Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve lies in the montane rainforests of the southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts, about 45 km west of Tirunelveli. It was formed in 1988 by joining the Kalakad and Mundanthurai sanctuaries, both set up in 1962, and ranks second in size among Tamil Nadu's protected areas. It forms part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, and the Agasthyamalai hills at its core are counted among India's five centres of biodiversity and endemism.

The land rises from 40 to 1,800 metres, with Agasthyamalai at 1,681 metres in the core zone. Fourteen rivers and streams rise here, including the Thamirabarani, Manimuthar and Servalar, feeding seven dams and the water supply of three districts. Its records include at least 150 endemic plants, 273 kinds of bird, 81 reptiles, 77 mammals and 37 amphibians. Kani tribal hamlets and tea and coffee estates also lie within its bounds.