Masinagudi Packages - Elephant Tracks

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Masinagudi is a small village found on the periphery of the forests belonging to the Nilgiri Biosphere. Located between the Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National park in the Western Ghats at the border of the three states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, the major attraction of Masinagudi is the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. A popular Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai National Park is called by the locals as Masinagudi.

A Mudumalai package would definitely include a jeep safari organised into the forests of Masinagudi in the early mornings and evenings. This 45 minute drive is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who wish to spot wild animals in the forest settings.

The forest department at Mudumalai organises these jeep safaris.

If you have more time in hand, climb on top of one of the tame elephants owned by the forest department and tour the jungle. Because the elephant actually goes through the jungle, chances of seeing wild animals at close quarters are more.

The forest department owns an elephant camp near Theppakkadu, near Masinagudi, and has around 30 elephants that are cared for and ...
... trained. One can witness them be given a thorough cleaning, followed by a pooja offering to the deity by the elephants themselves. Finally they are fed; each elephant has their own diet on an everyday basis to adhere to.

A trip to Gopalswami Betta, a hill with a historic temple at its peak is a must. Being part of the Project Tiger Reserve, one could look down on the plateau as tiger sightings have been getting increasingly more common.

Masinagudi is home to over 320 species of birds, both migratory as well as sedentary. The sholas and jungles provide perfect place for bird watching treks accompanied by a guide and ornithologist. Some of the birds found in Masinagudi are Bulbuls, Minivets, Larks, Woodpeckers, Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Pied Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, Rufus Bellied Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Red Headed Vulture, Large Grey Babbler, Little Spider Hunter, and many more.

Masinagudi provides the ideal surroundings for the natural habitat of many endangered species like the Indian elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Chital. Other animals found here include Deer, Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Leopard, Sambar, Wild Boar, Civets, Monitor Lizards, Langurs, Antelopes and Macaques, to list a few.

Masinagudi is connected by road to all the major neighbouring cities and falls on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty. The nearest railhead is Mysore, which is about 65 km away. Bangalore airport is the closest airport.

In Masinagudi, many private resorts come up with Masinagudi packages where safaris and other adventurous activities like trekking can be included.