Nestled in the hilly terrain of Nilgiris, Gudalur is a picturesque city on the edge of Mudumalai National Park. It boasts sweeping views of the forested mountains and tea plantations and is a great base for wildlife spotting and visiting the famous waterfalls of Pykara.
Things to do in Gudalur
Enjoy the magnificent views at Needle Rock View Point. Its conical peak offers 360-degree panoramas of the rugged mountains, tea plantations and rural landscapes, making it a popular shooting location for Tamil films.
Gudalur is a gateway to Mudumalai National Park, a declared tiger sanctuary on the northwestern slopes of the Nilgiri Hills. In addition to being home to around 50 wild tigers, it features Indian bison and more than 250 birds, including critically-endangered white-rumped and long-billed vultures.
Want to get up close to Indian elephants? Visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp within Mudumalai National Park. Watch elephants being fed, bathed and trained by their mahouts, then pay your respects at the shrine built in dedication to the elephant god, Ganesha.
Make a day trip to the small village of Pykara, famed for its sacred river and spectacular waterfalls. Jump aboard a speedboat to explore the scenic waters of Pykara Dam or soak up the reservoir views from the Pykara Boat House where traditional Tamil cuisine is served.
Getting around Gudalur
Gudalur is around three hours’ drive from Calicut International Airport and around 1.5 hours from Ooty. Auto rickshaws are readily available for getting around the city, while the centre is easily explored on foot.