There are two National Parks in the Nilgiris - Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Mukurthi National Park.

 
MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important sanctuaries in India and is a major tourist attraction in the Nilgiris. It is set in stunning surroundings at 1140 meters above MSL at the junction of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and extends over an area of 321 sq.km.

Mudumalai is 40 km from Ooty, and is reached by the ghat road which boasts 36 hairpin bends!

A variety of habitats ranging from tropical ever green forest, moist teak forest, secondary grass lands and swamps are found. This sanctuary is a paradise of wild animals including Panther, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Languar, Porcupine, Wild Elephant and many more.
    
MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK AND MUKURTHI PEAK

Mukurthi National Park is another major attraction. It is located on the south eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hermitragus hilocrius).

At only 27km from Ooty it is easily accessible, and Mukurthi Peak is certainly worth a visit. It stands 2554 metres above the sea and commands one of the most magnificent views to be seen in India.

The Mukurthi dam has been built at the foot of the hill below the Pykara hydro electricity scheme. The dam is 32km from Ooty and the peak is reached by foot, a distance of 9 km from there.

Photographs by kind permission of Anoop Anand.