Location

It is located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas in depressions. The landscape is extremely pictruesque and a seat of endemism in its relationship with Himalayan flora and fauna. This forms part of the Nilgiris biosphere reserve. From Udhagamandalam there are four different entry points for reaching the sanctuary.

Area

7846 ha. of reserved forests, the entire area of which has been declared as a National Park.

Forest type

Primarily grassland, characteristically interspersed with numerous isolated, compact, sharply defined montane wet temperate mixed forests locally termed ‘Sholas’, with beautiful brooks.

Animals found

Nilgiris tahr, Sambar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten, Otter, Jungle Cat, Jackal etc. Avifauna consists mostly of hill birds among which Laughing thrushes, Whistling, thrushes, Woodcock, Wood pigeon and Black eagle may be noticed. Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and Rainbow trouts.

Altitude and Annual rainfall

Average elevation is around 2400 mts. Precipitation about 1300 mm.

Nearest airport

Coimbatore – 140Km.

Nearest Railway station

Udhagamandalam – 45Km.

Best season

February to May, September to November

Accommodation

Forest Rest House at Avalanche, Pykara, Bangi Tapal, Upper Bhavani(EB), Mukurthi Fishing Hut and Trekking sheds.

Other facilities

Mainly for the tourist interested in adventure, trek routes formed for trekking and camping.

Trekking Routes

1.Bangitapal Sispara – 16 Km
2.Bangitapal Sispara – Poochiparai - Silent valley – 52 Km
3.Devabetta Mukkurthi Peak – 12 Km. Fishinghut (Halt) – 8 Km
4.Kolarikutta Bangitapal – 20 Km(halt)
5.Western Catchment Bangitapal 14 Km
6.Trekking Shed Kangerkundi Nadugani – 18 Km

For greater details

This Wildlife Warden,
Mahalingam buildings,
Coonoor Road,
Udhagamandalam – 643 001.
Phone No : 0423-2444098