Jungle Retreat

Top choice in The Western Ghats


Arguably Mudumalai's most stylish resort, with accommodation in lovingly built stone cottages, two tree houses and a dorm (minimum four people), all spread out for maximum seclusion. The bar, lounge and restaurant (three daily meals ₹2000) are great for meeting travellers, and staff are knowledgable. The pool has a stunning setting – leopards and elephants often pop in for a drink.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Western Ghats attractions

1. Elephant Camp

5.18 MILES

In mornings and evenings you can see the reserve's working elephants being fed at the elephant camp just east of the Mudumalai reception centre, where you…

2. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

5.35 MILES

In the foothills of the Nilgiris, this newly enlarged 765-sq-km wildlife reserve is like a classical Indian landscape painting given life, with chital…

3. Bandipur National Park

8.13 MILES

This park covers 880 sq km and was once the Mysore maharajas’ private wildlife reserve. It's noted for herds of gaurs (Indian bison), chitals (spotted…

4. St Stephen’s Church

8.97 MILES

Perched above Ooty's centre, immaculate pale-yellow St Stephen’s, built in 1829, is the Nilgiris' oldest church. It has lovely stained glass, huge wooden…

5. Botanical Gardens

9.05 MILES

Established in 1848, these pretty 22-hectare gardens are a living gallery of the Nilgiris' natural flora. Keep an eye out for a typical Toda mund (village…

6. Nilgiri Library

9.22 MILES

This quaint little haven in a crumbling, earthy-red 1867 building houses more than 30,000 books, including rare titles on the Nilgiris and hill tribes,…

7. St Thomas' Church

9.53 MILES

Set between trees at the eastern end of Ooty Lake, simple St Thomas' dates back to 1870.

8. Rose Garden

9.68 MILES

With terraced lawns and over 20,000 rose bushes of more than 2000 varieties – best between May and July – the Rose Garden is a sweet place for a stroll,…