Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Elephant Reserve

Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Elephant Reserve, commonly known as the MM Hills Elephant Reserve, is one of Karnataka’s most important elephant conservation landscapes. Situated in the south-eastern part of the state, it forms a critical wildlife corridor between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. The reserve enables free movement of elephants between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and supports one of southern India’s largest interconnected elephant populations.

Location

The reserve lies in Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka along the Tamil Nadu border. It adjoins Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Tiger Reserve to the west, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve to the south and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary to the east.

Brief History

The reserve was notified under Project Elephant on 25 August 2002 to conserve elephant habitats and secure one of India’s most important wildlife corridors connecting the Nilgiri landscape with the Eastern Ghats.

Description

• State: Karnataka
• Notification Date: 25 August 2002
• Total Area: Approximately 906 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Deccan Peninsula (Eastern Ghats–Western Ghats transition)
• Elevation: Approximately 600–1,800 metres above mean sea level

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

• Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (now part of MM Hills Tiger Reserve)
• Hanur Forest Division
• Kollegal Forest Division (adjoining landscape)

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve comprises tropical dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, scrub forests, riverine forests and bamboo brakes. Numerous seasonal streams and rugged hill ranges create a diverse habitat supporting elephants, large carnivores and herbivores.

Flora

Common tree species include Teak, Sandalwood, Terminalia, Indian Kino, Albizia, Bamboo, Jamun, Flame-of-the-Forest and several medicinal plants typical of southern India’s dry deciduous forests.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Dhole (Wild Dog)
• Sloth Bear
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Four-horned Antelope
• Striped Hyena
• Indian Giant Squirrel
• Grey Junglefowl
• Peafowl
• More than 250 bird species

Elephant Conservation

MM Hills Elephant Reserve is a cornerstone of southern India’s elephant conservation strategy. It links the elephant populations of BRT Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, ensuring long-term genetic exchange and seasonal migration across state boundaries.

Weather

• Summer: 20–36°C
• Winter: 12–24°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 800–1,200 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to March offers the best weather for wildlife observation and trekking.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airports: Mysuru and Bengaluru
• Nearest Railway Stations: Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
• By Road: Easily accessible via Kollegal, Hanur and Chamarajanagar.

Where to Stay

• Karnataka Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to advance booking)
• Government-operated eco-tourism accommodation managed by MM Hills Tiger Reserve

Nearby Attractions

• MM Hills Tiger Reserve
• Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Tiger Reserve
• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
• Male Mahadeshwara Temple

Did You Know?

The MM Hills landscape is one of the few places in India where elephants regularly move between the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, making it indispensable for maintaining one of Asia’s largest interconnected elephant populations.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026