Location

Gudalur is a picturesque green valley on the way from Mysore to Ooty. It is a gateway to three states, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and lies at equal distance from both Kerala and Karnataka. Tea plantations adore the whole region, and the regional economy is dependent on the tea plantations. However, Gudalur is rich in flora and fauna with a variety of hill crops, though lower altitude crops such as paddy and coconut also flourish here. Though the history of the name has been lost, it is the place where all of the three states' boundaries meet. Some even say the name originated as 'Koodal'(Joining)in Tamil and 'Ooru'(Village),and Goodal+uru as a mysterious place. As the town is located 50 km from any other nearby bigger towns, Ooty, Sulthan Bathery, Gundalpet & Nilambur it can very well be called as the Joining-Place or Point.

Weather

In stark contrast with most of South India, Gudalur generally features pleasantly mild conditions throughout the year. However, nighttime in the months of January and February is typically cold. Generally, the town appears to be eternally stuck in the spring season. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year.The rainy season in Gudalur is generally very cool. The windchill may fall to as low as 5 °C during the day time.

Places To See

One of the notable places in Gudalur is the Needle Rock Point , 8 km from Gudalur. From here we can see almost every part of Gudalur and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur and parts of Mysore and you can see parts of Kerala on the other side. Frog Hill View Point is 9 km from Gudalur on the way to Ooty. From this view point you can see the Frog shape of a Hill view. Santhanamalai Murugan Temple Located at 21 km away from Gudalur town towards O'Valley. It is surrounded by valleys, streams and water falls which create a very soothing and mesmerising effect.

Masinagudi located in the Nilgiri District and is a very beautiful hill station and sanctuary. It is famous among tourists for its natural beauty. Masinagudi located on the border of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Mudumalai wild life Sanctuary, 3.7 km from Gudalur, It is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries in the country and ranks among the top in the visual beauty of its changing seasons. The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a declared Tiger Reserve. Today they are a safe refuge for the elephant. Gaur are also found in large numbers.

Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state has located about 60.8 km from Gudalur. The mountains green valleys, lakes and wild forest make the natural beauty of Wayanad. Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds.Kuruvadweep , a group of islets, surrounded by streams and river, well known for its rare ecology. One of these main islands contain two small fresh water lakes. Banasura sagar Dam considered to be largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Muthanga, wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Tholpetty, pookote Lake are some other tourist attractions in Wayanad.

Nilambur, 48.9 km from Gudalur, is a major town located in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Adyanpara Falls and Vellamthode Falls attract visitors with their cascading streams and scenic surroundings. Nedunayakam is one of the beautiful and dense rain forests in Kerala, displays an extensive variety of flora and fauna. Teak Museum , is the world’s first teak museum operated by the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Apart from teak, the mueusm also has a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak plantations.

The Bandipur Forest Reserve has located about 29.6 km from Gudalur, is one of the better known tiger reserves in India. The reserve in Bandipur stretches across the adjoining states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, in places called Mudumalai and Wayanad respectively. Together, they form the biggest protected forest reserve in Southern India. It is now a protected zone for over 100 species of mammals, including tiger, elephant, leopard, gaur, chital, sambar and bear etc.You can go on a wildlife safari in the forest during dawn or at dusk.

Called the Queen of Hill Stations has located about 50.1 km from Gudalur, is the most popular hill station in the South. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above mean sea level. There are plenty of interesting tourist spots like Botanical Gardens, Lakes, Boat houses, water falls, shooting spots, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea estates and many more.You can travel in the toy train enjoying the heavenly beauty splashed abundantly all over the place. Boat Races is other added tourist attractions in the month of May. There is also a Tea and Tourism Festival held in January every year.