Gudalur: Why you must add this to your bucket list

Gudalur is a town and a taluk in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located near the border with Kerala and is known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations. Gudalur is also known for its diverse population, with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds living in the area. The town is a popular tourist destination and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. So, let us go travelling to Gudalur this winter for a different experience.

A paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is only 15 kilometres from Gudalur and lets visitors to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. The Mudumalai Reserve, situated in the Western Ghats, is the ideal location for exhilarating wildlife safaris where untamed creatures like tigers, leopards, Indian gaurs, and Asian elephants can be sighted. Among the 266 species of birds present here, bird watchers may have success spotting the critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture.

Needle Rock viewpoint is another site close to Gudalur that gives beautiful views over Gudalur, the Mudumalai National Park, and Bandipur on the route from Mysore to Ooty. The needle rock point, also called “Oosi malai” in Tamil due to its conical shape, is renowned for its breathtaking vistas, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The mountains, cloaked in clouds, and the lush eucalyptus trees make for the ideal backdrop in numerous Tamil films. It is clear.

The Nilgiri mountain ranges, which are on the route from Gudalur to Ooty, include the Frog Hills. Viewed from afar, the hills seem like a frog. Thus, the name. A great experience is the breathtaking panoramic views of the tea estates, the lush surroundings, and the tiny settlements as seen from the hills.

The Santhana Malai Murugan temple perched atop the hills is another eccentric spot close to Gudalur. The Lord Murugan-dedicated Hindu temple is encircled by verdant vegetation, deep forests, and meandering streams.

Another temple with all the attractions of an old shrine is Nambalakottai, which is situated at an elevation of 3513 m. This temple, which is revered by the Mandadan Chetti community and honours the tribal deity Betarayasvami, is thought to be around 1,700 years old (the Lord of the Hunt). This holy location gives stunning views of the Pykara river and the vast expanse of the valleys and hills amid the picturesque Nilgiris mountains.

There are several things to do and see when you are travelling to Gudalur. Some popular activities and attractions include:

  1. Visit tea plantations: Gudalur is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can take a tour of the tea gardens and learn about the process of tea production.
  2. Explore the outdoors: Gudalur is located in a beautiful natural setting, and visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, trekking, and bird watching in the surrounding hills and forests.
  3. Visit the tribal villages: Gudalur is home to several tribal villages, where visitors can learn about the unique culture and traditions of the local people.
  4. Visit the Pykara Dam and Power House: The Pykara Dam and Power House is a popular tourist spot located near Gudalur. Visitors can take a tour of the hydroelectric power station and enjoy the beautiful views of the Pykara River and surrounding hills.
  5. Visit Pykara Falls: Pykara Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, located near Gudalur. Visitors can take a trek to the falls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  6. Visit the Pykara lake: The Pykara lake is a man-made lake, and it is a popular spot for boating and picnicking.
  7. Visit the Mukurthi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: The park is known for its biodiversity and natural beauty and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr, which is a type of wild goat and the Indian elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, and a wide variety of bird species.

Nearby Destinations

Mudumalai

Mudumalai is a wildlife sanctuary and national park located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, leopards, gaurs, deer, and a variety of bird species. Mudumalai is also an important elephant corridor connecting the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. The park offers various activities for visitors, such as jungle safaris, bird watching, and trekking.

Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi National Park is a protected area located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats and is adjacent to the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is known for its biodiversity and natural beauty and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr, which is a type of wild goat, the Indian elephant, the Tiger, the Leopard, the Gaur, and a wide variety of bird species. The park also includes a core area of 78.46 square kilometres, which is the Mukurthi Peak and its surrounding area, which is also the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, providing a beautiful panoramic view of the Western Ghats. The park offers activities such as trekking, nature walks, and bird-watching for visitors.

Pykara

Pykara is a small village located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on the banks of the Pykara River and is known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions. The Pykara Dam and Power House, located here, is a popular tourist spot, and Pykara Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Pykara Lake, which is a man-made lake, is a popular spot for boating and picnicking. The Pykara hydroelectric power station, which is one of the oldest hydroelectric power stations in India, is also located here. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a type of wild goat. Pykara is also a popular spot for trekking and hiking.

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