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Mukurthi National Park is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO known for its breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife. The park, which covers an area of more than 78 square kilometres, is home to a variety of plants and animals, such as species that are threatened, like the Nilgiri Tahr. For both nature lovers and thrill-seekers, Mukurthi provides a peaceful haven with its undulating hills, verdant grasslands, and distinctive ecosystems. In the centre of India’s natural splendour, Mukurthi National Park offers an experience that will always be remembered, whether your interests lie in hiking, birdwatching, or just taking in stunning vistas.
Location
Photo: Hemant meena / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mukurthi National Park is around 40 kilometres from the well-known hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India’s Nilgiri District. The park is a component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a variety of ecosystems and is tucked away in the Western Ghats.
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How To Reach Mukurthi National Park
Photo: Manic Subramani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Due to its excellent transportation connections, Mukurthi National Park is easily accessible to tourists looking for adventure and scenic views:
By Train: Mettupalayam, which is 50 kilometres away, is the closest train station. From there, take a bus or hire a taxi to get to the park while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
By Road: Ooty is 40 kilometres from Mukurthi National Park, making it reachable by road. These locations are connected by regular buses and taxis, which provide a charming ride through the breathtaking hills and valleys.
By Air: The closest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is almost 100 kilometres away. You can then take a bus or hire a taxi from there; Ooty is a handy travel hub.
Places To Visit Around Mukurthi National Park
Numerous attractions that highlight the area’s natural beauty or cultural diversity surround Mukurthi National Park. Here are a few places to visit around Mukurthi National Park:
1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Photo: Stephan Niewolik / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs 46 kilometres through the scenic Nilgiri Hills between Mettupalayam and Ooty. The distance from Mukurthi National Park is approximately 50 kilometres. Operating since 1908, this quaint miniature train provides passengers with a singular experience as it passes through scenic scenery, dense forests, and steep grades. The trip offers stunning views of tea plantations and landscapes through several tunnels and bridges. This train offers a pleasant way to take in the area’s natural splendour in addition to being a means of transportation.
Entry Fee: ₹30 to ₹300
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2. Doddabetta Peak
Photo: Fruiticos / Wikimedia Commons
The Nilgiri Hills’ highest point, Doddabetta Peak, at 2,637 meters above sea level, provides stunning sweeping views of the surroundings and is located about 10 kilometres from Mukurthi National Park. This well-known tourist location is only a short drive or hike from Ooty. The summit is the perfect location for nature enthusiasts and photographers because of the verdant forests and the variety of plants that encircle it. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the far-off Western Ghats, the Nilgiri hills, and the Coimbatore plains from the peak.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
3. Avalanche Lake
Photo: Avalanche Lake / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Avalanche Lake is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by the scenic Nilgiri Hills, around 28 kilometres near Mukurthi National Park. The lake, encircled by thick forests and undulating hills, is a quiet retreat for adventurers and nature lovers. Because of its high biodiversity, the area is a well-liked location for photography and birdwatching. Trekking, fishing, and camping are among the activities available to visitors; several routes lead to the lake’s immaculate shoreline. For those looking for solitude and natural beauty in the hills, Avalanche Lake is the perfect retreat because of its serene mood and breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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4. Pykara Lake
Photo: Raghavan G / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pykara Lake is a charming body of water tucked away in the Nilgiri Hills, close to Ooty, and roughly 21km away from Mukurthi National Park. The lake, which is surrounded by verdant trees and undulating hills, is renowned for its calm and quiet beauty. It is a well-liked location for family vacations and picnics since tourists can enjoy boating in the serene waters. The breathtaking Pykara Waterfalls nearby, which tumble down rocky cliffs, enhance the area’s allure. In the middle of the Nilgiris, Pykara Lake is the perfect place for people looking to relax and get in touch with nature.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 – ₹400
5. Coonoor
Photo: Sriram Rajkumar / Wikimedia Commons
Coonoor is a quaint hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, around 30 kilometres near Mukurthi National Park. It is well-known for its verdant tea gardens and comfortable temperature. This charming town is a well-liked tourist attraction since it provides a peaceful haven with stunning vistas. Attractions like Dolphin’s Nose and Lamb’s Rock, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, are open to visitors. Coonoor’s attraction is increased by its fame for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and its botanical gardens. Coonoor is the ideal retreat for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers due to its calm atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Entry Fee: Most areas are accessible; nominal fees for some attractions
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Where To Stay
Photo: David Brossard / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There is a wide range of lodging options available in Mukurthi National Park and the surrounding areas to accommodate various tastes and budgets. Luxurious lodging options with breathtaking views can be found at Ooty, such as the Taj Savoy Hotel and the Fern Hillside Resort. Hotels like Hotel Lakeview or Sterling Ooty Elk Hill are good choices for those on a budget. Budget-friendly lodging options include homestays and guesthouses like Mount View Homestay and Zostel Ooty.
Where To Eat
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Several delicious restaurants in the vicinity of Mukurthi National Park suit a range of palates. Enjoy regional cuisine at Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe, which is renowned for its welcoming ambience, or go to Chaat Street in Ooty for mouthwatering street food. The Cliff Top International provides multi-cuisine cuisine and breathtaking vistas for a quality dining experience. While Place to Bee serves a variety of nutritious food and desserts, Kebab Corner is ideal for individuals who want Indian BBQ.
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Best Time To Visit
Photo: L. Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The months of October through June are the best times to visit Mukurthi National Park because of the lovely weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. Temperatures between 10°C and 20°C are ideal for trekking, observing wildlife, and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the park during this time. The weeks of March through June offer a chance to see the park’s varied flora in full bloom, while October through February offers bright foliage and clear skies. Steer clear of the rainy season (July to September), as access and outdoor activities may be impeded by excessive rainfall.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Michael Kwok / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of Trip:
Travel style, lodging, and activities all affect how much a vacation to Mukurthi National Park typically costs. Budget tourists should budget between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000 per day, which includes local transportation, meals, and modest lodging. Travellers on a budget might spend between ₹4,000 and ₹8,000 per day, enjoying cosy accommodations and good dining. The expense of luxury travel, which includes first-rate lodging and exquisite meals, might surpass ₹8,000 per day.
Tips For Travellers:
- Find out the park’s hours, admission costs, and any permits needed for particular pursuits like camping or trekking.
- Since the terrain might be uneven, wear comfy clothes and sturdy shoes. Because of temperature fluctuations, layering is advised.
- Bring enough water with you, especially on hikes, to keep yourself hydrated in the unpredictable weather.
- Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from them and refraining from giving them food. Respect park regulations to save the environment.
- Take a first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any prescription drugs you might require.
- By offering knowledge about the local history, flora, and fauna, local guides can improve your trip.
- Reduce waste, use biodegradable products, and dispose of trash properly by adhering to the Leave No Trace philosophy.
- To get the most out of your trip, schedule time to visit neighbouring locations, including Doddabetta Peak, Avalanche Lake, and Ooty.
- As network service may be spotty in some places, be sure that you have a local SIM card or a dependable means of communication.
Mukurthi National Park has a combination of adventure, biodiversity, and natural beauty, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and environment lovers. The trip will be enriching whether you choose to explore the neighbouring sites or take in the peace of the woods. Make the most of your vacation to this captivating location by using TripXL to organize your trip for a hassle-free travel experience.
Cover Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
