Places To Visit In Gudalur: Discover Hidden Gems And Attractions

An image of a resort on Orphanage Road, one of the peaceful places to visit in Gudalur

When thinking about a weekend trip, exploring some of the best places to visit in Gudalur is an excellent idea. Located amidst the gorgeous scenery of Tamil Nadu, there are beautiful hills, dense forests, and other charming places of interest that can be observed in Gudalur during the weekend. If you are just looking for a quiet time or are in search of the best of nature trips, Gudalur is a place to be. In this blog, we will be showing you some of the key tourist attractions in Gudalur so that you get the best of the Gudalur experience.

10 Popular Places To Visit In Gudalur

Some of the most popular places to visit in Gudalur mainly include:

1. Needle Rock Viewpoint

A picture of the Needle Rock valleys, one of the scenic places to visit in Gudalur.

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

Needle Rock Viewpoint is one of the most popular places to visit in Gudalur; located on a hilltop, one can have a 360-degree view of the valleys and the Nilgiri hills. Taking the form of a needle, this pointed rock formation is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and beautiful sceneries, photographers in particular. It should be a perfect quiet for a picnic, short hiking, and best of all the magnificent view to watch the sunset. The scenic views greatly make it an ideal tourist destination for anyone visiting the Gudalur town.

Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (37 km)
Top Tourist Attractions: The Nilgiri Hills, nearby forests, hiking trails
Best Time To Visit: October to May

2. Frog Hill Viewpoint

A picture of the Frog Hill Viewpoint, which is one of the best places to visit in Gudalur

Photo: Stiven Gonzales / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frog Hill View Point in Gudalur is another tourist attraction site that should not be missed for breathtaking views of the hills and valleys around. It is something like the head of a frog and because of its sharp and curious form, there are many tourists taking pictures and watching the object from above. Despite being located in a serene environment with lots of vegetation cover, it will suit people who like to spend their time surrounded by nature. Tourists can watch the sunrise and sunset, it is also an ideal place to escape from the noise of the metropolitan area.

Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (36 km)
Top Tourist Attractions: The Nilgiri Hills, nearby forests, hiking trails
Best Time To Visit: October to May

3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

A picture of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the top wildlife places to visit in Gudalur

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere San Reserve and is one of the most explored tourist attractions in Gudalur for tourists interested in wildlife tourism. Boasting diverse vegetation and wildlife, the sanctuary has tigers, elephants, leopards, and many other species of birds. Tourists can experience exciting jeep tours and hiking. Its beautiful views and calm environment put it on the list of places to visit in the region.

Top Experiences: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, nature walks
Entry Fee: INR 15 for entry
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (24 km)

4. Gudalur Tea Estate

A picture of the lush green Gudalur Tea Estate, one of the best places to visit in Gudalur

Photo: LakshmiNaresh / Wikimedia Commons

Gudalur Tea Estate is among the most beautiful and serene tourist attractions in Gudalur with outstanding tea gardens and views spotting the Nilgiri hills. Tourists can tour the estate under the guidance of facilities’ personnel, with a specific focus on the process of tea production all the while having an opportunity to explain the calmness of the place. The estate also offers a good glimpse of the neighbouring valleys making it one of the most ideal locations for photographers.

Best Time To Visit: September to March
Top Experiences: Tea plantation tours, tasting fresh tea, photography

5. Gudalur Ayyankolly Falls

 A picture of Ayyankolly Falls, which is also one of the best Gudalur tourist places list

Photo: Jonathan Meyer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Ayyankolly Falls is another less-explored sight in Gudalur which offers a serene nature getaway. It is located in a hill area surrounded by forests and rocks making a place of stunning waterfalls providing sightseeing pleasures. Those who prefer more adventurous can go tripping in the countryside, watch beautiful green areas, or swim in freshwater. This gem is ideal for those in search of tranquillity, and who do not enjoy the company of other tourists in the area.

Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station ( 35 km)
Best Time To Visit: July to November
Top Tourist Attractions: Waterfall amidst dense forests, caves

6. Thotapalli Reservoir

An image of Thotapalli Reservoir, one of the most peaceful places to visit in Gudalur

Photo: Ali Madad Sakhirani / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Thotapalli Reservoir is another quiet place with breathtaking views situated in Gudalur for tourists looking for some quiet time. A picturesque place for picnicking, taking beautiful photos, and walking, it is surrounded by the attachments of greenery and amazing views. Tourists are also free to take a boat ride to swim in the shallow waters and watch birds that are known to flock to the site. It is a perfect place to relax in Gudalur if you are going to escape from the chaotic and noisy urban environment.

Top Tourist Attractions: Scenic views, birdwatching, walking trails
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (30 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to April

7. Moyar River

 A picture of the Moyar River view, which is among the tranquil places to visit in Gudalur

Photo: DRUID1962 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Moyar River is a beautiful and calm flowing river in the Nilgiri hills which boasts of its natural beauty that visitors find appealing. Located near the green forests and thick Growth of Vegetation and Creatures, this river provides a natural and calm environment free from lots of haste and bustle of our daily Routine. About bird watching, for easy picnicking or strolling leisure, the river bank with its whispering brook, is the ideal place.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (38 km)
Top Tourist Attractions: Nearby forests, diverse flora and fauna

8. Thorapalli Dam

A picture of a dam, with its serene waters and greenery, is a quiet place to visit in Gudalur

Photo: Frans van Heerden / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Thorapalli Dam is a beautiful place that can be visited on a tour to Gudalur and the hills and greenery around make the region look beautiful. This is a relatively lesser-known park, making it the ideal place for children, families, or anyone who wishes to have a vacation from the usual hustle and bustle of life and focus on having a picnic and taking long walks. It is not only utilitarian and provides water for agriculture and supply of the villages, but also a natural viewpoint for a photographer.

Top Tourist Attractions: The dam, reservoir, surrounding greenery
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station ( 42 km)
Best Time To Visit: September to March

9. Vellimalai Patti Shiva Temple

A picture of Vellimala Patti Shiva Temple, one of the top tourist attractions in Gudalur.

Photo: rakesh menda / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Vellimalai Patti Shiva Temple is a holy worshipping religious site located in Gudalur. Boasting a beautiful construction and excellent location, this temple is visited not only by the locals but also by tourists. Several religious activities are held at the site throughout the year and guests are privileged to see some of the most colourful cultures. Nestled with beautiful surroundings, the place is perfect for meditation and reflecting upon life. If you require some spiritual relief or if you just want to take a peek at it, the Vellimalai Patti Shiva Temple in Gudalur is a place to be.

Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (39 km)
Top Tourist Attractions: The temple, surrounding gardens

10. Pykara Waterfalls

A picture of Pykara Waterfalls, a natural wonder, and one of the top Gudalur tourist places

Photo: Thomas King / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Pykara Waterfalls is also situated near Ooty, Tamil Nadu, and has a tremendously beautiful site with its cascading waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by thick forest which attracts more tourists especially those with an interest in the natural world and photography. Others can relax quietly, engage in strolling, or even do photography of the falls. The best time to include this region is during the monsoon season because the water is expected to be full. For anyone who would want to visit this area, Pykara Waterfalls is one place that cannot be missed.

Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (37 km)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Top Experiences: Photography, picnic, boat rides on the Pykara Lake

There are so many wonderful places to visit in Gudalur, hence the fact that it is undoubtedly among the best destinations for a weekend break for those who love nature and tranquillity. As much as it is blessed with natural beauty, rich wildlife, and cultural points of interest, Gudalur is a place worth visiting. Plan a trip with TripXL to hunt for these relatively unknown places that are found somewhere you decide to have your weekend vacation.

Cover Photo: Suhail Muhammed / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

This beautiful place is most suitable for tourists from October to February because of its cool climate.
Yes, there are some treks and hikes in Gudalur and around the many hills and forests in the region.
The foods in Gudalur have conventional South Indian flair with hot and spicy flavours, coffee tea honey, or spices in them.
Yes, Gudalur does hold different cultural festivals at different victory years such as Pongal and Onam.
Yes, you can visit numerous forms of wild animals and birds at Mudumalai National Park such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and others.

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