- Known for
- Nilgiri tahr, grassland and shola
- Entry
- Prior permission from Tamil Nadu Forest Department
- Base town
- Ooty
- Nearest airport
- Coimbatore
Landscape and wildlife
The park centres on Mukurthi Peak, one of the highest points in the Nilgiris, and includes streams, reservoirs and steep cliffs dropping towards Kerala. Apart from the Nilgiri tahr, the area supports tigers, leopards, elephants and sambar, though sightings of the large animals are not common. The grasslands are also rich in wildflowers and birds found only in these hills.
Conservation status
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes Mukurthi, was India's first biosphere reserve. The park is also one of the protected areas in the Western Ghats World Heritage Site. Because of this, access is limited to protect the fragile habitat.
Trekking and permits
Mukurthi is known for some of the finest trekking in the south, across open ridges with long views. Entry, especially for treks, needs prior permission from the state Forest Department, and walks are done with forest staff or authorised guides. Plan well ahead, as permits are limited and may be suspended during the fire season or bad weather.
Tips for your visit
- Carry warm, windproof layers; the plateau is cold and windy
- Take water and snacks, as there are no facilities inside
- Respect the Toda and other local communities whose lands border the park
- Stay on marked routes and leave no litter
How to reach
Ooty is the base for Mukurthi, and the park entrance is reached by road across the upper Nilgiris. Ooty is connected by road to Coimbatore and Mysuru and by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam. Coimbatore has the nearest airport.
Also nearby
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