Mudumalai national park Jungle retreat

[Shreniv]

We are planning a short trip to the Mudumalai national park, but we are unable to decide is it better to reach there and then book the resort or it is advised to book it in advance. Second, Is it possible for us to organize everything independently after reaching Mudumalai.

My friend suggested Mudumalai Jungle retreat, but it looks a bit expensive to me, any thoughts or suggestions please

Thanks,
Shrenivas

 

[briannagodess]

Hello, @Shreniv! Welcome to the forum!

I would advise you to book in advance. It can be difficult to find accommodations especially during peak tourist season. It's better to have that assurance that you would have a place to stay in once you get there. It is possible to book a room once you reach Mudumalai, but it's not advisable not to book in advance. You can choose better accommodations if you reserve a room well in advance.

Now, when it comes to accommodations, the Mudumalai Jungle Retreat is a good choice. Their cheapest rate is at Rs. 3,000 per person, per day, in their dormitory rooms. This rate for the dormitory already includes all the meals per day. To stay in the six-bedded room though, there should be a minimum of four people booking the room. Their next affordable room is at Rs. 5,468 per day, which is the Standard AC Room. This rate doesn't include the meals yet.

However, if you'd like more options, here are other lodges and hotels near the Mudumalai National Park:

Hotels and Lodging Under Rs. 2,000

• Vinayaga Inn - This is about 25 kms from the national park. Their Deluxe Room is at Rs. 999 to Rs. 1,400 per night, depending on the season. It comes with an attached bathroom with 24 hours hot/cold shower. It has its own wardrobe cabinet, sofa and long mirror. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant and even laundry services by request. Their address is: 122, Near Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Airport - Mattuthavani Ring Road, Madurai, 625107.

• Hotel Lake View - This is about 24 kms from the national park. Their Deluxe Cottage is at Rs. 2,000 per night. Each cottage has its own private balcony and bedroom plus a living room. They also have high speed WiFi around the hotel. You can also dine in their multi-cuisine restaurant. Their address is: West Lake Road, Near The Ooty Lake, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643004.

• Gouri Farms Homestay - This is about 3.2 kms away from the Mudumalai National Park. The Double Room here is at Rs. 1,250 per night. There's a private sit-out and an attached bathroom. Transport services are provided for by the homestay. Their address is: Totamulla Road, Chembakolli, Tamil Nadu 643212.

Hotels and Lodging Over Rs. 2,000

• Sabol Holiday Resorts - This is about 23 kms from Mudumalai National Park. Their room rates start at Rs. 2,499 per night. Their rooms are fully furnished with wooden flooring. Rooms have LCD television, coffee maker and 24 hours hot/cold shower. The hotel also has an open court for playing badminton or other sports. Adventure activities like trekking and bird watching can be arranged for in the hotel. Their address is: 164, Connemara Road (Next to Adayar Villa), Pudumund, Ooty, 643007.

• Velu's Resort - This is about 7 kms from the Mudumalai National Park. Room rates here start at Rs. 2,685 per night. Rooms have wooden furniture and 24 hours hot/cold water in the bathroom. There's also a mini-library in the resort premises. Their address is: Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway, NH-67, Upper Gudalur, The Nilgiris, Gudalur, Tamil Nadu 643211.

• Hotel Ponmari Residency - This is about 42 kms from the national park. Their Royal Deluxe Room is at Rs. 2,200 per night. It has LCD television, dressing table with mirror and sofas. The hotel also has a restaurant, a health club and a conference hall. Their address is: No. 26D, Kotagiri Road, Charring Cross, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001.

There you go. I hope this helps you. Good luck on your trip!

 

[Shak]

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide about booking your Mudumalai stay:



Booking in advance:

• Pros: You're guaranteed a place to stay, especially during peak season. You can research and pick the resort that best suits your needs (budget, amenities, location). Many online booking services allow you to compare prices and read reviews.
• Cons: Less flexibility with your itinerary in case you need to change your dates. Some resorts may have cancellation fees.

Booking upon arrival:

• Pros: More flexibility with your travel plans. You might be able to find a last-minute deal.
• Cons: There's a risk that all the resorts are full, especially during peak season. Limited choices, you might end up settling for something you're not crazy about.

So, what to do?

• Consider the time of year: During peak seasons (summer and Christmas/New Year) it's definitely safer to book in advance. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) might offer more flexibility for finding a place upon arrival.
• Independent planning:

It is possible to organize things independently after reaching Mudumalai. Here's what you'd need to arrange:

• Accommodation: There are several resorts around Mudumalai, not just inside the park. You can find guesthouses, homestays, and budget options by using online travel booking sites or searching upon arrival.
• Safaris: You can book jungle safaris directly at the Mudumalai National Park office.
• Permits: You'll need permits for safaris and park entry. These can also be obtained at the park office.

Alternatives to Mudumalai Jungle Retreat:

The Mudumalai Jungle Retreat might be on the pricier side. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Check online travel booking sites for resorts near Mudumalai National Park. You can filter by price and amenities to find something that fits your budget.
• Consider Mudumalai forest department rest houses. These are typically budget-friendly options located inside the park, but availability can be limited.
• Look into homestays or guesthouses in nearby villages like Masinagudi or Theppakadu.

Final Thoughts:

• Weigh the pros and cons of booking in advance based on your travel style and the time of year.
• Independent planning is possible, but be prepared to do some research and potentially deal with limited availability upon arrival, especially for popular options.
• There are a variety of resorts and homestays in the area to suit different budgets.

I hope this helps you plan your Mudumalai trip, Shrenivas! Enjoy your wildlife adventure!