Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi National Park is situated in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, at a distance of approximately 27 km from Ooty. It lies on the southeastern corner of the elevated Nilgiri Plateau and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere. Spread over an area of over 80 sq km, Mukurthi Wildlife Sanctuary of India has an altitude that averages around 2400 m. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between the months of February and May or September and November.

Flora
The flora of Mukurti National Park of India is very much similar to what is found in the Himalayan range. The landscape is dominated by grasslands, which are mostly dotted with a number of secluded, dense and sharply defined wet temperate mixed forests. These forests consist of savannah woodlands, along with evergreen trees, smaller than the lowland ones. The main sources of water in the park are Billithadahalla, Pykara and Kundah Rivers.

Wildlife
The pride of Mukurthi Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu is its significant population of Nilgiri Thar. Apart from that, one can also see Nilgiri Marten, Otter, Barking Deer, Sambar, Jungle Cat, Jackals, etc.

Bird Species
The most popular bird species of Mukurti Wildlife Sanctuary are Black Eagle, Woodcock, Laughing and Whistling Thrushes, Wild Pigeon, etc. One can also find a large number of butterflies inside the sanctuary, like Hedge Blues, Indian Fritillary, Indian Red Admiral, Blue Admiral, Rainbow Trouts, etc.

How to Reach Mukurthi National Park

By Air: Coimbatore airport, 140 km away, falls the nearest to Mukurthi

By Rail: The nearest railway station is that of Udhagamandalam.

By Road: Regular buses as well as taxis are easily available to and from Coimbatore.