50 safari lodges
    Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau, India
    Moderate
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Mukurthi National Park

    Mukurthi National Park is a protected area in India.

    Best timeOctober to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.
    Species
    69
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    50
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Mukurthi National Park Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The Indian Big 5

    3 of 5 found in Mukurthi National Park

    Tiger
    Elephant
    Rhino
    Leopard
    Sloth Bear

    Recent sightings at Mukurthi National Park

    Sign in to report

    69 species recorded in Mukurthi National Park8 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Mukurthi National Park

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Mukurthi National Park

    For tiger enthusiasts, we unequivocally recommend the dry months from October to June, with April and May offering the most intense big cat encounters around dwindling waterholes, despite the heat....

    January

    Now
    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Pleasant, cool mornings give way to warm, sunny days. This is ideal weather for extended safari drives.

    Excellent tiger sightings are common as vegetation is still relatively thin. Migratory birds are abundant, enhancing the birding experience.

    We recommend focusing on the central parks for prime tiger viewing, enjoying the crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures.

    Ranthambore
    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    +1

    February

    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Similar to January, with slightly warmer days and consistently pleasant conditions. Humidity remains low.

    Tiger activity remains high around water sources, and cubs are often seen. Birding is still fantastic with many winter visitors.

    We love exploring the varied terrain of Pench, where the Kipling connection adds a layer of magic to tiger tracking.

    Pench
    Satpura
    Corbett
    +1

    March

    high

    Warm, Dry Season

    Days start to get noticeably warmer, but mornings are still pleasant and cool. Humidity is low, making for clear skies.

    Tigers are increasingly active around waterholes as the heat builds, making for excellent big cat photography opportunities.

    We find Tadoba Andhari particularly rewarding this month, as the heat concentrates wildlife around its few water sources.

    Tadoba Andhari
    Bandhavgarh
    Ranthambore
    +1

    April

    peak

    Hot, Dry Season

    Very hot days, especially in central India, are typical. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are essential to avoid the midday heat.

    This is prime time for tiger sightings at waterholes, as animals are less dispersed and seek relief from the heat.

    We recommend embracing the heat for unparalleled tiger encounters, especially in the dry riverbeds of Bandhavgarh where sightings can be dramatic.

    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    Pench
    +1

    May

    peak

    Hot, Dry Season

    Extremely hot, often reaching peak temperatures before the monsoon. Humidity starts to rise towards the end of the month.

    Tiger sightings remain exceptional around dwindling water sources. Other wildlife also congregates, offering intense viewing.

    We find the intensity of May safaris incredibly rewarding, offering some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities for big cats.

    Kanha
    Pench
    Tadoba Andhari
    +1

    June

    high

    Hot, Dry Season (pre-monsoon)

    Still very hot, with increasing humidity as the monsoon approaches. Some pre-monsoon showers may occur, offering temporary relief.

    This is the last chance for dry season tiger sightings before many parks close. Animals are still concentrated around water.

    We suggest visiting parks that remain open, like Tadoba, for a final push of intense big cat action before the rains transform the landscape.

    Tadoba Andhari
    Pench (some zones)
    Kaziranga (before full monsoon closure)

    July

    low

    Monsoon/Green Season

    Heavy rainfall across much of India is typical. Landscapes become lush and green, and humidity is high.

    Tiger sightings are difficult due to dense vegetation and park closures. This is excellent for birding and specific species like rhinos in Kaziranga.

    We recommend Kaziranga National Park this month, where the rhinos thrive in the wet conditions and the landscapes are stunningly vibrant.

    Kaziranga
    Periyar (South India)
    Some zones of Satpura (check specific lodge access)

    August

    low

    Monsoon/Green Season

    Continued heavy rainfall, though often interspersed with sunny periods. The country is incredibly lush and green.

    Ideal for photography of vibrant landscapes and smaller creatures. Birdlife is active, but tiger sightings are rare.

    We find the Western Ghats particularly beautiful during the monsoon, offering unique opportunities for endemic wildlife and birding.

    Kaziranga
    Periyar
    Eravikulam (Western Ghats)

    September

    low

    Post-Monsoon/Green Season

    Rainfall begins to subside, but landscapes remain very green and humidity is still high. Temperatures start to cool slightly.

    Parks start to reopen towards the end of the month. Good for birding, and tiger sightings improve as vegetation thins.

    We suggest targeting parks that reopen late September, like Ranthambore, to witness the fresh, vibrant post-monsoon scenery.

    Ranthambore (late Sept)
    Corbett (late Sept)
    Kaziranga (reopening)

    October

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon/Cool Season

    Pleasant temperatures return, with clear skies and dropping humidity. This is ideal safari weather as the air is fresh.

    Parks are fully open. Tiger sightings improve significantly as water sources are replenished and vegetation thins. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We love the fresh feel of the parks in October, making it a fantastic time for a well-rounded safari experience with good sightings and comfortable weather.

    Ranthambore
    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    +1

    November

    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Excellent, comfortable weather prevails. Cool mornings and evenings are balanced by warm, sunny days with low humidity.

    Prime tiger viewing conditions are in full swing. Lush but thinning vegetation and excellent birding with many migratory species present.

    We recommend exploring the diverse ecosystems of Kanha, where the meadows are vibrant and tiger activity is consistently strong.

    Kanha
    Pench
    Satpura
    +1

    December

    peak

    Cool, Dry Season

    Crisp, cool mornings and evenings are characteristic, with pleasant sunny days. This is ideal safari weather for all activities.

    Excellent tiger sightings continue. Many migratory birds are settled, making it a good time for all wildlife viewing.

    We find the festive atmosphere combined with superb wildlife viewing makes December a truly special time for a safari, especially in the central parks.

    Bandhavgarh
    Ranthambore
    Tadoba Andhari
    +1

    January

    Now
    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Pleasant, cool mornings give way to warm, sunny days. This is ideal weather for extended safari drives.

    Excellent tiger sightings are common as vegetation is still relatively thin. Migratory birds are abundant, enhancing the birding experience.

    We recommend focusing on the central parks for prime tiger viewing, enjoying the crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures.

    Ranthambore
    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    +1

    February

    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Similar to January, with slightly warmer days and consistently pleasant conditions. Humidity remains low.

    Tiger activity remains high around water sources, and cubs are often seen. Birding is still fantastic with many winter visitors.

    We love exploring the varied terrain of Pench, where the Kipling connection adds a layer of magic to tiger tracking.

    Pench
    Satpura
    Corbett
    +1

    March

    high

    Warm, Dry Season

    Days start to get noticeably warmer, but mornings are still pleasant and cool. Humidity is low, making for clear skies.

    Tigers are increasingly active around waterholes as the heat builds, making for excellent big cat photography opportunities.

    We find Tadoba Andhari particularly rewarding this month, as the heat concentrates wildlife around its few water sources.

    Tadoba Andhari
    Bandhavgarh
    Ranthambore
    +1

    April

    peak

    Hot, Dry Season

    Very hot days, especially in central India, are typical. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are essential to avoid the midday heat.

    This is prime time for tiger sightings at waterholes, as animals are less dispersed and seek relief from the heat.

    We recommend embracing the heat for unparalleled tiger encounters, especially in the dry riverbeds of Bandhavgarh where sightings can be dramatic.

    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    Pench
    +1

    May

    peak

    Hot, Dry Season

    Extremely hot, often reaching peak temperatures before the monsoon. Humidity starts to rise towards the end of the month.

    Tiger sightings remain exceptional around dwindling water sources. Other wildlife also congregates, offering intense viewing.

    We find the intensity of May safaris incredibly rewarding, offering some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities for big cats.

    Kanha
    Pench
    Tadoba Andhari
    +1

    June

    high

    Hot, Dry Season (pre-monsoon)

    Still very hot, with increasing humidity as the monsoon approaches. Some pre-monsoon showers may occur, offering temporary relief.

    This is the last chance for dry season tiger sightings before many parks close. Animals are still concentrated around water.

    We suggest visiting parks that remain open, like Tadoba, for a final push of intense big cat action before the rains transform the landscape.

    Tadoba Andhari
    Pench (some zones)
    Kaziranga (before full monsoon closure)

    July

    low

    Monsoon/Green Season

    Heavy rainfall across much of India is typical. Landscapes become lush and green, and humidity is high.

    Tiger sightings are difficult due to dense vegetation and park closures. This is excellent for birding and specific species like rhinos in Kaziranga.

    We recommend Kaziranga National Park this month, where the rhinos thrive in the wet conditions and the landscapes are stunningly vibrant.

    Kaziranga
    Periyar (South India)
    Some zones of Satpura (check specific lodge access)

    August

    low

    Monsoon/Green Season

    Continued heavy rainfall, though often interspersed with sunny periods. The country is incredibly lush and green.

    Ideal for photography of vibrant landscapes and smaller creatures. Birdlife is active, but tiger sightings are rare.

    We find the Western Ghats particularly beautiful during the monsoon, offering unique opportunities for endemic wildlife and birding.

    Kaziranga
    Periyar
    Eravikulam (Western Ghats)

    September

    low

    Post-Monsoon/Green Season

    Rainfall begins to subside, but landscapes remain very green and humidity is still high. Temperatures start to cool slightly.

    Parks start to reopen towards the end of the month. Good for birding, and tiger sightings improve as vegetation thins.

    We suggest targeting parks that reopen late September, like Ranthambore, to witness the fresh, vibrant post-monsoon scenery.

    Ranthambore (late Sept)
    Corbett (late Sept)
    Kaziranga (reopening)

    October

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon/Cool Season

    Pleasant temperatures return, with clear skies and dropping humidity. This is ideal safari weather as the air is fresh.

    Parks are fully open. Tiger sightings improve significantly as water sources are replenished and vegetation thins. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We love the fresh feel of the parks in October, making it a fantastic time for a well-rounded safari experience with good sightings and comfortable weather.

    Ranthambore
    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    +1

    November

    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Excellent, comfortable weather prevails. Cool mornings and evenings are balanced by warm, sunny days with low humidity.

    Prime tiger viewing conditions are in full swing. Lush but thinning vegetation and excellent birding with many migratory species present.

    We recommend exploring the diverse ecosystems of Kanha, where the meadows are vibrant and tiger activity is consistently strong.

    Kanha
    Pench
    Satpura
    +1

    December

    peak

    Cool, Dry Season

    Crisp, cool mornings and evenings are characteristic, with pleasant sunny days. This is ideal safari weather for all activities.

    Excellent tiger sightings continue. Many migratory birds are settled, making it a good time for all wildlife viewing.

    We find the festive atmosphere combined with superb wildlife viewing makes December a truly special time for a safari, especially in the central parks.

    Bandhavgarh
    Ranthambore
    Tadoba Andhari
    +1

    January

    Now
    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Pleasant, cool mornings give way to warm, sunny days. This is ideal weather for extended safari drives.

    Excellent tiger sightings are common as vegetation is still relatively thin. Migratory birds are abundant, enhancing the birding experience.

    We recommend focusing on the central parks for prime tiger viewing, enjoying the crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures.

    Ranthambore
    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    +1

    February

    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Similar to January, with slightly warmer days and consistently pleasant conditions. Humidity remains low.

    Tiger activity remains high around water sources, and cubs are often seen. Birding is still fantastic with many winter visitors.

    We love exploring the varied terrain of Pench, where the Kipling connection adds a layer of magic to tiger tracking.

    Pench
    Satpura
    Corbett
    +1

    March

    high

    Warm, Dry Season

    Days start to get noticeably warmer, but mornings are still pleasant and cool. Humidity is low, making for clear skies.

    Tigers are increasingly active around waterholes as the heat builds, making for excellent big cat photography opportunities.

    We find Tadoba Andhari particularly rewarding this month, as the heat concentrates wildlife around its few water sources.

    Tadoba Andhari
    Bandhavgarh
    Ranthambore
    +1

    April

    peak

    Hot, Dry Season

    Very hot days, especially in central India, are typical. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are essential to avoid the midday heat.

    This is prime time for tiger sightings at waterholes, as animals are less dispersed and seek relief from the heat.

    We recommend embracing the heat for unparalleled tiger encounters, especially in the dry riverbeds of Bandhavgarh where sightings can be dramatic.

    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    Pench
    +1

    May

    peak

    Hot, Dry Season

    Extremely hot, often reaching peak temperatures before the monsoon. Humidity starts to rise towards the end of the month.

    Tiger sightings remain exceptional around dwindling water sources. Other wildlife also congregates, offering intense viewing.

    We find the intensity of May safaris incredibly rewarding, offering some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities for big cats.

    Kanha
    Pench
    Tadoba Andhari
    +1

    June

    high

    Hot, Dry Season (pre-monsoon)

    Still very hot, with increasing humidity as the monsoon approaches. Some pre-monsoon showers may occur, offering temporary relief.

    This is the last chance for dry season tiger sightings before many parks close. Animals are still concentrated around water.

    We suggest visiting parks that remain open, like Tadoba, for a final push of intense big cat action before the rains transform the landscape.

    Tadoba Andhari
    Pench (some zones)
    Kaziranga (before full monsoon closure)

    July

    low

    Monsoon/Green Season

    Heavy rainfall across much of India is typical. Landscapes become lush and green, and humidity is high.

    Tiger sightings are difficult due to dense vegetation and park closures. This is excellent for birding and specific species like rhinos in Kaziranga.

    We recommend Kaziranga National Park this month, where the rhinos thrive in the wet conditions and the landscapes are stunningly vibrant.

    Kaziranga
    Periyar (South India)
    Some zones of Satpura (check specific lodge access)

    August

    low

    Monsoon/Green Season

    Continued heavy rainfall, though often interspersed with sunny periods. The country is incredibly lush and green.

    Ideal for photography of vibrant landscapes and smaller creatures. Birdlife is active, but tiger sightings are rare.

    We find the Western Ghats particularly beautiful during the monsoon, offering unique opportunities for endemic wildlife and birding.

    Kaziranga
    Periyar
    Eravikulam (Western Ghats)

    September

    low

    Post-Monsoon/Green Season

    Rainfall begins to subside, but landscapes remain very green and humidity is still high. Temperatures start to cool slightly.

    Parks start to reopen towards the end of the month. Good for birding, and tiger sightings improve as vegetation thins.

    We suggest targeting parks that reopen late September, like Ranthambore, to witness the fresh, vibrant post-monsoon scenery.

    Ranthambore (late Sept)
    Corbett (late Sept)
    Kaziranga (reopening)

    October

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon/Cool Season

    Pleasant temperatures return, with clear skies and dropping humidity. This is ideal safari weather as the air is fresh.

    Parks are fully open. Tiger sightings improve significantly as water sources are replenished and vegetation thins. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We love the fresh feel of the parks in October, making it a fantastic time for a well-rounded safari experience with good sightings and comfortable weather.

    Ranthambore
    Bandhavgarh
    Kanha
    +1

    November

    high

    Cool, Dry Season

    Excellent, comfortable weather prevails. Cool mornings and evenings are balanced by warm, sunny days with low humidity.

    Prime tiger viewing conditions are in full swing. Lush but thinning vegetation and excellent birding with many migratory species present.

    We recommend exploring the diverse ecosystems of Kanha, where the meadows are vibrant and tiger activity is consistently strong.

    Kanha
    Pench
    Satpura
    +1

    December

    peak

    Cool, Dry Season

    Crisp, cool mornings and evenings are characteristic, with pleasant sunny days. This is ideal safari weather for all activities.

    Excellent tiger sightings continue. Many migratory birds are settled, making it a good time for all wildlife viewing.

    We find the festive atmosphere combined with superb wildlife viewing makes December a truly special time for a safari, especially in the central parks.

    Bandhavgarh
    Ranthambore
    Tadoba Andhari
    +1
    Planning & reference

    Mukurthi offers a different kind of safari experience, focusing on its unique montane grasslands and the elusive Nilgiri Tahr. We love the dramatic landscapes and the feeling of stepping back in time. The cooler climate makes for incredibly comfortable exploration, and the relative quiet allows for true immersion in nature.

    Gate Times

    Mukurthi National Park gates typically open around 6:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM. However, specific timings can vary, and it's essential to check with the forest department or your lodge for the most current information. Entry often requires permits, which can sometimes be booked in advance, especially during peak season. We recommend confirming all permit requirements well before your arrival to avoid any last minute issues.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary in India, though not strictly mandatory. For guides and drivers, we suggest a tip of around 500-1000 Indian Rupees per day, depending on the service quality and duration of your safari. For lodge staff, a general tip of 200-500 Rupees per day for the entire team is appreciated, often pooled and distributed. Rangers do not typically accept tips, but a small token of appreciation for exceptional service might be acceptable in some contexts. Always tip discreetly.

    Dress Code

    We advise dressing in muted, earthy tones like khaki, olive green, and brown to blend in with the natural surroundings and avoid startling wildlife. Layers are key; mornings and evenings can be cool, especially from October to March. Pack comfortable trousers and long-sleeved shirts for protection against the sun and insects. Avoid bright colours and black or dark blue, which can attract tsetse flies in some regions (though less of a concern here). Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

    Photography

    Photography is generally permitted, but be mindful of restrictions in sensitive areas or near certain structures. Flash photography is usually discouraged as it can disturb wildlife. Drones are typically prohibited within national parks without special permits, which are difficult to obtain. We love capturing the vast grasslands and the unique Shola forests. Early morning and late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and beautiful shots.

    Etiquette

    Maintain a low noise level on game drives to avoid disturbing the animals. Always stay within designated vehicles or paths unless accompanied by a guide. Never feed or attempt to touch wildlife. Respect the natural environment and avoid littering. In camp, be considerate of other guests and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Remember, we are visitors in their home.

    What to Bring

    Binoculars (essential for spotting distant wildlife)
    Sunscreen (high SPF)
    Insect repellent
    Hat with a wide brim
    Comfortable walking shoes
    Lightweight rain jacket (for unexpected showers)
    Personal first-aid kit
    Reusable water bottle
    Camera with zoom lens
    Power bank for charging devices
    Warm fleece or jacket for cool evenings
    Small backpack for day trips

    Temperature

    19.19°C

    67°F · Range: 14.57–23.35°C

    Rainfall

    134.7 mm

    Wet season · 12.8 rainy days

    Humidity

    73.9%

    Sunshine

    10.8 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    2.66 m/s

    9.6 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Mukurthi National Park Reviews