She will head to Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve and meet Bomman and Belli of ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ fame

Mysore/Mysuru: President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Mysuru on Aug. 5. Her special flight will land at the Mysuru Airport in Mandakalli at 11 and from there, she will take a helicopter to Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. The chopper is scheduled to land at an airstrip in Masinagudi

According to the President’s itinerary, she will participate in a programme at Mudhumalai and fly back to the Mysuru Airport in the chopper and leave for Chennai in the special flight. The Mysuru City and District Police have planned a security blanket around the President and this afternoon, a special protection team will arrive at the Airport to inspect the arrangements.

Security forces are also expected to conduct a rehearsal to accord a ceremonial welcome to the President as per protocol. 

At Nilgiris, the Elephant Camp at Theppakadu in Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve at Gudalur has been closed for visitors in connection with President’s maiden visit. Murmu is likely to meet the tribal couple Bomman and Belli, whose life was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’.

According to Nilgiris district administration, President Murmu is also expected to meet a few leaders from indigenous tribes, including the Badaga community, who are the most influential in the district.

It may be mentioned here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the elephant camp on Apr. 9, 2023. He had interacted with the mahouts and also fed elephants. He had also met tribal couple Bomman and Belli.