Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is a protected tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka-Kerala border along the Ooty-Mysore highway. Established in 1940 as one of India's first wildlife sanctuaries and declared a tiger reserve in 2007, it covers about 321 sq km of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is known for its deciduous forests, diverse wildlife including tigers, elephants and leopards, and safari-based tourism.

Visitors can expect a forested landscape of tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, open grasslands and riverine areas along the Moyar River. The reserve is explored primarily through government-operated jeep and van safaris departing from Theppakadu, with opportunities to see elephants, gaur, chital, sambar, langurs, tigers and leopards, and over 200 bird species. The Theppakadu Elephant Camp, interpretation centre and watchtowers are accessible visitor areas within the core tourism zone.

Established in 1940 as Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the first wildlife sanctuaries in South India. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2007 under Project Tiger. Forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first biosphere reserve notified in 1986, and is contiguous with Bandipur, Nagarhole and Wayanad reserves forming a major protected landscape.

The landscape is traditionally inhabited by indigenous communities including Kattunayakan and Kurumba tribes. The Theppakadu Elephant Camp, established in 1927, reflects the historical use of captive elephants for forestry operations and is now a conservation and visitor education centre.