46-695: Many Ghat Roads can be found in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu , Southern India . Nearly all of the district is located in the Nilgiri Hills , part of the Western Ghats mountains. This area borders the states of Karnataka and Kerala . The hills consequently can be reached by road from three states. Most of these Ghat Roads go through heavily forested mountains and contain a number of sharp hair-pin bends. There are five main Ghat Roads leading into
92-490: A 40 km (25 mi) long stretch of a state highway passing through the park. A 0.913 m (2 ft 11.9 in) long roadkilled Bibron's coral snake was found in September 2016. Proliferating tourism resorts and increasing demand for firewood at the national park's periphery are also considered threats to its ecosystem. In 1995, the annual firewood need was estimated at 376 kg (829 lb) per person living in
138-601: A dry stream bed outside the protected area. December to March is the breeding season of yellow-crowned woodpecker ( Leiopicus mahrattensis ), streak-throated woodpecker ( Picus xanthopygaeus ), yellow-throated sparrow ( Gymnoris xanthocollis ), blue-bearded bee-eater ( Nyctyornis atherton ), Indian robin ( Saxicoloides fulicatus ), scaly-breasted munia ( Lonchura punctulata ) and white-rumped munia ( L. striata ). Spot-bellied eagle-owl, Oriental scops owl ( Otus sunia ), brown boobook ( Ninox scutulata ) and jungle owlet ( Glaucidium radiatum ) are known night birds in
184-542: A few of these ghats during rains. Locations of Ghat Roads in the state of Karnataka include: Locations of Ghat Roads in the state of Kerala include: Locations of Ghat Roads in the state of Maharashtra include: The Eastern Ghats stretch along India's eastern coast, located between the Bay of Bengal and the Deccan Plateau . Locations of Ghat Roads in the state of Andhra Pradesh include: Locations of Ghat Roads in
230-481: A height of 32 m (105 ft) and a girth of 8.45 m (27.7 ft) was detected in the Moyar River valley in 2019; it was used by white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) , brown fish owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) , spot-bellied eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis) , crested honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) , changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) and shikra (Accipiter badius) for roosting. During
276-2255: A mean 12.9 m (42 ft) height, a mean density of 499 trees/ha (202 trees/acre) and a canopy height of at least 6.86 m (22.5 ft). In 2013, a painted bat ( Kerivoula picta ) was sighted in the eastern part of the tiger reserve. Birds observed from 1994 to 1996 comprised 266 species; the 213 resident ones include Malabar grey hornbill ( Ocyceros griseus ), Indian grey hornbill ( O. birostris ), Indian peafowl ( Pavo cristatus ), Bonelli's eagle ( Aquila fasciata ), crested serpent eagle ( Spilornis cheela ), black eagle ( Ictinaetus malaiensis ), besra ( Accipiter virgatus ) and crested goshawk ( A. trivirgatus ), white-rumped shama ( Copsychus malabaricus ), Indian roller ( Coracias benghalensis ), greater flameback ( Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus ) and white-naped woodpecker ( C. festivus ), black-rumped flameback ( Dinopium benghalense ), white-bellied woodpecker ( Dryocopus javensis ), heart-spotted woodpecker ( Hemicircus canente ), rufous woodpecker ( Micropternus brachyurus ), greater racket-tailed drongo ( Dicrurus paradiseus ), grey-bellied cuckoo ( Cacomantis passerinus ) and Indian cuckoo ( Cuculus micropterus ), coppersmith barbet ( Psilopogon haemacephalus ), white-cheeked barbet ( P. viridis ) and brown-headed barbet ( P. zeylanicus ), grey francolin ( Ortygornis pondicerianus ), speckled piculet ( Picumnus innominatus ), Indian pond heron ( Ardeola grayii ), white-throated kingfisher ( Halcyon smyrnensis ), blue-winged parakeet ( Psittacula columboides ), Nilgiri wood pigeon ( Columba elphinstonii ), common emerald dove ( Chalcophaps indica ), yellow-footed pigeon ( Treron phoenicoptera ), red spurfowl ( Galloperdix spadicea ) and grey junglefowl ( Gallus sonneratii ), painted bush quail ( Perdicula erythrorhyncha ), crimson-backed sunbird ( Leptocoma minima ), Loten's sunbird ( Cinnyris lotenius ), forest wagtail ( Dendronanthus indicus ), white-browed wagtail ( Motacilla maderaspatensis ) black-and-orange flycatcher ( Ficedula nigrorufa ), Eurasian golden oriole ( Oriolus oriolus ) and black-hooded oriole ( O. xanthornus ). In 2004, pin-striped tit-babblers ( Mixornis gularis ) were observed in
322-531: A surrounding buffer zone of 367.59 km (141.93 sq mi) was designated as the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The elevation range of 250–1,200 m (820–3,940 ft) in the Western Ghats is characterised by evergreen forest with dipterocarp species prevailing. Its undulating hills consist mostly of hornblendite and biotite gneiss with black sandy loam ; red heavy loam prevails in
368-606: A toll had to be paid for vehicles entering the Nilgiris district at the village of Burliar, which also provides a rest stop on the route. The road was shut in 2010 due to landslides caused by heavy rains in the region. Subsequently, the National Highways Authority of India had the road re-laid which got eroded, again due to rains. In 2012, the Highways Department decided to initiate criminal proceedings against
414-577: Is a short-cut branch off the Gudalur ghat at Theppakadu in Mudumalai. This route saves approximately 30 km (19 mi) on the standard Gudalur route, though it is by far the steeper route and is generally limited to short wheel-base vehicles. It has 36 hairpin bends and is closed overnight. Route: Karamadai (Coimbatore)-Athikadavu-Mulli-Geddai-Manjoor-Kundha Dam-Yedakadu-Mount Lawrence ( Avalanji Road )-Emerald Cross Road-Muthurai Palada-Fern Hill- Ooty This
460-512: Is a smaller ghat for local Coimbatore city traffic towards Ooty, and is used as a backup road on the rare occasions that both the Coonoor Ghat and the Kotagiri Ghat are closed. The road is narrow with 48 hairpin bends below Manjoor. At Geddai, near the bottom of the ghat at 1,885 feet (575 m) there are two hydroelectric power stations [1] . From Manjoor, at the top of the ghat, the distance
506-508: Is also known as the Kallar Ghat , as it follows the valley of the Kallar and Coonoor rivers. It is by far the most traveled of all the Ghat Roads as it is the main access from the home state of Tamil Nadu. It has 14 numbered Hairpin bends and was recently (c.2003) taken over to be owned and maintained by the National Highways Authority of India and is now part of National Highway 181 . Previously
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#1732855898737552-458: Is bordered in the west by Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary , in the north by Bandipur National Park and in the east by Sigur Reserve Forest . In the south, it is bordered by Singara Reserve Forest. The Moyar River enters the national park in the south and is joined by five tributaries. Together they drain this area, and several artificial waterholes provide drinking water for wildlife during dry seasons. The original national park area together with
598-440: Is continuous in the national park's moist deciduous forest; in the drier eastern part, it inhabits foremost riverine habitat with contiguous canopy . It builds nests in trees with a mean canopy height of 10.6 m (35 ft) and feeds on 25 plant species including teak, Indian laurel and Grewia tiliifolia . The Indian giant flying squirrel ( Petaurista philippensis ) inhabits foremost moist deciduous forest with old trees of
644-579: Is drained by the Moyar River and several tributaries, which harbour 38 fish species. Traffic on three public roads passing through the national park has caused significant roadkills of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The park's northern part has been affected by several wildfires since 1999. The word Mudumalai is a Tamil word with முது 'mutu' meaning old, ancient, original; and முதுகாடு 'mudhukadu' meaning ancient forest. The word மலை 'malai' means hill or mountain. The name 'Mudumalai forest'
690-455: Is equidistant to either Ooty or Coonoor via other district roads. ODR. Until recently, all access roads to the Nilgiri hills were toll roads in order to facilitate the high maintenance costs. Roads are now in much better condition that a few years ago. However, it is not uncommon for a route to be closed for several days or even weeks due to landslips . If so traffic is usually diverted onto one of
736-561: Is interspersed with giant thorny bamboo ( Bambusa bambos ) . Mango ( Mangifera indica ) and persimmon ( Diospyros ) grow along river courses. Climbers include orange climber ( Zanthoxylum asiaticum ) , Wattakaka volubilis , frangipani vine ( Chonemorpha fragrans ) , trellis-vine ( Pergularia daemia ) , purple morning glory ( Argyreia cuneata ) , striped cucumber ( Diplocyclos palmatus ) and several jasmine species. Ceylon satinwood ( Chloroxylon swietenia ) , red cedar ( Erythroxylum monogynum ) and catechu ( Senegalia catechu ) are
782-537: Is slightly less travelled as it is a slightly longer route from Mettupalayam to Ooty than the route via Coonoor , though as of 2012 the road condition is superior to the Coonoor Ghat road. It is also statistically less vulnerable to landslips. It is possible to divert from this route to Coonoor. There is a link from Aravenu to Bandishola . Travellers reach Mettupalayam from Coimbatore and from Chennai via Erode and Gobichettipalayam . Route: Coimbatore - Mettupalayam -Kallar- Burliar -Coonoor- Ooty - Pykara This
828-616: The Nilgiri District and shares boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala . A part of this area has been protected since 1940. The national park has been part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve since 1986 and was declared a tiger reserve together with a buffer zone of 367.59 km (141.93 sq mi) in 2007. It receives an annual rainfall of about 1,420 mm (56 in) and harbours tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests with 498 plant species, at least 266 bird species, 18 carnivore and 10 herbivore species. It
874-557: The Pykara Dam and Pykara falls " . As with the Coonoor Ghat, from 2003-2006 this route was in a terrible state of repair. This route towards Gudalur from Ooty is the continuation of the same "National Highway" NH67 which makes up the Coonoor Ghat. National Highway 67 terminates in Gudulur where it joins National Highway 212 towards Gundlupet. Route: Mudumalai -Kalhatti-Ooty This is also known as Kalhatti Ghat (or simply 'Steep Ghat'). There
920-591: The southwest monsoon season from June to September. The temperature drops during the cool season from December to January, but rises during April to June, which are the hottest months. Annual precipitation ranges from 1,100 mm (43 in) in the south and west to 600 mm (24 in) in the east. Mudumalai National Park harbours tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests . The floral diversity comprises 498 plant species including 154 tree , 77 shrub , 214 herb and 53 vine species. Teak (Tectona grandis) and axlewood ( Anogeissus latifolia ) are
966-408: The Moyar River in 2010 and 2011. Their habitat preference was studied between 2015 and 2017; the groups preferred rocky areas near fast flowing water with loose sand and little vegetation cover. The Asian elephant is the largest mammal in the park with an estimated 536–1,001 individuals in 25 herds in 2000. Herds comprise up to 22 individuals. The gaur ( Bos gaurus ) is the largest ungulate in
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#17328558987371012-477: The Moyar River valley foraged on leaves, flowers and fruits of several tree and shrub species including tamarind ( Tamarindus indica ), banyan fig ( Ficus benghalensis ), wild jujube ( Ziziphus oenoplia ), neem ( Azadirachta indica ), kaayam ( Memecylon edule ) and indigoberry ( Randia malabarica ), but also consumed herbs, crickets and grasshoppers . The range of the Indian giant squirrel ( Ratufa indica )
1058-590: The NHAI, under Section 133 of Criminal Penal Code, dealing with acts endangering human life, due to non maintenance of the road. Route: Gundlupet - Bandipur - Mudumalai - Gudalur -Ooty This is also simply known as the Mysore Ghat or Mysore Road. It is the main access route from Karnataka and Kerala. Travellers from Karnataka reach Gundlupet via the Mysore -Gundlupet National Highway 212 and travellers from Kerala reach Gudalur via
1104-484: The Nilgiris: Route: Erode - Gobichettipalayam - Sathyamangalam - Mettupalayam - Aravenu - Kotagiri - Ooty The Kotagiri Ghat is the oldest known route into the Nilgiris. It approximately follows the route taken by John Sullivan on his discovery trips in 1819. The distance between Mettupalayam and Kotagiri on this road is 33 km and it has only 4 hair pin bends. This road is part of State Highway 15 . It
1150-695: The bulk of its diet apart from fungus-growing termites ( Odontotermes ), fire ants and honey bees . Small Indian civet ( Viverricula indica ), Asian palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus ) and brown palm civet ( P. jerdoni ) live in both deciduous and semi-evergreen forest patches; ruddy mongoose ( Urva smithii ) lives foremost in deciduous forest, whereas stripe-necked mongoose ( U. vitticollis ) frequents riverine areas, and Indian grey mongoose U. edwardsii open habitats. The mongooses forage foremost for pill millipedes , dung beetles , fruits, small rodents , birds and reptiles. Smooth-coated otter ( Lutrogale perspicillata ) groups were observed along
1196-557: The continuation of National Highway 212 from Kozhikode - Sultan Bathery . One traveller commented about this route: "The road from Mysore is arguably the most scenic with a long stretch that runs through the Mudumalai National Park, and if travelling in the early morning or late evening, you will definitely spot wildlife feeding along the road, even the odd carnivore. There are majestic stands of Eucalyptus amidst well tended tea estates as you near Gudalur, and then you drive past
1242-530: The dominant plants in shrubland patches. Lantana camara is an invasive species that negatively affects the dispersal of the native Indian gooseberry ( Phyllanthus emblica ) and Kydia calycina , but does not affect growth and dispersal of other shrubs. A study on nesting behaviour of birds revealed that red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) and red-whiskered bulbul (P. jocosus) prefer its top canopy level for building nests in spring. An exceptionally large arjun tree ( Terminalia arjuna ) with
1288-515: The dominant tree species with a density of more than 105 trees/ha (42 trees/acre). Prominent tree species include flame-of-the-forest ( Butea monosperma ) , Indian laurel ( Terminalia elliptica ) , kusum tree ( Schleichera oleosa) , weaver's beam tree ( Schrebera swietenioides ) , Malabar kino tree ( Pterocarpus marsupium ) , Indian rosewood ( Dalbergia latifolia ) , Malabar plum ( Syzygium cumini ) , silk-cotton tree ( Bombax ceiba ) and Indian beech ( Millettia pinnata ) ; moist deciduous forest
1334-470: The major flowering season, 394 nests of the giant honey bee ( Apis dorsata ) were detected in the park between January and June 2007; bee colonies comprised an average of 19 nests, mostly built in large trees. A survey carried out between November 2008 and February 2009 revealed that about 29 Indian leopards ( Panthera pardus fusca ) and 19 Bengal tigers ( P. tigris tigris ) lived in the park's core area of 107 km (41 sq mi). As of 2018,
1380-571: The mountainous Western and Eastern Ghats , mountain ranges of the Indian subcontinent . These roads are remarkable feats of engineering, and most were constructed during the British Raj . Ghat Roads were built to connect to the hill stations established in the mountains for residents to avoid summer heat. They generally served to connect coastal areas with the upper Deccan Plateau . The Indian state of Tamil Nadu has highest number of Ghat Roads. The Western Ghats are bounded by Tapti River to
1426-814: The national highway passing through the park including Indirana frogs, Indian skipper frog ( Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis ) , bronzed frog ( Indosylvirana temporalis ) , pigmy wrinkled frog ( Nyctibatrachus beddomii ) , Asian common toad ( Duttaphrynus melanostictus ) , common green forest lizard ( Calotes calotes ) , Blanford's rock agama (Psammophilus blanfordanus) , Mysore day gecko (Cnemaspis mysoriensis) , bronze grass skink ( Eutropis macularia ) , green keelback ( Rhabdophis plumbicolor ) , trinket snake (Coelognathus helena) , Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) , common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and hump-nosed viper ( Hypnale hypnale ) . Between January 2014 and December 2016, 497 Indian palm squirrels (Funambulus palmarum) were found killed in traffic collisions on
Nilgiri Ghat Roads - Misplaced Pages Continue
1472-577: The north, and the Eastern Ghats are bounded by Mahanadi River to the north. The Western Ghats lie between coastal plains adjoining the Arabian Sea and the Deccan Plateau . There are many Ghat Roads which connect Karavali districts with the Malenadu and Bayaluseemae regions. Most of these ghats are very scenic during monsoon season in the months of June, July, and August. Landslides can occur in
1518-622: The other ghats. The Nilgiris have been totally cut off on all routes on rare occasions. As the supply infrastructure depends on these routes, any road activity (such as a closure) is reflected in the prices. During the main tourist season, a one-way system is implemented between the first two ghat roads mentioned. Uphill traffic goes from Coimbatore to Ooty via Coonoor, whereas downhill traffic goes from Ooty to Coimbatore via Kotagiri. Ghat Roads 13°38′32″N 79°22′20″E / 13.6422638°N 79.3721351°E / 13.6422638; 79.3721351 Ghat Roads are access routes into
1564-402: The park, with herds of up to 42 individuals that frequent foremost grasslands in the vicinity of water sources. The sambar deer ( Cervus unicolor ) forms smaller groups of up to five individuals, but also congregates in groups of up to 45 individuals in the wet season. The chital ( Axis axis ) forms large groups of at least 35 individuals, with some herds increasing to more than 100 members in
1610-408: The park; 50 individuals were killed by poachers . Traffic on three public roads cutting through Mudumalai National Park pose a significant threat to the park's wildlife; between December 1998 and March 1999 alone, 180 animals belonging to 40 species were killed by drivers. Between December 2006 and November 2007, 101 amphibians and 78 reptiles became roadkills on a 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch of
1656-1247: The region. A juvenile cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) was recorded in spring 2019. The vulture populations in Moyar River valley were surveyed in March 2019. About 200 white-rumped vultures and about 30 active white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) nests were observed; Indian vultures (G. indicus) and red-headed vultures (Sarcogyps calvus) were sighted at several locations. Sightings of migrating birds include booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) , rufous-bellied eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) , Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) , common buzzard (Buteo buteo) , western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and pallid harrier (C. macrourus) , cotton pygmy goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) , knob-billed duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) , northern pintail (Anas acuta) and rosy starling (Pastor roseus) . White storks ( Ciconia ciconia ) were observed in December 2013 and February 2014. In 1992, six Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) were sighted in scrubland at elevations of 850–950 m (2,790–3,120 ft). An ornate flying snake ( Chrysopelea ornata )
1702-469: The release of funds to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the frame of Project Tiger. In 2020, Project Tiger has been extended until 2021 with funding of ₹ 114.1 million borne by the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu . Mudumalai National Park covers 321 km (124 sq mi) in the eastern hills of the Western Ghats at an elevation range of 850–1,250 m (2,790–4,100 ft); it
1748-577: The southern part. It is part of the ecoregion South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests . Mudumalai National Park and the adjacent Sigur Reserve Forest form an important wildlife corridor within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and provide the highest landscape connectivity for the Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ) population in the region. Mudumalai National Park receives about 1,420 mm (56 in) rainfall annually, most of it during
1794-529: The state of Odisha include: The state of Tamil Nadu has the most Ghat Roads, which include: Locations of Ghat Roads in the state of Telangana include: Mudumalai National Park Mudumalai National Park is a national park in the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu in southern India. It covers 321 km (124 sq mi) at an elevation range of 850–1,250 m (2,790–4,100 ft) in
1840-872: The tiger population in the wider Mudumalai Tiger Reserve was estimated to comprise 103 resident individuals. Jungle cat ( Felis chaus ), rusty-spotted cat ( Prionailurus rubiginosus ) and leopard cat ( P. bengalensis ) were recorded during camera trap surveys in 2010–2011 and 2018. Two dhole ( Cuon alpinus ) packs were monitored during 1989–1993 and had home ranges of 83.3 and 54.2 km (32.2 and 20.9 sq mi); packs comprised between four and 25 individuals during this period. Golden jackal ( Canis aureus ), and Nilgiri marten ( Martes gwatkinsii ) were also recorded in 2018. Scat of sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus ) collected along forest roads and animal trails contained remains of 18 plant species with golden shower ( Cassia fistula ), Indian plum ( Zizyphus mauritiana ) and clammy cherry ( Cordia obliqua ) forming
1886-771: The wet season. Chital, Indian spotted chevrotain ( Moschiola indica ) and Indian muntjac ( Muntiacus muntjak ) have been recorded eating fallen fruit of the Indian gooseberry in a forest monitoring plot; they are therefore considered to be the primary seed dispersers in the park. Present are also four-horned antelope ( Tetracerus quadricornis ), blackbuck ( Antilope cervicapra ), wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata ) and Indian crested porcupine ( Hystrix indica ). Four bonnet macaque ( Macaca radiata ) troops were studied in 1997, which ranged in size from 28 to 35 members and lived in sympatry with gray langur ( Semnopithecus entellus ) troops. A troop in
Nilgiri Ghat Roads - Misplaced Pages Continue
1932-603: Was already in use when the British Government rented the forest in 1857 for logging purposes from the Raja of Neelambur . In 1914, large forest tracts on the Sigur Plateau were declared as reserve forest for systematic logging. An area of about 60 km (23 sq mi) was established as Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in 1940. The sanctuary was enlarged in 1977 and incorporated into Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986. It
1978-575: Was declared as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in April 2007 and notified as 'Critical Tiger Habitat' in December 2007. At the time, 1947 people lived in 28 hamlets inside the reserve; they kept about 1,060 cattle . In 2010, it was proposed to resettle them. This notification was criticised by activists and conservationists as having been intransparent and undemocratic. In 2010, the National Tiger Conservation Authority approved
2024-524: Was discovered on the road in the Theppakadu area at an elevation of 894 m (2,933 ft) in August 2013, the first record since 1874. A Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) was recorded in 2018. The Indian rock python ( Python molurus ) was studied in the frame of a telemetry project in the Moyar River valley from 2017 to 2020. In February 2019, a 3.7 m (12 ft) long female Indian rock python
2070-620: Was observed mating with two smaller males measuring 1.98 and 2.22 m (6 ft 6 in and 7 ft 3 in). The Moyar River and tributaries harbour 38 fish species, including Nilgiri mystus ( Hemibagrus punctatus ) , Puntius mudumalaiensis , Puntius melanostigma , reba carp (Cirrhinus reba) , common carp (Cyprinus carpio) , Deccan mahseer ( Tor khudree ) , Malabar baril ( Barilius gatensis ) , mullya garra ( Garra mullya ) , zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus) and bullseye snakehead ( Channa marulius ) . From 1979 to 2011, remains of 148 dead Asian elephants were found in
2116-507: Was observed in 2006. The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) population in Moyar River was thought to encompass about 100 individuals as of 2009. Small reptiles recorded in Mudumalai National Park comprise striped coral snake ( Calliophis nigrescens ) , Elliot's forest lizard ( Monilesaurus ellioti ) , Jerdon's day gecko (Cnemaspis jerdonii) , Goan day gecko (C. indraneildasii) and Beddome's ground skink ( Kaestlea beddomii ) . A dead Bibron's coral snake ( Calliophis bibroni )
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