Western Catchments, Protected natural area in The Nilgiris, India
Western Catchments is a protected area in the Nilgiri Hills featuring open grasslands at higher elevations and thick forest coverage in the valleys below. Streams run throughout the region, creating natural water channels that flow through the landscape.
The region served as a filming location for regional productions during the 20th century until environmental protections limited such activities. This shift marked the move from active use toward stricter conservation focus.
Local communities have inhabited these highlands for centuries and continue to maintain their traditional ways within the protected boundaries. The relationship between people and land shapes how the area is used and valued today.
Access requires a permit from the Forest Department, and visitors should carry sufficient water, food, and wear appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions. Preparing for changeable weather and uneven terrain ensures a more comfortable experience.
The area shelters rare wildlife including Nilgiri tahrs and sambars that live mainly in this part of the Western Ghats. These highlands provide a crucial refuge for species found nowhere else in such numbers.
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