Mudumalai National Park

History

In Tamil language, Mudu means old, malai means mountain. Thus the word Mudumalai stands for Old mountain.

Landscape

Hilly terrain with slopes.

Flora and fauna

There is a variety of flora and fauna. Mudumalai National Park is one of the highest density of animals in India. Teak forests are found in most of the areas of the national park.

Climate

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

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

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

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

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.

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 .

Nilgiris district is declared as plastic-free zone. It is better to avoid plastic carry bags.

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

For a pure vegetarian people, there are some problem.

• Greenwoods Nature Camp

  address: Thorapally, Mudmalai
  Offers accommodation, Jeep safari, camp fire, trekking.

• Jungle Home

  phone: +91 99000 87611, +91 9448485160
  address: Mudumalai Border, Thorapally, Gudalur Road

• Jungle Bungalows

  phone: +91-8431877377
  address: Mavanalla , Masinagudi, Mudumalai, Nilgiirs Tamilnadu
  All the bungalows have an en-suite bathroom. There is a kitchenette, common living room and veranda.
• Rockgardens holiday resorts, Mudumalai

Camping

Backcountry

Bull elephants are a problem around Masinagudi, so be careful when trekking. Blood sucking insects are also found during the rainy season in the densely forested areas. It is advisable to wear shoes while walking in the forest area.