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Gudalur!

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Population

45,000

schedule

Best Time

September to May

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Tamil Nadu map South India ⛰️ Mountains 🏔️ Hill Stations Tea Plantations Hill Stations Gudalur Nilgiris Tea Plantations Tamil Nadu South India Hill Station

Gudalur is a charming tea town nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, bordering Kerala. It's known for its sprawling tea estates, lush greenery, and a mix of cultures due to its proximity to Kerala and its tribal population. The town serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding tea plantations and offers stunning scenic views.

Gudalur offers a serene escape from bustling city life with its tea gardens and pleasant climate. However, its remote location means travel can be time-consuming. It's ideal for those seeking tranquility and nature, but may lack extensive tourist infrastructure and diverse attractions found in larger cities.

Reaching Gudalur requires a journey by road from major airports or railway stations. Allocate at least 2-3 days to fully experience the town and its surrounding areas. The best way to get around is by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw.

When To Visit

Best Time

September to May

15-25 degrees C

The weather is pleasant and cool during this period. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Why Visit:

This is the best time to explore the tea estates and enjoy the scenic beauty without the hindrance of heavy rains. The temperature is comfortable for trekking and other outdoor adventures. The tea gardens are lush and green, making for picturesque landscapes.

Tip: Expect slightly higher prices for accommodation and transportation during peak season. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.

Shoulder Season

June to August

18-28 degrees C

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to Gudalur. The landscape turns even greener, but outdoor activities can be limited.

Why Visit:

The lush greenery is at its peak during the monsoon. You might find better deals on accommodation. However, heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and limit sightseeing options.

Tip: Roads can be slippery and prone to landslides. Be prepared for occasional power outages and limited accessibility to some areas.

Avoid

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Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Needle Rock View Point

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Needle Rock View Point, also known as Soochi Malai, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. The viewpoint gets its name from a ro...

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Frog Hill View Point

⏱ 1 hour Free

Frog Hill View Point is another scenic spot in Gudalur, offering views of the surrounding tea estates and valleys. It's named after a rock formation t...

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Tea Estates

⏱ 2-3 hours Free (for viewing), ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) for factory visits with tour

Gudalur is renowned for its sprawling tea estates, which are a major attraction. These estates offer a glimpse into the tea-making process, from culti...

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Pykara Lake and Waterfalls (nearby)

⏱ 3-4 hours (including travel) ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) for the lake; ₹10 (Indians), ₹150 (foreigners) for the falls

Located near Ooty (easily accessible from Gudalur), Pykara Lake and Waterfalls are a popular tourist destination. The lake offers boating facilities a...

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Mudumalai National Park

⏱ 4-5 hours (including travel and safari) ₹30 (Indians), ₹550 (foreigners) entry fee; Safari costs extra (₹150-₹500 depending on type)

Mudumalai National Park is a wildlife sanctuary bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It's home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, de...

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St. Mary's Church

⏱ 1 hour Free

St. Mary's Church is a historic church in Gudalur, reflecting the colonial influence in the region. It features beautiful architecture and a peaceful ...

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Things To Do

attractions

Tea Plantation Walk

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹200-500 per person

Explore the lush green tea plantations on foot and learn about the tea-making process. The walk takes you through the ro...

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attractions

Bird Watching

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹300-700 per person (including guide)

Gudalur is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird watching. Explore the forests and t...

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attractions

Trekking

⏱ 4-6 hours 💰 ₹500-1000 per person (including guide)

Embark on a trekking adventure through the hills and forests surrounding Gudalur. Several trekking trails offer varying ...

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attractions

Jeep Safari

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹1500-2500 per jeep

Explore the surrounding forests and wildlife areas in a jeep. A jeep safari offers a chance to spot wild animals in thei...

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Cultural Experiences

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Tribal Village Visit

3-4 hours | ₹500-1000 per person

Gudalur is home to various tribal communities, each with its unique culture and traditions. Visiting...

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celebration

Local Market Visit

1-2 hours | Free (unless you buy something)

The Gudalur town market is a bustling hub of activity where locals buy and sell goods. Visiting the ...

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celebration

Tea Tasting

1 hour | ₹100-300 per person

Gudalur is known for its tea, and tea tasting is a must-do activity. Learn about the different types...

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celebration

Cooking Class

2-3 hours | ₹800-1500 per person

Learn to cook traditional South Indian dishes in a cooking class. A local chef will guide you throug...

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celebration

Temple Visit

1-2 hours | Free

Visit the local temples to experience the religious and cultural traditions of the region. The templ...

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celebration

Ayurvedic Massage

1-2 hours | ₹1000-2000 per person

Relax and rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic massage. Ayurvedic massage is a traditional Indian therapy th...

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Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Tea
Tea

Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea at a local tea stall or tea estate.

Idli and Dosa
Idli and Dosa

Try the traditional South Indian breakfast at a local restaurant.

Biryani
Biryani

Sample the flavorful biryani at a local eatery.

Kerala Parotta and Beef Fry
Kerala Parotta and Beef Fry

A popular dish available in restaurants bordering Kerala.

Where to Eat

Hotel Aaryas

Hotel Aaryas

₹₹

South Indian

📍 Gudalur town

A popular restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious dosas and idlis. It's a great place for a quick and affordable meal.

DosaIdliVada

₹400-600 for two

Nahdi Kuzhimanthi Restaurant

Nahdi Kuzhimanthi Restaurant

₹₹

Arabian, South Indian

📍 Near Gudalur Bus Stand

Serves Arabian and South Indian food with good ambiance. Try their Kuzhimanthi for a unique taste.

KuzhimanthiBiryani

₹500-700 for two

Street Food Spots

Gudalur Town Market

Gudalur Town Market

💰 Budget: ₹50-100 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be cautious about hygiene. Try food from stalls that are popular and have a high turnover.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Gudalur

More restaurants & dishes from Gudalur

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Gudalur Town Center

Staying in the town center provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and transportation. It's a convenient location for exploring the town and its surrounding areas, but can be noisy during the day.

Best For: Budget travelers, those who want to be close to amenities

Near Tea Estates

Staying near the tea estates offers a tranquil escape amidst lush greenery. It's ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. However, transportation to the town center may be limited.

Best For: Nature lovers, those seeking tranquility

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1200/night

Hotel Blue Mount

📍 Gudalur town

A basic hotel with comfortable rooms and essential amenities. It's a good option for budget travelers looking for a convenient location.

₹800-1200/night

Hotel Dream Land

📍 Near Gudalur Bus Stand

Offers simple rooms and easy access to transportation. It's a practical choice for travelers on a tight budget.

₹900-1300/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹1500-2500/night

Green Gates Hotel

📍 Ooty Road, Gudalur

Features well-appointed rooms and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with good value for money.

₹1500-2500/night

Hotel Landmark

📍 Main Road, Gudalur

Provides comfortable rooms and a range of amenities including a restaurant and room service. It is located centrally for easy access to attractions.

₹1800-2800/night

Luxury

₹4000+/night

Sterling Ooty Elk Hill (nearby)

📍 Ooty (approx. 1 hour from Gudalur)

A luxurious resort with spacious rooms, stunning views, and a range of amenities. The resort offers a premium experience with excellent service and facilities.

₹4000+/night

The Tamara Coorg (nearby)

📍 Coorg (approx. 3 hours from Gudalur)

An extremely luxurious resort nestled amidst coffee plantations, offering private villas with breathtaking views. This resort provides an unparalleled experience with world-class amenities and service.

₹15000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ), 130km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Ooty (UAM), 50km from Gudalur

Limited train connectivity. Connect from major stations like Coimbatore.

Nilambur Road (NIL), 50km from Gudalur

Connect from Shoranur Junction (SRR)

Routes:
  • From Chennai: 12 hours (₹1500-2500) to Coimbatore, then connect by road
  • From Bangalore: 8 hours (₹1200-2000) to Coimbatore, then connect by road

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

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By Bus

Terminals:
  • Gudalur Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Bangalore: 8 hours (₹800-1200)
  • From Chennai: 12 hours (₹1200-1800)
  • From Coimbatore: 4 hours (₹400-600)

Note: Buses are a convenient option, but can be crowded. Trains offer a more comfortable journey where available.

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-200 depending on distance

Best for: Short distances within the town

Bargain before you start your journey. Agree on the fare beforehand.

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹1500-2500 per day

Best for: Day trips to nearby attractions

Hire a taxi for the entire day for convenience. Negotiate the price.

directions

Local Bus

💰 ₹10-30 per trip

Best for: Traveling between nearby towns and villages

Buses can be crowded. Check the bus timings in advance.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. Layers are recommended as the temperature can fluctuate. Carry a light jacket or sweater.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Gudalur town. However, it's advisable to carry sufficient cash.

Cash vs Card: Cash is widely accepted. Cards are accepted in larger establishments. Keep some cash handy for smaller shops and street vendors.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water. Avoid drinking tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic stalls. Be cautious about spicy food.

Common Issues: Altitude sickness can occur. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities upon arrival. Carry necessary medications.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good network coverage. Purchase a SIM card at the airport or in Gudalur town. You will need your passport and visa.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and restaurants.

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Language & Tipping

Language: Tamil is the local language. English is spoken by many people in tourist areas. Malayalam is also widely understood due to its proximity to Kerala.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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