCATION

Mukurthi National Park is located at a distance of about 27 kilometers from one of the most famous hill station of South India called Ooty and the western corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station.

The park is spread over an area of about 78.46 so. km covering a large area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is India’s First International Biosphere Reserve. The location is one of the most famous tourist destinations due to commercialized hill station Ooty located nearby.

Due to the conservation of endangered shola grasslands and animals like Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant the location is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

The Mukurthi National Park was earlier known as the Nilgiri Tahr National Park because of the most important mammal of the area being the Nilgiri Tahr. The area was first a Wildlife Sanctuary but later it was upgraded to a National Park to protect the endangered species and especially the Nilgiri Tahr.

After an immense effort and a lot of destruction to the shoals grasslands, the area was made a National Park and now with a wider view of the conservation of the wildlife and the endangered animals, the park is a very important National Park in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with other parks like Nagarhole national park.

Climate

The grasslands have the extremely cold type of climate with rainfall on the heavier side with precipitation of 6,330 millimeters whenever it happens. The fog increases as the monsoon come and it reaches to the maximum level decreasing visibility in the winters.

The best time to visit the National Park is between the months of February to May and from September to November when there are fewer chances of rain and neither there is the winder season. Nature is in full bloom during these months and hence a different picture is seen away from foggy visions or slippery paths.

Flora and Fauna

Among the rare species found in the area, the Nilgiri Tahr is the animal which is the most important animal of the National Park as it is found in just this part of the country. The endangered animals include the Asian Elephant and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

The various other fauna include mammals like the Sambar Deer, Jackal, Shrew, Panther, Nilgiri Marten, Jungle Cat, Otter; birds like woodcock, laughing thrush, whistling thrush, black eagle and a lot more; the butterflies adding magical colors to this natural beauty include Indian Fritillary, Hedge Blues, Blue Admiral, Indian Cabbage White and a lot more.

The flora of the area consists of the most amazing Shoal Grasslands. The other plant species found include the Orchids, Rhododendrons, Daphniphyllum Neilgherrense, Surya Nitida, Eucalyptus, Wattle and a lot of other plants and shrubs. There are also various rivers flowing in the park which adds on to the beauty and wellness of its outrageous beauty.

Route For Mukurthi National Park

The National Park is well connected to the other cities of South India. The park is at a distance of 27 km from Ooty and there are a number of private and government vehicles that take the tourists to Mukurthi National Park.

• Nearest Railway Station: Udhagamandalam at a distance of about 45 km
• Nearest Airport: Coimbatore at a distance of about 148 km