Beautiful scenery on the way to Coorg from Ooty

Jungle

Madumalai National Park and Wildlife sanctuary is also declared as Tiger Reserve. This was established in 1940. It was the first sanctuary established in Southern India. Madumalai National Park lies in the northwestern region of Neelgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. This forest shares boundaries with Kerala and Karnataka. The wildlife sanctuary is divided into five parts Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Madumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota. The protected area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species like 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.

Area covered is approximately 321 sq kms

source – wikipedia and Ixigo

Best time to come is from October to March

Swift passed the jungle

Zipped passed the forest

Our experience

We got a chance to shoot through this beautiful forest while going from Ooty to Coorg. It was advised to start early in the morning from Ooty to see the fauna of jungle. I consider myself lucky to see beautiful spotted deers, captive elephants and wild boar.

Of course the forest was amazingly lush green. We could feel the fresh air that was enchanting our senses. Vivid views of forest kept us mesmerized for long.

Lush green forest

Forest

It was a nice drive. I wondered if we would be able to see something exciting on the outskirts of Madumalai.

Another view of forest

Deer wondering about the visitors

As we moved along the route,suddenly we saw a spotted deer staring at us. It was such a beauty. My kid got enthralled to see it. It was followed by a herd of deers so close by. What a scene it was. Actually, mind blowing!

As we went ahead, we got to see more and more deers, grazing while being alert. The whole atmosphere put me to old era of Ramayana. Such beautiful deers can tempt anyone to touch and feel. BUT, its not allowed to get off the vehicle in jungle. So, we behaved well. Then there were more deers.

Herd of deers from far

Herd of deers

Upon going further, we could see a family of captive elephants where a baby elephant was putting the grass in its mouth with its long trunk. It was a nice view to see one baby elephant with two adults. It seemed that both were parents to the calf and taking its care.

Family of captive elephants

Baby elephant eating grass

We saw a wild boar as well.

Wild boar at Madumalai National Park

Spotted deers at Madumalai National Park

It was a nice short shot from the sanctuary. My kid specially was delighted at the sight of these animals. There were monkeys as well to add to her excitement.

Deer looking around

Things to do

Deer looking again

Deer grazing the jungle

Pykara lake, Moyar river, Kallatti falls, bird watching, elephant safari, road safari, trekking

Spotted deers at Madumalai National Park

Monkeys enjoying

Where to stay

Jungle Hut- more than Rs.6000 in Masdinagudi, Glen view resort, Bamboo Banks Farm Guest house, Jungle retreat all three within 3000 to 4000 range. Monarch Safari Park, Club Mahindra are few more to list

Where to eat

Limited options. Caretakers of cottages serve basic meals to travellers.Advisable to carry your own food and water

How to reach

By train

Nearest railway station is Udagamandalam which is approximately 65 kms away from sanctuary. Taxi services are available from there. Madumalai is connected to NH-67.

By Air

Nearest Airport is Bangalore approximately 35 kms away from the jungle

Post by Mr. Vikrant

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