Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksShola Forest and Grassland Above the Nilgiris
Tamil Nadu
Image: uvalove / CC BY-SA 3.0Welcome to Mukurthi National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
Mukurthi access is tightly regulated; confirm trekking permission, guide rules, and seasonal closures with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department before travel.
Mukurthi is a highland park with weather exposure and controlled entry, so it suits visitors comfortable with cooler conditions, long drives, and limited barrier-free infrastructure.
Mukurthi National Park protects one of the most distinctive high-altitude landscapes in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: broad montane grasslands broken by dark shola forest in folds and valleys. The park is known for Nilgiri tahr, highland birdlife, cool weather, reservoirs and streams, and a quieter, more restricted visitor experience than the busier hill stations around Ooty.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Season (Oct - May) | Daylight visits with permission | Return before dusk |
Confirm current access, trekking limitations, and gate procedures with the Nilgiri forest authorities before leaving Ooty.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry/Permit | As notified by Tamil Nadu Forest Department |
| Guide/Transport | Varies by route and current forest arrangements |
Do not assume casual entry; verify permission, vehicle, and guide expectations in advance.
Mukurthi National Park, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu
11.2667° N, 76.4750° E
Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest major airport, followed by road travel to Ooty and the western Nilgiris.
Mettupalayam is the nearest broad-gauge railhead; the Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects onward to Ooty.
Reach Ooty first, then proceed toward the western Nilgiris and park approaches according to current forest guidance.
Use hired taxis or authorized local vehicles from Ooty or surrounding Nilgiri towns.
Montane grasslands, shola forest, rhododendron-associated highland vegetation, marshy patches, and stream-fed upland flora.
The park supports Nilgiri tahr, large mammals, montane birds, reptiles, amphibians, and specialized high-elevation biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Mukurthi was declared a national park in 1990 to conserve the Nilgiri tahr and the rare shola-grassland ecosystem of the upper Nilgiris, now part of a globally important biosphere reserve.
