Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is one of the richest biosphere reserves in South India. Earlier, it was an animal sanctuary but it got the recognition of a Tiger Reserve in the year 1988. Since then, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is one of the top wildlife destinations in Tamil Nadu.
History of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
The regions of Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary along with a few neighboring forested regions were together created as Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Also the concentration of Tigers in this wilderness attracted the 'Project Tiger'. Today, the jungle is the second-largest protected forests in Tamil Nadu.
Overview of the Forest
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Location
Spanning across several km, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. It is a large part of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and a must visit wildlife destination.
Animals at Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
The vast reserve is a home to several species for animals and birds. It is a home to Tigers, elephants, leopards, Nilgiri Thars, lion-tailed macaques, common langurs, grey jungle fowls, Gaurs, sambhars, sloth bear, mouse deer and so on.
Nilgiri Langur at Kalakkad Tiger Reserve
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Unique Monkey Species Found in India
Birds at Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
The rich forest cover and river basins in the tiger reserve serves as an abode of resident as well as migratory birds. Barred Button Quail, Spot-billed duck, Pied Cuckoo, Oriented Bay Owl, Jungle Bush Quail, Crested Serpent Eagle, Hill Myna, Purple rumped sunbird, Black-headed Munia, White-Browed Bulbul, Yellow Wagtail, etc. are some of the unique birds found in Kalakkad
Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
Red Whiskered BulBul
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Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve
The most beautiful Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve forms the core region of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Agastyamala hill is said to be one of the most difficult trekking trails in South India. This trekking trails opens only for two-months and that too only men are allowed. Agastyamala Hill has a temple for Sage Agastya on top of the hill. Most visitors go to the summit and seek blessings from the sage.
Sambar
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How to Reach Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is accessible by road from Tirunelveli. Kalakkad, Sivasailam and Papanashanam are some of the other nearby places to reach the reserve.
By Train: Tirunelveli Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a nature lovers delight. Far away from the human settlements, this pristine reserve has a lot to offer for photographers as well.