Mudumala Treehouse near Kerala. Office: Palmland Tours, 126, Priyadarshini Nagar, Trichur - 5, Kerala, South India. Phone: +91 487 2420556, Mobile: +91 98471 78455, E-mail:

Treehouse at Wild Canopy Nature Reserve, Mudumala.

Wild Canopy Reserve is located adjoining the Mudumalai wildlife at Masinagudi, Karnataka. It is situated in one corner of the 300 acres of Coffee estate at an altitude of 950 meters in a natural scrub forest.

Estate and Wildlife

The Estate is situated on the foot hills of the Nilgiris is nearly 150 years old and was originally a hunting lodge for a British solider stationed in Ooty, way back in 1869. It was latter converted into a coffee estate, and was the only coffee plantation to have flood irrigation. It was one of the highest yielding coffee estates in the 1950s and 60s. The estate adjoins the Mudumalai wild life sanctuary and is therefore full of wildlife.

At Wild Canopy Reserve socially and ecologically conscious practices are followed. Special attention is accorded for protection of habitat, water sources, natural salt licks etc, as a consequence of which, this private wild life reserve has become an excellent place for breeding of wild animals and birds in their natural habitat. Animals such as Malabar squirrel, Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild dog (Dhole), Gaur (Bison), elephant, leopard, tiger, porcupine etc now breed and bring up their young within the reserve. A custom designed solar powered fence meeting stringent international quality and safety standards, keeps out the domestic scrub cattle but allows free movement of wild animals through their natural corridors and helps preserve the pristine habitat. Therefore the 300 odd acres is a haven for the wildlife, which includes Elephant, Gaur (bison), leopard, tiger, wild dogs, hyena, sloth bear, porcupine, sambar deer and lots and lots of spotted deer, wild boar, Malabar squirrel, grey langur, and monkeys.

Since no chemicals are used on the coffee and natural vegetation has been encouraged in the uncultivated portions of the estate the place abounds with bird life. The natural scrub forest is an experience by itself.

The tree houses are built on huge Jamoon trees by the local artisans using indigenous techniques and eco friendly methods. Each tree house is about 40 feet high and has hot and cold water in its quaint toilet. They over look a water hole, which is frequented by the resident wildlife. Guests have seen many incredible and interesting sights at the water hole, from the spotted deer and grey langur having pool parties to a lone tusker having fun with a piece of hose. The trees are also home to families of grey langur who happily co-exist. Experience has taught us to advise the people staying on the tree houses to keep all their things in the cupboards provided. One has to be prepared to have a monkey for a neighbour when on the tree house. The snakes are kept out using indigenous methods so the tree house is absolutely safe and an ideal romantic place for the nature lover and any one craving peace and quiet.

A 130-year-old Coffee store has been remodelled and converted into two huge rooms with equally big bathrooms. These rooms are furnished with an interesting blend of antique furniture, ethnic fittings, and modern appliances. These rooms have a huge private veranda, which overlooks the water hole. Each room also has an out door Jacuzzi where one can relax and watch the water hole, and the wild boar, spotted deer etc, frolic on the grass around the rooms.

The in house chef is renowned for the absolutely fabulous cuisine, (be it Indian, Chinese or Continental) he provides. One can dine under the trees, stars, or canopies, but wherever it is the food is sumptuous and lavish. Every guest has appreciated the interesting menus. Dining is alfresco and is an experience in itself. Room service is also available. Friendly and cheerful staff keep Wild canopy reserve friendly and inviting. The experienced field staff keep the out door activities a safe and fascinating experience.

What to do at Wild Canopy? There are no televisions, phones, music, and human sounds. So one can either just relax or go out on treks, safaris or just gentle walks with our highly experienced field activities staff. Swimming is possible in the natural pools in the jungle stream, which flows through the estate. The Safari and trekking tracks have been thoughtfully and carefully designed keeping in mind adventure, trill, and safety of the guest and wild life. Viewing corridors are maintained for the un-obtrusive viewing of wildlife in their natural habitat. Machans and waterholes are located at strategic spots to enhance the wilderness experience of the guest.

Walks: (For the average city dweller). Just amble around taking in the majesty and beauty of nature in all its glory with a local escort. You will most probably see deer, langur, monkeys, Malabar squirrel, and a host of birds.

Treks: (For the more energetic and adventurous). With one guide and one escort, trek 7 kms along the perimeter of the reserve, across rocky streams, hillocks, gullies, bamboo thickets, grass lands and scrub forest. For the less energetic go through 3 kms of coffee plantation, forests and streams.

Safari: (For all). Drive through the reserve in a 4-wheel drive over dirt tracks and natural animal habitat.
Guests can also participate in the organic cultural practices adopted in the growing of coffee at the estate during the picking season.

Rules at Wild Canopy Reserve.

• Do not approach or feed any animal. Remember, they are wild and unpredictable.
• Do not touch the wires running around the trees. They are solar-energized Check Lines, provided for your security.
• Do not stray around alone or in your own groups.
• Do not approach the water hole under any circumstance.
• To increase your chances of spotting wildlife , AVOID wearing whites and bright clothing. Perfumes and cigarettes are also strong deterrents. Avoid making noise while on treks or safaris.
• If you see any one teasing or disturbing the wild life please bring it to the notice of the management.
• The persons escorting children will have to take full responsibility for the behaviour and safety of children accompanying them.
• Do not use camera flashes and spotlights on animals as this might disturb or agitate them.
• Do not leave eatables on the verandah, as you would be inviting monkeys into your room.
• Avoid plastic and litter within the reserve.
• Beware consumption of alcohol may lead to accidents and could even put life at risk.
• Smoking is banned during treks and safaris, to avoid the risk of forest fires.
• While in your rooms, please use the ashtrays.
• Ensure that candles or mosquito coils are firmly secured before lighting them.
• Help us conserve water. Every drop saved is a drop more for the animals.
• Avoid leaving the lights on when not required.
• Do not switch on the Jacuzzi until after the water level is above the side blowers.
• Avoid keeping valuables in the room. Entrust them with the management for safekeeping.

Additionally for treehouse guests.

• Exercise caution while climbing up the ladders.
• Do not lean over balconies or walkways.
• Do not venture on to any of the branches.
• Foodstuff is banned in the tree houses… as ants, rats, and monkeys will un-necessarily be attracted.
• Avoid smoking. Ask for a moist ashtray, if you must.
• Use the Solar Lanterns with discretion. The charge lasts for only 4 hours.
• Always keep a bucket full of water in the toilet, incase water does not temporarily flow in the pipes.

Meal times

Breakfast: 08:15 – 10:00 am
Lunch: 01:30 – 2:45 pm
Dinner: 08:00 – 10:30 pm
Check out 12 noon

The main gates will open between 8 am and 6.30pm.

Disclaimer

The management will not be responsible for any untoward incident due to wilful breach of any of the above rules. Loud and obnoxious behaviour and/or misbehaviour with other guests or staff and/or cruelty to or misadventure with animals and/or damage to property will not be tolerated and offending guests may be asked to leave… with or without penalty payment.

Driving directions from Bangalore.

Proceed to Mysore
Take the Ooty Road (Masinagudi is 100 kms from Mysore)
Drive past Nanjangud and Gundalpet
Drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai sanctuaries (do not park anywhere while travelling through the sanctuary area)
Enter Tamil Nadu
NOTE: Do not carry any liquor; the border patrol is very strict
Reach THEPPAKADU-Wild Canopy is just 15 kms away.
Take the left, crossing a narrow bridge across Moyar River on the Sigur Ghat road via Kalhatty to Ooty.
Reach Masinagudi - 7 kms away.
Cross Masinagudi Bazaar,
From Masinagudi Call us.
Wild Canopy Reserve is 8 kms from Masinagudi.
Cross a bridge. Take Bokkapuram Road - the second right.
Escort will wait near the first left before Tottalingi village.