Bangalore – Masinagudi Weekend Trip - Beautiful vegetation and Quietude Wildlife Sanctuary

Bangalore – Masinagudi Weekend Trip: Overview

Masinagudi is a beautiful destination situated in Tamil Nadu which is 250 km from Bangalore. Masinagudi serves as an ideal location for a Weekend Trip from Bangalore. It is incredibly famous among tourists for its sanctuary, species and natural beauty. In Masinagudi, you will get every type of resorts from Standard to Luxury with best quality of meals. Bandipur and Madumalai are famous attractions nearby Masinagudi which attracts thousands of tourists to visit and explore wildlife.

What is unique in Masinagudi and Why?

Masinagudi is very famous and well visited destination which is incredibly famous among tourists for its sanctuary, species, and natural beauty. It is one of the most Wildlife Sanctuaries places in South India as proportion to other wildlife sanctuaries in the state. Mudmalai National Park and Bandipur National Park is famous attraction of Masinagudi which attracts thousands of wildlife lovers to spotted deers, Asian elephants and bisons while the sanctuary is the home to a large number of wild animals including tigers, leopards and other wild animals. Also you can find around d 266 different species. 

Bangalore – Masinagudi Weekend Trip: Highlights

• Madumala is famous for Elephant and Night Safari

• Famous Elephant feeding Camp in Masinagudi

• The highest peak 1455 m in Bandipur

• Home of Asiatic Elephant

• Famous Tiger Reserve in Karnataka: Madumalai Tiger Reserve

• Madumalai consist 8% of the bird species in India

Why you must visit Masinagudi

Masinagudi is a nature getaway located on Mysore-Ooty highway right next to Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary. It is a hilly terrain Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests. Guests to Masinagudi prefer to walk, trek and do bird watching around the area.

Masinagudi is surrounded by forests that are rich in bird life. Birds comprise crested hawk eagle and the crested serpent eagle, hornbills, woodpeckers, red crest, mynas, owls, barbets and parakeets. Wildlife around Masinagudi comprise wild elephant, gaur, deer and primates like the bonnet macaque and langurs all inhabit the Park.

Click here to know more about Masinagudi

Package Inclusion

• 02 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All Meals)

• Private Ac vehicle for 03 days

• Parking, toll tax and driver hault

• Safari charges

• Inclusive of all taxes

Package Exclusion

• Any airfare, Busfare and Railway fare

• Personal Expense

Resorts in Masinagudi

Standard Resort: Kings Wild Retreat – TA Rank (3.0) – Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Resort: Jungle Paradise Resort Masinagudi- TA Rank (4.0) – Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Resort: Dhole's Den Bandipur - TA Rank (4.5) – Certificate of Excellence

Masinagudi Attractions

Masinagud is a famous region of Mysore and Ooty. It located just on the border of Karnataka and Tamilnadu (Other side of the border being Bandipur National Park). There are some nearby places of Masinagudi which is very famous and visited by every tourist

Bandipur National Park: Bandipur National Park established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, it is a national park located in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It is the most prominent national park known for its varied wildlife boasting different biomes in the dry deciduous forest. It is considered as one of the best managed parks of India. The park stretches across an area of 874 sq km with a great objective of protecting the endangered species like tigers and elephants in this region along with protecting and restricting the over-usages of the sandalwood trees in the reserve area. It’s a home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian Elephants as well as other animals like Dhole, Gaur, Sloth bears etc.

Madumalai National Park: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, just 20 Kms away is widely famous as Mudumalai National Park and has some interesting places to visit. This Sanctuary includes several bird species like Bulbul, Parrot and its flora consists of various trees such as shrub and swamp, moist mixed deciduous Sal, Teak, Moist teak forest, and Bamboo. The sanctuary received its name from the word ‘Mudumalai’ which means ‘situated on the first hill’. The five different ranges of this sanctuary are the Kargudi, Thepakadu, Masinagudi, Mudumalai and Nellakota. The tropical evergreen forest, shrub and swamp, moist teak forest, moist mixed deciduous, dry teak forest and secondary grassland form the topography of the sanctuary.

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, is a hill (betta in Kannada) located in the Chamarajanagar district of the state of Karnataka, at a height of 1454 m India and is extensively wooded. It is also the highest peak in the Bandipur National Park. It lies in the core area of the Bandipur National. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta  is a small hill, in the core zone can be accessed by a small road through the village of Hangala north of the national park. Gopalaswamy Betta (betta is hill in Kannada) located inside the forest is a popular trekking spot. Atop the hill is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy built seven centuries ago and a travellers’ bungalow which remains locked now and belonged to the Ruler of Mysore.

Ooty: Ooty, is also known as "Udhagamandalam". It’s been rightly titled as the as Queen of Hills. Ooty, the headquarters of The Nilgiris district is one of the famous hill stations in India. Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri hills, also known as The Blue Mountains. It is unknown whether this name comes from the blue smoky haze given off by the eucalyputus trees that cover the area, or because of the kurunji flower, which blooms every twelve years giving the slopes a bluish tinge.

Moyar River: running through the dense forest this river is an ideal place to cite animals when they come to drink water along its bank.

Moyar River Gorge - also called the Moyar Canyon, is a dramatic 20 km long gorge dug out by Moyar River that plunges into the gorge below Theppakadu in a roaring water-fall. This fall is popularly known as the Moyar falls.

Best Resorts in Masinagudi

1. Safari Land Resort

Situated in the midst of the Mudumalai National Park, the Safari Land resort is one of the best resorts in Masinagudi. Complete with luxurious rooms and beautiful tree houses that are fitted with all modern amenities, the Safari Land resort promises to cater to all your needs.

Surrounded by the dense forests of the National Park, a stay at the resort promises exciting wildlife sighting opportunities. The Mudumalai National Park is home to a wide range of wild animals that include Asiatic elephants, deer, tigers etc. You can step out for an early morning walk, while at the resort and spend time spotting different wild animals in their natural habitat.

The resort, one of the most sophisticated among Masinagudi resorts, also provides for activities such as trekking through the dense forests of the National Park with an expert guide, jeep safaris, elephant rides etc. Do not miss the treehouses at the resort as they provide an excellent view of the surrounding landscape.

2. Casa Deep Woods, Club Mahindra

Located amidst the beautiful Nilgiris, Club Mahindra Resort in Masinagudi is one cosy stay, which is a perfect blend of the modern amenities in the lap of nature. While your stay in Club Mahindra resort, you wake up to the sounds of wild calls and chirping of the birds. Swimming pool, spas, activity area, library, indoor games, and many more, the resort has something for every kind of tourist. So, you can indulge in various sports, go for swimming or spa, or just can relax and read a book or newspaper while you admire the scenery, surrounding the resort.

The restaurants in resort serve some of the most delicious Tamil delicacies. From the masala dosais and white soft idlis soaked in sambhar for vegetarians to local chicken curry with special spices mixed in for the non-vegetarians.

3. Jungle Retreat Resort

Conceptualized and realized by a family that has shared a very close relationship with the forests and wildlife, the Jungle Retreat is an excellent example of eco-sustainability.

The Jungle Retreat stands tall and proud among the resorts in Masinagudi due to its responsibly designed packages and accommodation facilities. The resort will teach you a new way of exploring and admiring nature without disturbing its balance. If you are looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating holiday in the wilderness, Jungle Retreat is the place for you.

At the Jungle Retreat, you can enjoy the facilities such as guided mountain treks, riverside treks, jungle safaris etc. If you prefer the indoors, the resort has a beautiful and well maintained pool where you can spend time swimming or lounging by the poolside.

The resort also has a fabulous lounge and bar that boasts of great music and ambience. The accommodation is reasonably priced and surprises you with its luxuriousness. The rooms face the majestic Nilgiris and offer you a spectacular view of the mist covered mountain peaks.

Things to do in Masinagudi

Wildlife Safaries at Bandipur National park & Madumalai National Park

Bandipur/ Madumalai safari offers maximum tiger sightings when compared to other wildlife sanctuaries in south India. Bandipur/ Madumalai National park is also rich in other fauna including leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs, herbivores like elephants, gaurs, barking deer, and rare birds like vultures.

Elephant Camps: There is an elephant camp in Masingudi forest managed by the forest department. The elephant camp boasts of 29 pachyderms that are trained and cared for by the forest authorities. The Elephant Training Camp, which trains the wild elephants with the help of local tribes Kurabas, is under the Forest department. It is a scenic beauty to watch the tamed elephant bath in the river and to be scrubbed fresh by their mahouts. The mahouts will then exhibit the various commands the elephants can comply with. This can be vividly portrayed by making elephants execute some mock logging operations.

Masinagudi Trekking

Mudumalai trekking  provides you with a golden chance of exploring this gorgeous hamlet and various colossal mountain ranges bordering this heavenly place on earth.

Enthral under the glory of these majestic mountain ranges and lush greenery enveloping these beautiful peaks. Test your limits as you gather your wits while you put your mountaineering skills on a test with Mudumalai trekking. For trekkers, this slice of paradise has lot to offer from its little kitty – feel the filtered warm sun rays falling on your face as you hike to the top, the prevailing silence throughout the region is certainly a treat for your mind.

Masinagudi Wildlife

Bandipur National Park: Bandipur National Park established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, it is a national park located in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It is the most prominent national park known for its varied wildlife boasting different biomes in the dry deciduous forest. It is considered as one of the best managed parks of India. The park stretches across an area of 874 sq km with a great objective of protecting the endangered species like tigers and elephants in this region along with protecting and restricting the over-usages of the sandalwood trees in the reserve area. It’s a home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian Elephants as well as other animals like Dhole, Gaur, Sloth bears etc.

Mudumalai Sanctuary: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, just 20 Kms away is widely famous as Mudumalai National Park and has some interesting places to visit. This Sanctuary includes several bird species like Bulbul, Parrot and its flora consists of various trees such as shrub and swamp, moist mixed deciduous Sal, Teak, Moist teak forest, and Bamboo. The sanctuary received its name from the word ‘Mudumalai’ which means ‘situated on the first hill’. The five different ranges of this sanctuary are the Kargudi, Thepakadu, Masinagudi, Mudumalai and Nellakota. The tropical evergreen forest, shrub and swamp, moist teak forest, moist mixed deciduous, dry teak forest and secondary grassland form the topography of the sanctuary.

Masinagudi Safari

Bandipur/ Madumalai safari offers maximum tiger sightings when compared to other wildlife sanctuaries in south India. Bandipur/ Madumalai National park is also rich in other fauna including leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs, herbivores like elephants, gaurs, barking deer, and rare birds like vultures.

There are different types of Safaris mention below

Van Safari: Van safari is organized every morning and evening at Bandipur National park. There are five vans in total each van can accommodate 20 people.

Bandipur National Park/ Madumalai National parkTimings Safari

Indian: Rs.300/-, Kids (Rs.150/-)

Foreigners: Rs. 1500/-, Kids (Rs.600/-)

Jeep Safari: There is two Jeeps and five Gypsy available with the Bandipur forest department that are used for safaris. Jeep is more economical and comfortable for safari.

Bandipur national park/ Madumalai National park timings safari

Morning 6.00 am to 8.00 am

Evening 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm for one hour Ride.

Bandipur National Park/ Madumalai National park Safari Cost

The diesel jeep can accommodate up to 6 people per safari – Rs. 2000 plus entry fee of Rs. 200 per person

The Petrol jeep can accommodate up to 6 people per safari – Rs.4000 plus entry fee of Rs. 200 per person

Elephant safari in Mudumalai

In Mudumalai,half an hour elephant safari has been started with bookings to be done at the Ooty forest office, only at morning time for 40 minutes. The elephant safaris allow you to travel into areas that regular vehicles are not capable of. Four people ride on an elephant at one time.

Mudumalai Night Safari 

Masinagudi is best known for night safaris in open top jeeps arranged by the resorts management authority and expert guides for freely accessible in Masinagudi. The night safaris are conducted on the peripheral roads running through the adjoining forest and not into the park as freaking out in the buffer area at night could be dangerous and may create disturbance to the animals of this region. For safari excursion in Madumalai, the Elephant Safari and Van Safari are conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Do and Donts during Night Safari

• Do blend in with the natural surroundings.  So don’t wear bright colors and don’t use perfume.

• Take pictures, but don’t use flash

• Intrusted children to adults who are capable of controlling them

• Don’t smoke.

How to Reach Masinagudi

By Flight: The nearest International Airport is Coimbatore Airport, roughly 123 Kms from Masinagudi. Coimbatore Airport is well connected to the places in India and abroad such as Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

By Bus: A number of tour operators ply buses to Mudumalai. These buses terminate at the Mudumalai Bus Standthat is also called the Vimalagiri Bus Stop. Masinagudi is well connected by road from neighbouring districts. The road from Calicut passes through the towns of Manjeri, Nilambur, Vazhikadavu, Gudalur, Mudhumalai, Thepakadu and finally Masinagudi.

By Train: A train can be taken from Bangalore to Mysore. Masinagudi can be reached by hiring a taxi from Mysore.

Ooty Masinagudi Distance

Ooty is situated at a distance of 29 km from Masinagudi and it takes hardly half an hour to reach by bus or car. Charges became Rs.3000/-

Best Time to visit Masinagudi

The best season to visit Masinagudi is the winters and the onset of summers. The favourable months to visit the place are between Octobers to March.  Masinagudi is verdant and the hills all around look absolutely beautiful. The winter season in Masinagudi, from November to February, experiences temperatures ranging between 19 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius.