Theppakadu Elephant Camp
One of the oldest elephant camps in Asia, on the banks of the Moyar.
- Type
- Forest department elephant camp
- On
- The Moyar river
- Best for
- Families and photographers
- Timings
- Set feeding times — verify before visiting
Theppakadu is where the department's elephants are kept and cared for, and it is the one place in this landscape where you can watch elephants at close quarters without being in a vehicle. Feeding sessions are the draw.
What You See
Camp elephants being bathed and fed, and mahouts working with animals they have often known for decades. It is a working camp rather than a show, which is exactly what makes it worth the trip.
Timings
Feeding happens at set times, usually in the morning and again in the late afternoon. Times do change, and the camp occasionally closes to visitors, so give us a ring on the day and we will check before you make the drive.
Getting There
Theppakadu is on the Mudumalai side, a short drive from Masinagudi. Both properties can advise on the current route and timing.
Enjoying It Respectfully
Keep back a little, keep voices low, skip the flash and please do not offer food. These are large wild animals in the care of people who know them well — giving them room is part of what makes the visit special.
Where to Base Yourself
Both Avenue Tree properties are in Masinagudi, which is the practical base for this part of the landscape — close enough to the gates for an early start, far enough from the highway to be quiet.
Labdhi Resorts
Warm timber rooms, home-cooked vegetarian food and an easy drive to the Mudumalai safari gates.
View Labdhi Resorts →Aranyasun
Three-quarters of an acre of garden beside Masinagudi village, looked after by a family of Nilgiri tea planters.
View Aranyasun →Plan Around It
Stay a Short Drive from Theppakadu
Two warm places to stay, one beautiful corner of the Nilgiris, and a travel desk that really does know these roads. Send us your dates and we will help you shape the days around them.
Or enquire now and we will reply the same day.