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Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve or KMTR as it is popularly known is the second-largest reserved area of Tamil Nadu. Covering an area of 223 sq km, Kalakkad Sanctuary is most visited by visitors for its tiger population. Located in the beautiful hills of the Western Ghats in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, this sanctuary lies to the south of the state because of which it remains untouched. Interestingly, this place has also been recognized as being one among the world’s 18 biodiversity hotspots. The tiger reserve also works as a catchment area for 14 rivers and streams of India including the Ganga, Tambraparani, Ramanadi and Kodaiyar. While the elevation at KMTR varies from 40 m to 1,800 m, Agasthyamalai Hills that lie at a height of 1681 mis in the primary area of this reserve.

This well-maintained tiger reserve is part of the inter-state Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve that is managed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu in tandem with one another. Agasthyamalai Hills is one of the only five centres of biodiversity and endemism in India according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is also considering Agasthyamalai, along with the entire stretch of KMTR, as a World Heritage Site.

History

In 1962, the government established two wildlife sanctuaries is this region - Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary that covered a total are of 251 km² and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary that covered an area of 567 km². In 1988, both the sanctuaries were brought together to form the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve or (KMTR). Ever since, this place has remained a place is of huge geographical importance.KMTR has also been chosen as part of the Tiger Project by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Flora, Fauna & Avian

Lush green with deep forests, tall trees and shrubs of different varieties, the Kalakkad tiger reserve is home to a wide range of wild animals. One can find 37 kinds of amphibians, 273 birds and 77 mammal varieties here. Apart from that, there are 81 reptiles and 33 fish varieties in this reserve. The wild animals found here include big cats like the leopard, tiger, wild dog and spotted cat. You will also find varieties of spotted deer, elephants, mouse, deer, slender loris, Nilgiri langur, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque or the Malabar giant squirrel. Some other varieties one can watch out for here include the Indian pangolin, Nilgiri martin, brown mongoose, king cobra, monitor lizard, python, flying lizard and many others.

There are 100 different species of birds found at this tiger reserve, including some rare ones.This makes the sanctuary a haven for bird watchers because one can find everything from herons, egrets and jungle fowl to the emerald dove, partridge, bee caters, minivets, sparrows and quails. You can also look out for night jars, sparrows, paradise flay catchers and kites here. One can spot various kinds of reptiles here.

There are various kinds of plants available in this reserveas well. Just the Tirunelveli forest has more than 2000 species of plants. The flora of this region varies from tropical wet evergreen to tropical dry deciduous. One can also find a one-of-its-kind thorn forest in the lower regions of the forest. The dense forest is waiting for you to explore it on your trip to this reserve.

Adventure & Activities

There are several options if you would like to involve in adventurous activities at Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the most popular here is trekking.However, one has to take permission in advance from the forest department. With 24 nature trails spread across the sanctuary, one can have a wonderful adventurous experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kalakkad Sanctuary is from September to March as the weather remains pleasant and favorable for an adventurous trip to the jungle during this stretch of months.

Accommodation

There is a Forest Rest House at Sengaltheri, where catering service is also available.

How to Reach

Rail

The nearest railway station from this place is located in Cheranmadevi, which is about 20 kms from here. Ambasamudram railway station is about 15 kms away from Tirunelveli.