Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The National Park in Tamil Nadu is a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located at the intersection of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka and plays a pivotal role in the preservation of biodiversity. This park is home to endangered species, such as tigers and elephants, and it supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors have the chance to discover a diverse array of wildlife, including animals, birds, and reptiles within their natural habitats. Tamil Nadu’s national parks are ideal destinations for nature enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to connect with the environment.
The Top 5 National Parks To Visit In Tamil Nadu
Explore the five premier national parks in Tamil Nadu, where visitors can explore the diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique ecosystems:
1. Mudumalai National Park
Photo: Emilio Sánchez / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mudumalai National Park is celebrated for its abundant biodiversity and strategic positioning within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Established in 1940, it was among the first national parks in India and plays a vital role in wildlife conservation in the region. This park is home to a multitude of species, such as Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, and Indian gaur, which makes it a crucial habitat for various endangered species. It is managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and it also serves as a significant wildlife corridor that connects the parks of Kerala and Karnataka.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 7 hr 17 min (314.9 km)
How To Reach: Via NH 948
Timings: 7 AM – 9 AM and open again at 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30
2. Guindy National Park
Photo: Sudharsun Jayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Guindy National Park, situated within the metropolis of Chennai, is a distinctive green sanctuary and ranks among the smallest national parks in Tamil Nadu, covering merely 2.82 square kilometres. However, despite this limited area, the park plays an essential function in the conservation of urban wildlife. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, it shelters a diverse array of species, such as spotted deer, blackbucks, jackals, and more than 100 bird species. Although it was historically a private reserve owned by the British Governor of Madras, it was transformed into a national park in 1978.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 5 hr 4 min (297.7 km)
How To Reach: Via Chennai – Theni Hwy/Chennai
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for adults and ₹5 for children
3. Indira Gandhi National Park
Photo: Siddhartha Lammata / Wikimedia Commons
Indira Gandhi National Park is one of the most vital national parks in proximity to Tamil Nadu, with a central focus on the conservation of tigers. It extends through the Western Ghats, a region renowned for its dense forests, steep valleys, and diverse wildlife. The park was designated a sanctuary in 1976 and subsequently turned into a Project Tiger initiative, which aims to safeguard the population of Bengal tigers. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, this park has become a habitat for a myriad of species, including leopards, elephants, wild boars, and an impressive array of over 250 bird species.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 6 hr 32 min (304.6 km)
How To Reach: Via NH 44
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee:₹250 for adults and₹150 for children
4. Mukurthi National Park
Photo: Marcus Sherman / Wikimedia Commons
Mukurthi National Park, situated in the Nilgiris within the Western Ghats, is renowned for its distinctive montane grasslands and shola forests. This park was established primarily to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Mukurthi is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s rugged terrain, high-altitude grasslands, and cool climate create an ideal habitat for a variety of species, including leopards, barking deer, and numerous birds. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Mukurthi National Park near Tamil Nadu has served as a crucial area for biodiversity conservation since 2001.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 8 hr 30 min (347.3 km)
How To Reach: Via NH 81
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for adults, whereas children are charged ₹10
5. Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park
Photo: Swarnav999 / Wikimedia Commons
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a remarkable and protected area, setting itself apart from other national parks. Established in 1986, this park encompasses 21 small islands and their adjacent coral reefs along Tamil Nadu’s southeastern coastline. Managed by the Forest Department, the park was designed to safeguard its abundant marine life. This includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and a multitude of species such as fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals like dolphins. It is also part of the larger Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, recognised as one of the first marine biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 4 hr 45 min (268.2 km)
How To Reach: Via NH536
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
Other Wildlife Places To Visit In TamilNadu
Besides the 5 national parks, there are other wildlife-rich places in Tamil Nadu to explore. Here are a few of them
1. Karikili Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Owen.outdoors / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Karikili Bird Sanctuary ranks among the premier bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. Established in 1988, its primary purpose is to provide a secure habitat for both migratory and resident bird species. Covering approximately 61.21 hectares of wetlands, this sanctuary is home to a diverse array of birds, including painted storks, pelicans and herons. The wetlands, crucial for breeding, significantly contribute to the conservation of these species. Moreover, it emphasises environmental education and plays a pivotal role in local wetland conservation efforts. This makes it one of the top national parks in Tamil Nadu for travellers to visit.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 3 hr 52 min (238.5 km)
How To Reach: Via Chennai – Theni Hwy/Chenna
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free entry
2. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is an integral part of the Western Ghats, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 2001, this reserve extends across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, roughly 3,500 square kilometres. It is famous for its exceptional biodiversity, and it is home to numerous endemic species of plants, animals, and birds. The primary objective is to safeguard the delicate ecosystems found within tropical forests and their inhabitants. The management of this area is a collaborative effort between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala Forest Departments, and it plays a pivotal role in the conservation of biodiversity throughout India.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 7 hr 14 min (384.7 km)
How To Reach: Via NH 38 and NH 44
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee:₹50 for adults;₹25 for children
3. Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: GAURAVYADA / Wikimedia Commons
The Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled within the Palani Hills, stands as one of the more recent protected areas in Tamil Nadu. It’s aimed at safeguarding the region’s distinctive ecosystems, which include montane forests, grasslands, and a rich array of wildlife. This sanctuary is home to various mammal species, including gaur, sambar deer, and leopards, alongside numerous birds and reptiles. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, it protects vital catchment areas for major rivers that originate in the Palani Hills. The rich biodiversity makes Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary one of the best national parks in Tamil Nadu for nature enthusiasts.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 5 hr 13 min (252.6 km)
How To Reach: Via NH 44
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee:₹50 for adults;₹25 for children
4. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Pravee1207 / Wikimedia Commons
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, established in 1936, is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. It serves as a haven for migratory birds and has been an essential habitat for centuries. Situated in Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary encompasses approximately 74 hectares of wetland, which provides an optimal environment for breeding and feeding, attracting thousands of birds. Various species, including painted storks, herons, egrets, and spoonbills, inhabit the area. However, it is particularly renowned among bird watchers. It also functions as an important stopover for migratory birds travelling along the East Asian Flyway.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 3 hr 55 min (238.9 km)
How To Reach: Via Chennai – Theni Hwy/Chennai
Timings: 6 AM – 6.00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults and ₹5 for children
5. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Photo: Erik Karits / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries and serves as a vital habitat for tigers. Established in 2008 as a wildlife sanctuary and subsequently designated a tiger reserve in 2013, it lies in 1,411 square kilometres. This expansive reserve acts as a crucial corridor between the Western and Eastern Ghats. Managed by the Forest Department, it plays a significant role in Project Tiger, which aims to protect the Bengal tiger population. However, the reserve is not limited to just tigers but various species, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds.
Distance From Tamil Nadu: 5 hr 10 min (213.8 km)
How To Reach: Via Salem-Namakkal-Thuraiyur Rd/Thuraiyur Rd
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults; ₹25 for children
National parks in Tamil Nadu offer a diverse array of wildlife, distinctive ecosystems, and picturesque landscapes. This makes them crucial for both conservation efforts and eco-tourism. You may be drawn to bird watching, wildlife safaris, or trekking through the rich biodiversity of the forest. Are you ready to discover these natural marvels? Plan your journey with TripXL, ensuring that your adventure is both smooth and memorable.
Cover Photo: Editzz by me / Wikimedia Commons
