Mudumalai has the distinction of being the first widlife sanctuary to be created in South India in 1940. Strategically located near Bandipur National Park, Waynad Sanctuary and the Sigur and Singara reserve forests, it also comes under the proposed Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Nestled on the northeastern slopes of the Nilgiris, this undulating hilly terrain of the Western Ghats lies on the interstate boundaries of Karnataka and Kerala. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs right through the park. It follows the course of the Moyar River, the most importance source of water in the sanctuary, which also separates Mudumalai from adjoining Bandipur. Since most other streams dry up in early June, you have a good chance of sighting wildlife in the dry season around the Moyar. The best and quietest way to explore the forests is on an elephant.

The flora and fauna are similar to that of the neighbouring Bandipur National Park, so this is another fine area to view elephants. You can interact closely with the mahouts at the Elephant Training Camp at Theppakadu, which has the distinction of the highest number of elephant births in captivity. The best months for visiting are February to May and September to October.

Fauna:
Primary among Mudumalai's predators are Tiger and Dhole, the Asiatic Wild Dog, who hunt in packs. The leopard is usually seen in the Kargudi area. Other mammals include Striped Hyena, Jackal and the omnivorous Sloth Bear. Asian Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Indian Muntjac, Mouse Deer and Wild Boar can also be seen moving through the forest. Primates like Bonnet Macaque and Langur and rodents like the Giant Squirrel and Flying Squirrel dominate the trees. Among the reptiles, the Monitor Lizard is the most regularly observed species. The adjacent Annamalai Sanctuary has two exclusive species not found in Mudumalai - the Nilgiri Langur and Lion-tailed Macaque.

Bird life is rich. In the cool, dense forests, you'll find regional endemics like Malabar Trogon, Malabar Grey Hornbill and the White-bellied Woodpecker, with its striking red crest. Other birds found here are Yellow-billed Babbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Pacific Swallow, Orphean Warbler, Temminck's Stint, White-rumped Needletail and Grass Owl. The Scops Owl is more heard than seen, while the predatory birds include Crested Hawk Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagle.

Flora:
The forest can be broadly classified into three main types: Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous and Southern Tropical Thorn forest or scrub jungle.