A National Park is a reserved area which is strictly maintained to improve wildlife and biodiversity. Activities like poaching, hunting and grazing are strictly not permitted in these areas. Usually spread around an area of 300 sq. km to 500 sq. km, the emphasis is totally on faunal and floral preservation.
National Parks are deemed as properties of Central Government and any breach of the stringent rules is offensive and punishable. Here is a look at the 5 Important National Parks in Tamil Nadu.
National Parks in Tamil Nadu
Guindy National Park
The Guindy National Park has a total area of 2.82 sq. km and is one of the smallest National Parks in the country. Located inside the bustling metro city of Chennai, the park is visited by a lot of people during the weekends.
There is a snake park near this place which has a large number of rare snakes like King Cobras, Pythons and Vipers. An ideal place for learning about snakes and their behavior, a trip to this place combined with Guindy National Park visit is worth your time.
Mudumalai National Park
The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northwestern side of the Nilgri Hills β about 50 km from Ooty. One of best natural places in Tamil Nadu, the National Park is home to a lot of wildlife.
It is easy to spot elephants, deer, langurs, monkeys and peacocks in the place. If you are lucky, you might even see a tiger. A vehicle safari is recommended through the dense parts of the park. The safaris are well organized and you will enjoy it a lot if you are a wildlife enthusiast.
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi who visited the park in 1960s. Located in the Annamalai Hills of Pollachi, the National Park is a fantastic place for nature lovers.
Animals like buffaloes, elephants, deer, leopards and wild boars can be spotted on a safari through the park. The wonderful weather with a lot of greenery and scenic places will make your journey around one of the most beautiful National Parks in Tamil Nadu an absolute treat.
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Located in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean, this Marine National Park is a protected area which has 21 small islands. The marine park which is between Tuticorin and Dhanushkodi, is spread over an area of 160 km.
Accessible using glass bottomed boats, the islands are a little far away from the mainland. One can get to see corals, sea weeds, sea marshes and sea grasses very clearly. The fauna types that can be seen include butterfly fish, bottle nosed dolphins, sea horses, pearl oysters, lobster and shrimps.
Mukurthi National Park
One of the most popular National Parks in Tamil Nadu, the Mukurthi National Park is spread across an area of 78.46 sq. km. Considered as one of the best natural places for trekking, there are wide varieties of birds and animals in the park.
One can get to see barking deer, jungle cats, jackals, buffaloes and other animals in the park. The Nilgiris Tahr is one of the main attractions in the place.
We have now given you enough information to decide which national park to visit next. Donβt wait!!
