Are you an adventure enthusiast who enjoys the great thrill of exploring the wilderness or a nature lover who revel in the serene beauty of the natural environment or even a passionate photographer looking for perfect frames with breathtaking vistas in the backdrop? The mesmerizing Masinagudi in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu is a spectacular tourist destination which satisfies the interests of every visitor.
Masinagudi is about 30 kilometres from Ooty, another popular tourist centre of south India. Known for its lush green forests which are home to rare species of flora and fauna, pristine waterfalls and verdant hills, Masinagudi is truly a nature lover's paradise. The pleasant climate and unending sights of beautiful nature makes it the perfect choice for a holiday tourist destination.
Jeep safari
The jeep trip through the rough forest paths in the valleys of the Nilgiris is truly thrilling and exhilarating. The two hour long jeep trip organized in the early mornings and in the evenings is one of the main attractions of Masinagudi tourism. The scintillating beauty of forests can be enjoyed, and if you are lucky, you could even spot wild animals like the elephants or wild boars. In the morning, jeep safari begins between 6 am and 7 am. You can also enjoy the jeep safari in the evening between 5 pm and 7 pm.
Maravakandi dam
The Maravakandi dam, built in 1951, draws crowds as it spots lush greenery around it. The mornings are particularly beautiful when the dew that rest on the green leaves sparkles like crystal drops when early morning sunrays fall on them. A panoramic view of the forests is possible from the watch tower here.
From here, one can watch the elephants and the wild animals and also rare species of birds that come to drink water from the dam. The entry to the watchtower is free and it is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
Muthumalai wild life sanctuary
Muthumalai wild life sanctuary is where you could watch wild animals in their natural habitat and even observe their movements. This indeed is a place which has to be in your itinerary especially if you are a lover of wildlife. Royal Bengal tiger, cheetah, wild elephants and lots of small and rare species of animals can be spotted here. The tropical deciduous forests with moisture, tropical dry deciduous forest and the southern tropical dry deciduous forests are the three types of forests in Masinagudi. The season between December and June is the perfect time to visit these areas. The van safari and the elephant safari through the dense and lush forests is a unique and thrilling experience. The van safari is open from 6.30 am to 9 am in the morning and 3.30 pm to 6 pm in the evening. Meanwhile the visitors can also enjoy the elephant ride between 7 am and 8.30 am in the morning and 3.30 pm and 5 pm in the evening.
Masinagudi jungle stay
If you are looking for some high octane adventure and has the nerves of steel, then you could spend a night in the dense forest. The stay inside the forests is going to be a unique and special experience. You could spend the night listening to the interesting sounds of the forest or the noises of wild animals, birds and even reptiles. The jungle resort in Masinagudi offers safe and comfortable stay for the tourists, inside the forest.
Moyar River
The enchanting Moyar River, a tributary of the Bhavani River, is just 7 kilometres from Masinagudi. It is this river which separates the Muthumalai wildlife sanctuary and Bandipur national park. The mesmerizing charm of the forest and the pristine waters are what draws tourists to the beautiful banks of Moyar River. This is actually a well-known hub of wildlife photographers who patiently wait to click spectacular photographs of tigers, elephants, and other wild animals that come to drink water from the river. The tourists can enjoy boating services and even catch fish from the river.
Camping
Camping at night, with your friends or family, in the beautiful woods of Masinagudi would be an amazing experience. Besides enjoying the mystic beauty of the nature, you can enjoy activities like trekking as well. The noises made by the wild animals and sound of the forests would make your stay extremely thrilling. The camp sites are usually erected at the valleys of the Nilgiris and the unbelievably beautiful views of the nature here are sure to floor the visitors.
Theppakadu elephant camp
The Theppakadu elephant camp is close to the Muthumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1972, the camp houses lots of elephants besides training them. Those who are interested to enjoy elephant rides can visit the camp in the morning or in the evening. The elephant safari is open between 7 and 8 in the morning and 4 and 5 in the evening. Theppakadu elephant camp which attracts lots of tourists is also a major research centre.
Masinagudi trekking
Masinagudi lies in the beautiful foothills of the Nilgiri ranges. The spectacular and verdant hills that surround Masinagudi are what make it one of the most amazing tourist destinations. Offering rare and scintillating sights of the nature, Masinagudi is truly a photographer's haven. Trekking through the beautiful hills helps you explore the pristine charm of the forests and would amazingly satisfy the adventure lover in you. The trekkers must carry their own breakfast. A trekking trip to one side will cover around 7 to 8 kilometres into the wilderness. You could even spot wild animals and be one with the nature. This trekking trip has some wonderful surprises in store for visitors at the end of the session, which surely would be enthralling. It is a wondrous experience watching Masinagudi slowly unleash its true beauty.
