Introduction
One of Ooty’s greatest locations is in the Mukurthi National Park, which is bordered by the Mudumalai and Silent Valley national parks.
The park is part of India’s first bioreserve, the Nilgiri Bio Reserve.
The park is very similar to the Himalayas in terms of vegetation, climate, and appearance, just without the snow.
The forest is characterized by high alpine grasslands and shrublands, strong winds, chilly temperatures, and sholas strewn throughout.
The park is home to numerous rivers and streams that are frequently visited by the various wildlife species that call the jungle home.
A few watch towers constructed by the Forest Department are reserved only for researchers and avian observers.
The predominant flora includes black berries, raspberries, and rhododendron, which are also frequently found in the Himalayas. There are patches of verdant grass in the valleys every now and then.
The jungle, which is a part of the Western Ghats, is home to a diverse array of creatures, including birds, reptiles, and even insects.
The list of common animals includes the Indian elephant, jungle cat, barking deer, panther, Indian leopard, jackal, and wild dogs, to name just a few.
There are a variety of exotic parrots, vultures, eagles, and migratory birds among the birdlife.
Mukurthi Park is well-known for its Nilgiri Tahr, which is said to be found exclusively in these areas’ forests.
All things considered, it is abundantly evident that the location is a true haven for those who adore the natural world.
The fourth-highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, Mukurthi Peak, is located within this wildlife sanctuary.
Furthermore, the peak, which rises to 2,658 meters (8,654 feet) above sea level, draws a lot of hikers to these woods.
But authorization from the forest department is needed in order to hike up or down the trails in Mukurthi National Park.
These regions have a significant tiger and leopard population, but there is also a lot of poaching occurring.
Even though we occasionally hear about the remains of elephants and tigers in the area, the governments of all the bordering states are taking a number of steps to contain this threat.
All that will remain of these animals for future generations, if this is not entirely stopped, will be fur coats, ivory sculptures, and images of the animals in the wild.
In addition to poaching, deforestation is a serious concern. Even though trees are periodically planted in the deforested areas, it will take hundreds or even thousands of years for these trees to fully integrate into the ecological system.
We see more than just a wild assortment of vegetation, with various plant and animal species living in the jungle and forests.
Like all systems, it is an ecological system that is in a state of balance. The system will rebel if you disturb it past a certain point.
Things at Mukurthi National Park
In Mukurthi National Park, the only activities available are trekking and camping, and even then, only with official permission.
Commercial tourism is prohibited, but educational tours are authorized and scheduled.
You can therefore either obtain authorization to hike with your troop or participate in the three- to five-day government-organized trekking expeditions.
For lovers of the outdoors, trekking in Mukurthi National Park is a treasure trove of opportunities to see wildlife, and guided tours teach visitors about forest conservation.
Make sure you pack appropriately if you plan to trek among the peaks. The treks are rated as medium to difficult. Legends of hidden routes connecting Mysore and Malabar with the forests abounded.
Salt, sandalwood, cannabis, and other items were smuggled through these routes. I hope they’ve closed now.
The routes pass through Mudimund, Sipara, and Silent Valley, among other locations, in addition to the trekking route to and from Mukurthi Peak.
The trekking routes in Mukurthi National Park range in length from 8 to 60 kilometers, and forest houses are available for overnight stays.
The forest department plans and provides all the necessary measures for a successful trekking tour, including lodging, food, and guides.
When is the best time to visit National Park Mukurthi?
Year-round access is available to Mukurthi National Park. During the monsoon, however, the area experiences a lot of rain and poor vision. When it rains, it’s usually quite heavy, and the weather is bitterly cold.
As the monsoon intensifies and winter approaches, visibility lowers and eventually reaches its lowest point.
In order to have the hiking experience of a lifetime, the best times to visit the location are, therefore, from September to November or from February to May.
It’s still a nice temperature, a clear sky, and dry paths.
Mukurthi National Park Admission Fee and Hours
Every day of the week except Tuesday, Mukurthi National Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. That day, the park was still off-limits to visitors.
On all other days, though, you are free to visit. The entrance fee to Mukurthi National Park is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children aged 5 to 12.
However, the cost is ₹5 for kids attending public schools. All children under five enter free of charge.
There is an entry fee as well as additional costs for using the cameras and parking your car, if applicable.
Video recording cameras are charged at ₹160, while still cameras are charged at ₹30.
Nevertheless, obtaining permission will cost you ₹2100 if you want to film an educational documentary.
Ways to Get to the National Park of Mukurthi?
Four entrances are available to the 80-square-kilometer Mukurthi National Park.
The most accessible route is the Ooty-Gudalur-Mysore route. Mysore is roughly sixty kilometers away, while Ooty is the closest town at just thirty kilometers.
Several routes exist to get to Ooty, which is a well-known tourist destination with excellent connections to neighboring locations.
Road
There are frequent buses and taxis that go to Bangalore (320 km), Coimbatore (80 km), Mysore (130 km), and other locations.
The best vehicle rental businesses in Ooty also allow you to reserve a private taxi.
Train
Ooty is the closest train station, and a toy train connects it to Mettupalayam.
Rail connections between Ooty and surrounding locations are available at the 40-kilometer Mettupalayam railway station.
Using Flight
Coimbatore, which is 88 km from Ooty, has the closest airport. Frequent flights to nearby cities like Bangalore as well as Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.
Adventurers who love wildlife and trekking can reach Ooty easily from the Bangalore airport, both domestically and internationally.
Following your arrival, follow these instructions to get from Ooty to Mukurthi National Park.
Getting off near the wildlife sanctuary is the first option, which involves taking a bus, either private or state-owned, that travels the Ooty-Gudalur-Mysore route.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Mukurthi National Park
After learning the rationale behind and the best way to visit Mukurthi National Park in Ooty, there are a few things you should keep in mind when organizing your trek.
1. This sanctuary does not permit recreational or commercial tourism. The forest office must grant authorization for camping and hiking.
2. Depending on how many days you want to spend in Mukurthi National Park, you can choose from a variety of trekking routes.
3. You can find unfurnished rest houses and trekking sheds nearby. Thus, get advance confirmation from the authorities about the amenities that are available.
4. In addition to sleeping bags and possibly bedding, trekkers must bring their own equipment as the forest department sets up the tents and lodging. As you leave, make sure to check with the office.
5. It is not permitted to take a bath in the streams.