Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southernmost region of the Western Ghats. This sanctuary covers an area of around 817 sq km, out of which 459 sq km falls under the core zone and remaining 358 sq km comes under the buffer zone. The sanctuary was given the status of a National Tiger Reserve in 1988.    

This sanctuary is famous for its topography, as the lower region has tropical dry deciduous forest, whereas the upper region is covered by tropical wet evergreen forests. The plains of the sanctuary experience humid and hot climate and remain cold at the higher altitudes.   

The southernmost region of this wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by tigers. Panthers, jackals, jungle cats and striped hyenas are few other species that can be spotted in this area.

This sanctuary is home to important primate species like Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque and common langur. Other inhabitants of this region are the mouse deer, spotted deer, mongoose, sloth bear and Malabar giant squirrel.      

Various reptiles and amphibians including king cobra, darkpit viper, garden lizard and crocodile are also found in the sanctuary. There are several species of birds in the sanctuary, like the egret, jungle fowl, partridge, emerald-dove and bee caters.

Other birds like quail, minivet, sparrow, kite and parakeet can also be spotted in this sanctuary. Those interested can opt for trekking in the sanctuary, which has around 24 trekking trails.

Timing :    6 am - 6 pm (Daily)