Top 10 Best Places To Visit In And Around Masinagudi Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

If you are a wildlife enthusiast and a nature lover, never miss staying and breathing in the pure and unspoilt natural atmosphere of Masinagudi. Masinagudi is a hill station located on the Nilgiri mountains on the Mysore-Ooty road in the Karnataka – Tamil Nadu border. The town is very close to the two most beautiful natural reserves, Mudumalai and Bandipur. At 950 m above sea level, Masinagudi features a tropical climate and is best visited during the winter to the summer season – October to May. 

You can unleash the adventurer in you and explore the thick jungles of Masinagudi. The two must-do activities in Masinagudi include the jeep safari through the forests and boating. The place has everything a tourist can ask for – waterfalls, wildlife safaris, bird watching, jungle stays, picnic spots, boating, nature walks, and much more.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and prepare for a never before experience. The Top 10s Only team have compiled the Top 10 Best Places To Visit In And Around Masinagudi Hill Station, Tamil Nadu, so that you can add them to your checklist.

List Of Top 10 Best Tourist Places In Masinagudi Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

Looking for all the Masinagudi Hill Station information that you can get? Then look no further than this article! There are many interesting tourist destinations located near Masinagudi Hill Station. You can find the Maravakandy Dam, Pykara Falls, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, and much more. You can reach Masinagudi by road from Ooty by driving 32 km or by air to Coimbatore Airport, which is 116 km, and take a cab or rent a car. Find out more from our list of the best places before you chalk out your vacation plans. Go ahead and explore. Check out the Masinagudi top 10 popular tourist places.

1. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills in the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the scenic tourist places nearby Masinagudi Hill Station in Tamil Nadu. The borders are shared with Karnataka and Kerala. The sanctuary is divided into five ranges called the Masinagudi, Mudumalai, Thepakadu, Nellakota, and Kargudi. It is also known as the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, which was constituted by the Tamil Nadu Government. The activities involve animal safari, bird watching, tree house stay, camping, water hole visit, waterfalls, swimming, and a village tour. 

Must See In Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The beauty of the Mudumalai sanctuary can be seen visually in the short Indian documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers’, which won the Oscar for ‘Best Documentary – Short’.  The documentary, lasting 40 minutes, was shot at the Mudumalai Forest Reserve. And, you know what the best part is? When you’re in Mudumalai, you can request to visit the elephant caretakers Bomman and Bellie and see the two baby elephants in the documentary – Raghu and Ammu. 

Best Time To Visit Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

October to May is the ideal time for tourists, as the climate is pleasant after the monsoon and just before the onset of summer. On a lucky summer day, you can even spot tigers.

How To Reach Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Head North-west towards the Moyar Dam Road, join NH 181 and take a right. The total drive from Masinagudi to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary will be approximately 13 km. It is important to note that driving into the forest area is restricted in the evenings and is closed by 9 p.m. 

2. Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park

Bandipur National Park has the reputation of being the most beautiful and well-managed national park in the country. It is located in an area of 872.24 sq km in the Gundlupet taluk of the Chamarajanagar District, and the H.D. Kote and Nanjangud taluks of Mysore District. You can find the endangered Asiatic wild elephant here. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna as well. The national park also houses over 200 species of birds. Regarding activities, the forest safari should always be on the list. Trekking is also another favourite activity among tourists.

Interesting Facts About Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Bandipur was also announced as a tiger reserve in 1973. It has been part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve since 1986. The most important tiger in this reserve was Prince, the charming human-friendly tiger, the soul that increased the tiger population in the area. Prince was a photographer’s delight. He loved human company and often walked along the road inside the Bandipur forest reserve, allowing his onlookers to click a few pictures. He was the Lord of this particular area, as he had marked about 18 km of the forest as his territory. He was a darling for tourists travelling long distances and reaching Bandipur to catch a glimpse of him. He was so popular that when he passed in 2017, there was a wave of condolence messages on social media and in the press, and many mourned his demise just like you would for a loved one. 

Best Time To Visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve

You can visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve around the year, but if you want to spot tigers, book your tickets between March and May. The forest department operates the minibus safari between 6.15 a.m. and 9 p.m. and 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m.

How To Reach Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Head north-west towards the Moyar Dam Road, join NH 181, and take a right and drive through Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary to reach Bandipur. The total drive from Masinagudi to Bandipur will be approximately 20 km. It is important to note that driving into the forest area is restricted in the evenings and is closed by 9 p.m. 

3. Moyar Gorge

The valley is an ecological region of the Western Ghats and is cuddled between four plateaus, the Nilgiri, Sigur, and Mysore, the Coimbatore plains, and the Thalamalai plateau. Mayam, meaning ‘disappearing suddenly’, is a Tamil name given to the river that runs through the gorge. Moyar Gorge is a 2.5 billion-old gorge and has immense geographical significance. Covered with some of the best preserved riparian forests, this is the home to some indigenous tribes like the Valayas and Irulas. You can find migrant wetland birds and elephants too.

Best Time To Visit Moyar River Valley

Winter is the best season to visit the place, between October and March. The time between sunrise and sunset is perfect for photo fanatics and nature lovers.

How To Reach Moyar River Valley

Take the Moyar Dam Road to the northwest of Masinagudi, and you’ll reach the waterfall view. Move a little further, and you can see the Moyar Dam. The beauty of the Moyar river is that it flows along the roadside for a stretch, and this is something you should not miss. 

4. Maravakandy Dam And Bird Watch Tower

The Maravakandy Dam is one of the best tourist spots for a day trip near Masinagudi. It was built in 1951. The dam houses an animal-watching tower ideal for shutterbugs to explore their photographic skills. The view is breathtaking from the tower, where you can spot elephants, deer, tigers, and other wildlife. The activities involve watching the dam’s beauty, watching birds, and taking drives with stunning views. 

Best Time To Visit Maravakandy Dam And Bird Watch Tower

The dam is open on all days between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. There is no entry fee.

How To Reach Maravakandy Dam And Bird Watch Tower

The dam is just 5 minutes from Masinagudi town centre and is easily accessible by road. 

5. Theppakadu Elephant Camp

The Theppakadu Elephant Camp is the oldest in Asia, established 100 years ago. The elephants here are used in human-wildlife conflict resolution, eco-tourism, forest monsoon patrolling, etc. The camp is located on the banks of the river Moyar. Tickets are available at the reception centre to feed the elephants. The activities include elephant rides for a fee and feeding elephants. In addition, an English documentary on elephants is open for tourists, apart from the show organised on weekend evenings for visitors.

Best Time To Visit Theppakadu Elephant Camp

If you’re an elephant lover, you can visit the camp at any time of the year. The camp is open from 8.30 to 9 a.m. and 5.30 to 6 p.m. The camp activity involves feeding the elephants between 8.45 to 9.15 am, and 5.45 to 6.15 pm.

How To Reach Theppakadu Elephant Camp

The camp lies on the Mysore-Ooty road. Take the Moyar Dam road to the Northwestern side of Masinagudi and turn left in the Mysore-Ooty road to reach the Theppakadu Elephant Camp. 

6. Nilgiri Tea Plantations

In the list of Tamil Nadu tourist places near Masinagudi Hill Station, the Nilgiri plantation has a very special place. The area is known for its lush tea plantations. It is an adorable sight, and a walk down the tea estates can be relaxing and enticing. The tea’s aroma can activate your senses, making you feel happy and at peace. One of the activities involves learning the phases of tea making and taking a nature trail. It is definitely an experience of a lifetime that you should not miss.

Best Time To Visit Nilgiri Tea Plantations

The summer months of April to June are ideal if you want to hike the tea plantations. However, the months between October and February are pleasant, with lush greens everywhere around you. 

How To Reach Nilgiri Tea Plantations

Nilgris tea plantations are relatively easy to find. When you drive from Masinagudi to Ooty via Kalahatty, you are bound to see a lot of tea plantations on either side of your vehicle. 

7. Glenmorgan Dam Reservoir

The Glenmorgan Dam Reservoir is famous for its tea estates and picnic spots. The place is located 12 km from Masinagudi and has the reputation of being one of the oldest tea estates. There is a beautiful lake amidst the tea estate that is not often explored by tourists, and hence you can have a peaceful cup of tea right next to the lake. Once you reach the TNEB check post, you can find the dam. Get permission from the EB department to visit the power station. Trekking and watching the dam are worthwhile activities.

Best Time To Visit Glenmorgan Dam Reservoir

The summer months of March to June is the time to enjoy the pleasant weather at the

Glenmorgan Dam Reservoir. The dam is open around the year and you can visit it any time.

How To Reach Glenmorgan Dam Reservoir

Take the Singara road once you leave Masinagudi. Follow the road and reach the dam about 12 km away from the town. 

8. Bison Valley View Point

As the name implies, Bison Valley View Point was named after spotting Indian bison roaming freely in the cardamom forests. The place is filled with greenery, and on a lucky day, you can spot bison, deer, tigers, bears, and elephants. You can take a leisurely walk in the pathways around the valley. The place is ideal for bird watching as well. Meanwhile, nature lovers can take photographs of the beautiful valley.

Best Time To Visit Bison Valley View Point

Visit the place between October and May. The viewpoint is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on all days of the week.

How To Reach Bison Valley View Point

Take the Southeastern road from Masinagudi towards Kalahatty. Bison Valley Viewpoint is on the way. 

9. Pykara Waterfalls

The Pykara Waterfalls originate from Mukurthi Peak. It is a popular picnic spot and one of the 10 best places to visit in Tamil Nadu’s hill station of Masinagudi with family and friends. Some of the activities in this place include boating or simply enjoying the sun near the lake. There is a dam and powerhouse that generate hydroelectricity for the town. It is also a heritage site. There are two waterfalls, one at 55 feet and the other at 61 feet, making them popular waterfalls near Masinagudi Hill Station.

Best Time To Visit Pykara Waterfalls

The falls are at their full force between October and March. Enjoy the early morning bliss if you want to avoid the rush.

How To Reach Pykara Waterfalls

From Masinagudi, take the southwestern road towards Moyar Dam and Singara Road.  Cross the Singara checkpost and follow the road to reach NH181. Take a left and drive a few minutes to reach Pykara waterfalls. 

10. Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point

Wenlock Downs is one of the most popular tourist spots for travellers visiting Masinagudi. This place is featured in many movies, and you can probably see some movie shooting or another happening here, hence the name. It is a grassy knoll, and you get to walk around the mist. Some of the activities here are pony rides, picnics, walking, and hangouts. The 9th mile is a picnic spot located while going to Wenlock Downs. You have to walk through the pine tree cluster to reach the place where a small lake awaits you. 

Best Time To Visit Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point

Enjoy the pleasant weather between December and April. The accessible hours at the Shooting Medu are between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early afternoons are pleasant for a walk when the skies are clear.

How To Reach Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point

Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point is easily accessible from Masinagudi. It’s almost 31 km and is approximately an hour’s drive away. You’ll need to take the Mysuru – Ooty Rd and NH181.

If you want to stay close to nature, there is nothing to beat the most beautiful sightseeing places in Tamil Nadu’s Hill Station Masinagudi. It is a complete vacation spot; the thick forest, majestic hills, misty waterfalls, flora fauna, and loads of activities like trekking, nature-walking, safari and much more. It should be one of the top places on your vacation list. 

Still undecided as to which place to go to during this vacation? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out our article about the Top 10 Best Lesser-Known Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu, and find the perfect vacation destination!

Frequently Asked Questions About Masinagudi Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

1. Why is Masinagudi famous?

The place is famous for its large wildlife sanctuaries and rich flora. The scenic beauty attracts tourists annually, making it the best ten places to visit during a trip to Masinagudi Hill Station.

2. Which is the best time to visit Masinagudi Hill Station?

The best time to visit the Top 10 Masinagudi places is between October and May, when tourism is at its peak.

3. How many days are enough to see all places in Masinagudi?

You may need around 5 to 7 days to enjoy the places in Masinagudi. However, if you’re on a short vacation, 3-4 days will suffice. 

4. Is Masinagudi open for tourists now?

Masinagudi is a town and it is always open to tourists. The ideal time to visit is October to May. Visit the place before the monsoon arrives for the best experience.

 5. How far is Masinagudi from Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary?

The distance between the two places is just 12.8 km on the NH181.