Mukurthi

Mukurthi is a mountain peak and a national park located in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India. The peak itself reaches an elevation of 2,544 meters (8,346 feet). The Mukurthi National Park is renowned for its unique shola grassland ecosystem, characterized by small patches of evergreen forests interspersed with rolling grasslands. This habitat is home to a variety of endemic and endangered species.

The park is a vital sanctuary for the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), a critically endangered mountain ungulate. Other notable fauna include the tiger, leopard, sambar deer, and various species of birds. The landscape is dramatic, with steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and clear streams. Mukurthi is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its ecological significance.

The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1973 and later upgraded to a national park in 1990. Its remote location and protected status contribute to its well-preserved natural state. Access to the park is regulated to minimize human impact. The shola forests play a crucial role in water conservation, feeding many rivers and streams in the region. Mukurthi is a prime example of the delicate biodiversity found in the Western Ghats.