Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The reserve's
reception centre
( 2526235; 6.30am-6pm)
, and some government-run ac-
commodation, is at Theppakadu, on the main road between Ooty and Mysore. The closest
village to Theppakadu is Masinagudi, 7km east.
Sights & Activities
Hking in the reserve is not allowed and private vehicles are only allowed on the main
Ooty-Gudalur-Theppakadu-Mysore road and the Theppakadu-Masinagudi and Masin-
agudi-Moyar River roads. Some wildlife can be seen from these roads, but the best way to
see the reserve is on the enjoyable official 45-minute
minibus tours
(per person ?35; 7am, 8am,
3pm, 4pm & 5pm)
, which make a 15km loop in camouflage-striped 26-seat buses. Get to the
reception centre 30 minutes beforehand to ensure a seat. Half-hour
elephant rides
(for 4 people
?460; 7-8am & 4-5pm)
are also available from the reception centre. At 6pm you can watch
the reserve's working elephants being fed at the nearby
elephant camp
(minibus-tour customers free,
others ?15)
.
Some operators may offer treks in the buffer zone around the reserve, but these are po-
tentially dangerous and the reserve authorities advise very strongly against them. Jeep sa-
faris organised through the better resorts, with expert guides, are a safer option.
Sleeping & Eating
The reserve runs some simple accommodation along a track just above the Moyar River at
Theppakadu. For these it's advisable to book in advance at the
Office of the Field Director
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 0423-2444098;
fdmtr@tn.nic.in
;
Mount Stuart Hill, Ooty; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm
Sat)
in Ooty, though the reception centre will accept walk-in bookings if there are vacan-
cies. Best is the well maintained
Theppakadu Log House
(d/q ?1100/1600)
, whose comfortable
rooms have private bathrooms.
Sylvan Lodge
(d ?600)
is on similar lines though less comfort-
able. The caretaker can arrange meals at both places (dinner costs ?40 to ?50). Also here
is the extremely basic, government-run
Hotel Tamil Nadu
(
2526580;
htn-mdm@ttdconline.com
;
dm/
d/q ?125/550/950)
, with a restaurant.
Better accommodation is provided by numerous lodges and forest resorts outside the
park's fringes, many of them family-run businesses with a warm atmosphere, high stand-
ards and breathtaking views. Many of the best cluster in Bokkapuram village, 5km from
Masinagudi at the foot of the mountains. Don't wander outside your resort at night; leo-
