Mudumalai, meaning 'old hills' is not only one of the first wildlife sanctuaries in the country but also one of the most beautiful. During the summer, the deciduous trees shed their green leaves and adopt a floral garb while the arrival of the monsoons hails fruits and tender greens. Mudumalai is actually made up of a number of hunting preserves - Kargudi, Theppakkadu and Masinagudi. Today, they are a safe refuge for the largest land mammal on earth, the elephant. Gaurs are also found in large numbers. Both cross over to and from Bandipur and large herds are easily seen. Splendid specimens of chital and sambar complete the picture of paradise in which the tiger also roams.

Mudumalai Wildlife Santuary is located at the foot of the Nilgiri hills or Blue Mountains in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is mainly an elephant preserve, with over 600 pachyderms here. As for predators, there are more panthers than tigers. You can also see jackals on the hunt for smaller animals. At least three different packs of dholes or wild dogs are operational in Mudumalai, largely preying on deer. The sloth bear is drawn to fruit, honey and termites, while the small mouse deer or the Indian chevrotain seek hideouts in the grasses or small bushes. Chital, sambar, gaur, tiger, panther, dhole, sloth bear and the wild boar are among the other denizens of the park. The river of the Sanctuary also houses the grand fish mahaseer.

Jungle cats, porcupine, mongoose and civet are other residents. Snakes and lizards camouflage themselves in the scrub and the common monitor lazes at ease on the roads; Bonnet macaques help disperse fruit seeds; you can't miss them on their frivolous excursions along the riverside and near fruiting trees. You can also spot the Malabar giant squirrel on tall trees in the forested areas. Otters and crocodiles, both of which hunt fish, populate the Moyar River.The croaking of frogs is part of the jungle chorus during the monsoons.