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MAIN | HOW TO REACH | HOTELS | CONTACTS | |
The Mysore - Ooty highway with 36 hairpin bends runs
through the thick jungles of the park. On the highway there are chances
of sightings of animals like deer, boar and even elephants at odd hours. The flora in Mudumalai sanctuary include dense groves of Bamboo (Bambusa Arundinacea), thick forests of Natural teak (Tectona Grandis), eucalyptus, blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea etc. It has one of the largest populations of elephants in the country, supposedly numbers about 600 and gaur in the region. Another attraction is the giant Malabar squirrel. The other animals found here include Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, bonnet macaque, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking Deer, Four Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (Mugger), Giant Flying Squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine, Pangolin the scaly ant eater and Mongoose. The birds spotted in this sanctuary are Peacock, Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge Quails, Goggle Eyed Plower, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-Tailed Dronge, The Magpie-robin, Spotted Babbler, woodpeckers, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant, besides some migratory water birds. Morning time trekking is preferable since to watch more bird variety. The wildlife department has a big camp for elephants of 12.2 acres in the Theppakadu ranges of the sanctuary where sick elephants and those captured from poachers / illegal tamers are brought and taken care of. A peculiar weekly pooja (on Friday evening) performed by trained elephants of this camp is a special attraction for the kids. Facilities inside the sanctuary: The forest department arranges facilities for wild
safari inside the park which enables the visitor to have a look at the
flora and fauna. There are mini buses, jeeps and trained elephants available.
Elephant safaris last about one hour and is available in the mornings
as well as evenings. The Safaris can be booked in advance at the Wildlife
Warden's office in Ooty or directly at the Tourist Reception Centre. Private
vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Entry Fee : below five years - Free, Children above five years and below 12 years - Rs.10.00, School Children (Age 5 to 12 years) from Government and aided Schools - Rs.2.00, School Children from Private Schools (Age 5 to 12 years) - Rs.10.00. Adult : 15.00. Vehicles Fee : Rs35/- per person, Elephant Safari : 115/- Still Camera: Rs.25, Handy Camera / Video Camera - Rs.150, Charges for documentary educational films using Handy camera and Video Camera - Rs.2000. |
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