A tiger beside water in the Mudumalai landscape near Masinagudi

Experience

Wildlife Safari

Forest department safaris into Mudumalai and Bandipur, timed for the two hours at each end of the day when the forest comes alive.

There is very little that compares to being out in Mudumalai as the light arrives. One thing worth knowing before you come: safari here is run by the forest department rather than by resorts, so departures are at fixed times and vehicle numbers are limited. It is nothing to worry about — it simply means an early start pays off, and we will make sure you are ready for it.

What You Are Likely to See

Elephant, chital, sambar, gaur and langur are all common through the Mudumalai and Bandipur buffer, and most mornings bring several of them. Tiger and leopard live here too, though they are seen far less often — if one appears, count it as a wonderful piece of luck rather than the plan. Dhole, sloth bear and the Malabar giant squirrel turn up often enough to be worth watching for.

Timing

Early morning and late afternoon are the golden windows. The middle of the day is warm and quiet, and best spent back at the property with a cup of tea. Both our properties are glad to wake you, get tea into you and see you off early — just mention it the night before.

Booking and Access

Safari timings, ticketing, permitted routes and vehicle types are all set by the forest department, and they shift with the season. We keep an eye on the current position and will happily check it for you close to your travel dates — that is always more reliable than any website, ours included.

A Few Things That Keep Everyone Safe

Please stay in the vehicle, keep your voice down, and leave plastic and drones behind. Feeding wild animals puts them at real risk, so we ask everyone to enjoy them from a distance. The highway through the reserve also closes overnight, because elephants use it after dark.

Kept Current Timings, distances and access in this landscape shift with the season and with forest department decisions. We keep this page current, and we are always happy to confirm the latest position for you before you travel.

Where to stay