Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, India, near the Bandipur National Park. It is known as a place to see elephants, tigers, peacocks, deer and other animals.

Understand[edit]

Nilgiris district has been declared a plastic-free zone.

Do not feed animals. This may disrupt the ecosystem as animals will start depending on tourists for food. This can also lead to human-animal conflict

History[edit]

Mudumalai means Old mountain in Tamil.

Landscape[edit]

The terrain is hilly.

Flora and fauna[edit]

Mudumalai National Park has one of the highest density of animals in India. Teak forests are found in most of the areas of the national park.

Climate[edit]

The climate is hotter than Ooty. Some parts of Mudumalai National Park comes under Rain-shadow region. Dry weather prevails during the summer months.

Get in[edit]

The nearest city is Gudalur.

• Mudumalai is accessible via the NH - 67
  • 93 km from Mysore
  • 35 km from Ooty (shortest route with dangerous curves)

  • 

    67 km from Ooty (Ooty - Gudalur - Mysore Highway)
  • 3 km from Gudalur (National Park limit begins)
  • 17 km from Gudalur to reach Theppakadu

Fees and permits[edit]

Tamil Nadu Forest Department runs a Tourist Dormitory (Peacock Dormitory) at Kargudi, a tribal village 3 km away from Theppakadu on the way to Gudalur.

Get around[edit]

It's good to have your own vehicle. Another choice is to hire a four-wheel-drive.

See[edit]

Visit

• Needle rock view point (10 km from Gudalur on the way to Ooty)
• frog hill view point (12 km from Gudalur on the way to Ooty)
• Chandanamalai temple (around 15 km from Gudalur in O'valley road)
• spices gardens
• genepool garden
• nature trek

Enjoy the panoramic scenery.

Singara Hydro-power station is 6 km from Masinagudi.

Do[edit]

You can go for an elephant safari there and also have a jungle safari organised by the forest department.

You can volunteer at local animal welfare charity IPAN, staying at their project or nearby in Masinagudi town.

Buy[edit]

Spices, tea dust, coffee powder, handicrafts

Hill products, honey, Eucalyptus oils Jackfruit, mango. Gudalur is best to purchase tea pockets with a cheap rate.

Eat[edit]

Sleep[edit]

• Greenwoods Nature Camp, Thorapally, Mudmalai (2.5 km off Ooty Mysore Highway), ☏ +91 9620401689, [email protected]. Check-in: 11:30AM, check-out: 11:00AM. Offers accommodation, Jeep safari, camp fire, trekking. ₹750 to ₹2500. 
• Jungle Home, Mudumalai Border, Thorapally, Gudalur Road (10 km from Mudumalai forest office, on the gudalur road), ☏ +91 99000 87611, +91 9448485160, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹1200 to ₹2500 per person including all three meals and accommodation. 
• Rockgardens holiday resorts, Mudumalai

Camping[edit]

Backcountry[edit]

Stay safe[edit]

Dangerous animals like hungry bengal tigers and bull elephants are a problem around Masinagudi, so be careful when trekking. Mosquitoes are a problem so bring plenty of repellent and wear light-coloured clothes that cover your arms and legs.

Go next[edit]

• Ooty
• Mukurthi National Park
• Mysore
• Gundlupet
• Bandipur National Park
• Chamarajanagar
• Nanjangud