Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park are like two sides of the same coin. Separated by the border, Bandipur Park lies in Karnataka while the neighbouring, Mudumalai lies in the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The area is rich with rare species that include 50 types of fish, 34 species of reptiles, 266 species of birds, and 55 types of mammals. Some of the rare wildlife you’ll find here are vultures, Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards and golden jackals. The flora includes dense tropical forests, exotic climbers and creepers, bamboo trees, Indian rosewood and much more! If you’re a nature enthusiast, Mudumalai’s sense of serenity and extravagant beauty is sure to leave you spellbound!Location: NH 67, Gudalur NH 67, Gudalur, Devarshola, Tamil NaduBest Time to visit: The most ideal time to visit this park is from February to June.Entry fee: INR 15/ USD 0.23 per personTimings: The opening hours for visitors is from 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the morning and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the evenings.Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 90 kilometres.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a meter-gauge railway line 1000 mm long that passes through the queenly hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The fleet of steam locomotives running on this line is aptly nicknamed ‘the Toy Train’ and is greatly popular among children. The train covers a total distance of 46 km over a span of 5 hours, meandering by the rolling hills, green meadows, and view of the forested slopes. Localities bob up from within the greens with their red-tiled roofs and the train stops every once in a while at quaint little hill stations. You will be waved through Mettupalayam, Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale, and Ootacamund on this ride, reaching the point of 4,363 ft at the maximum. There are a number of pitch-dark tunnels to cross through, sharp bends along the mountains, thickly forested stretches, and a wide panorama of verdant meadow highlands to enjoy from your window seat. It is not just the brilliant picturesque quality of this dream-like rail journey that makes it so special, but also the fact that the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is part of India’s heritage. The tracks were laid down by the British Indian administration in the year 1908.Also, the trains use locomotives from over 50 and 80 years back-- the specimens of the oldest x-class locomotives still in use. UNESCO declared the railway as a World Heritage Site in 2005, extending it to the greater heritage site of Mountain Railways of India.
Emerging from the Mukurthi Peak, the beautiful Pykara River transforms into gorgeous waterfalls, which ultimately forms a Pykara Lake. Guarded by a lush green cover of the Shola forests, Pykara Lake is believed to be an outcome of the dam constructed across the Mukurti River. The tranquillity of the green surroundings, a thick forest cover at the shores of the Pykara Lake and the tall pine trees in its backdrop gives rise to a pleasing atmosphere. In fact, you can say that the Pykara Lake is blessed with everything that you need to make your family outing an endearing one. Irrespective of whether you are a solo traveler or a couple in love, you probably shouldn’t miss on this tourist hotspot on your Ooty tour. If you feel like adding some adventurous flavor to your weekend celebrations, you can simply hop at the Pykara Lake Boat House. Here, you have various motorboats and speed boats to give you a perfect boating experience. As the captain is busy maneuvering your boat around, you can simply get candid moments of your fellow tour mates. Besides boating adventure, you can also hike up to the rumbling Pykara Falls. As you proceed from the Lake to the Pykara Falls, be ready to treat yourself with the melodious bird sounds and a cool breeze of air blowing in here and there. There are paid battery car services for those who want to embrace the cascading illustration of the Pykara Falls without a hiking adventure
The most popular and best tent stays in Ooty to enjoy the beauty of nature and thrilling outdoor activities are enlisted below:
1. Adventure campsite at Upper Thalayathimund: The serene and isolated campsite at Upper Thalayathimund amid the Blue Nilgiri Hills and the fabulous Lovedale valley. It is located at a distance of 5 km away from the ATC bus stand of Upper Bazar on the Tiger Hill Road.
2. Picturesque campsite at Ooty valley: The Ooty valley view campsite is in the middle of the majestic Western Ghats. It is situated about 22 km away from the Ooty bus stand and offers spectacular views of the tea gardens and forests.
3. Campsite amid tea gardens: The campsite at Doddabetta in the Karrimodakku region of Ooty. Situated at a distance of 9 km away from the Ooty bus stand, the 4-acre site is encircled by the beautiful tea gardens and the mighty Western Ghats.
4. Camping on a Hilltop: Located on the outskirts of Ooty, the campsite is present on a magnificent hilltop. It provides enchanting views of the deep valleys, green meadows and the sprawling forests.
5. Campsite within a dense forest: Another campsite located at the outskirts of Ooty, quite near to the city. Placed at the middle of a dense green forest area, it offers scintillating views of the valleys, forests and waterfalls.
The lowest price of tent stays in Ooty is approximately INR 1250 per adult and INR 625 per child that includes camping, mattresses, breakfast, campfire, indoor and outdoor games and books for reading.
The highest price is approximately INR 2850 per adult that includes camping, sleeping bags, towels and pillows, indoor and outdoor games, activities such as trekking, cycling, forest safari and campfire, and meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee and snacks.
The price ranges for a tent stay in Ooty ranges from INR 1250 to INR 2850 per adult. All the packages include well-maintained waterproof tents to accommodate 2, 3 or 4 persons, sleeping bags, breakfast and games. The higher packages include several adventurous activities and meals for the day.
No, both smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside the tents in Ooty. You are expected to follow the instructions strictly to avoid cancellation of the tour.
Depending on the tent stay package prices and inclusions, the operators provide either complimentary breakfast or other meals like lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages. If you are opting for lower price ranges, then you need to carry your food or purchase with additional costs.
For higher price ranges, you need not worry as the food for the entire day will be provided as part of the package.
Yes, the tents at all the campsites of Ooty are waterproof to ensure you are warm and dry throughout the entire stay. The tents are well maintained and hence there are no risks of being affected by the weather conditions.
No pets are not allowed during the tent stay in Ooty. The tour packages and camp destinations at the hilltops and valleys are designed to accommodate adults, children and even toddlers but not any pets.
Yes, the tent stay in Ooty is safe for couples. The tents are camped in safe and secure zones with 24 X 7 security provided by the forest officials. No disturbances have been reported in any of the camping sites till date. Separate sleeping bags and mattresses are provided to each person for personal privacy and comfort.
