Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi National Park is a protected area in India.

Mukurthi National Park at a Glance

Location
Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau, India, South Asia
Coordinates
11.327815, 76.517830
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Mukurthi National Park

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 51 km away.

Nearest international airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ), 65 km away.

Weather & Climate in Mukurthi National Park

The warmest temperatures in Mukurthi National Park occur in April, averaging 21.5°C (up to 25.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 27.6mm. Average humidity: 65.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.2°C (rainfall: 134.7mm)
  • February: 20.1°C (rainfall: 27.6mm)
  • March: 21.0°C (rainfall: 183.5mm)
  • April: 21.5°C (rainfall: 512.2mm)
  • May: 21.1°C (rainfall: 598.0mm)
  • June: 19.8°C (rainfall: 419.8mm)
  • July: 19.2°C (rainfall: 719.9mm)
  • August: 19.6°C (rainfall: 608.2mm)
  • September: 19.5°C (rainfall: 412.2mm)
  • October: 19.5°C (rainfall: 591.1mm)
  • November: 19.5°C (rainfall: 469.1mm)
  • December: 19.3°C (rainfall: 210.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Mukurthi National Park

The best months to visit Mukurthi National Park are February, January, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 19.19°C, rainfall 134.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 20.06°C, rainfall 27.6mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 65.9%
  • March: Good, temperature 20.98°C, rainfall 183.5mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 70.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.49°C, rainfall 512.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 21.05°C, rainfall 598mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 86.1%
  • June: Poor, temperature 19.82°C, rainfall 419.8mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 88.5%
  • July: Poor, temperature 19.23°C, rainfall 719.9mm, sunshine 4.9 hrs, humidity 90.6%
  • August: Poor, temperature 19.57°C, rainfall 608.2mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 19.46°C, rainfall 412.2mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • October: Poor, temperature 19.53°C, rainfall 591.1mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • November: Poor, temperature 19.49°C, rainfall 469.1mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • December: Good, temperature 19.31°C, rainfall 210.6mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 80.5%

Wildlife in Mukurthi National Park

Home to 69 recorded species including 22 iconic birds, 20 birds of prey, 16 waterbirds, 6 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Mukurthi National Park

Based on average temperature of 19.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 20°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Mukurthi National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Mukurthi National Park FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to see at Mukurthi National Park, and is it primarily a jeep safari experience?

Mukurthi National Park is renowned as a prime habitat for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, which thrives in its high-altitude grasslands. Unlike traditional safari parks, visitor access is primarily for trekking, focusing on conservation and observing wildlife on foot rather than through jeep safaris. You might also spot various birds, deer species, and smaller carnivores during guided treks.

What is the best time of year to visit Mukurthi National Park for trekking and wildlife spotting, considering its high-altitude environment?

The ideal time to visit Mukurthi National Park is during the post-monsoon and winter months, from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, offering clear skies and excellent visibility for trekking and spotting the Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat. Avoid the heavy monsoon season from June to September due to challenging trail conditions.

What are the typical costs and permit requirements for accessing Mukurthi National Park, especially for trekking routes?

Access to Mukurthi National Park requires specific permits, as it is a highly protected area focused on conservation. Visitors typically need to obtain permission from the Forest Department, often requiring a guide for treks, which incurs a fee. Costs vary based on nationality and the duration/type of trek, so it's advisable to check current rates and book in advance through authorized channels.

Given Mukurthi's unique Shola-grassland ecosystem, what kind of terrain and trekking difficulty should I prepare for?

Mukurthi National Park features a distinctive Shola-grassland mosaic, characterized by rolling hills, steep slopes, and dense shola forests in valleys. Treks can range from moderate to challenging, involving uneven paths, rocky sections, and potentially slippery terrain, especially after rain. Proper trekking boots, layered clothing, and a good level of physical fitness are essential for navigating this unique high-altitude landscape.

What safety precautions should I take when visiting Mukurthi National Park, beyond general malaria awareness, given its remote and high-altitude nature?

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, visitors to Mukurthi should be prepared for its high-altitude environment, which can cause altitude sickness; acclimatization and staying hydrated are crucial. Always trek with an authorized guide due to the remote terrain and potential encounters with wild animals, and be mindful of sudden weather changes. It's also wise to carry a basic first-aid kit and inform someone of your trekking plans.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.