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When people talk about Masinagudi, wildlife is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
Elephants walking through forests, bears crossing roads, herds of spotted deer grazing in grasslands, peacocks displaying their feathers, and endless opportunities to experience nature at its wildest. After completing a few food vlogs in Kozhikode during April 2026, we decided to take a short break and spend two nights exploring the wildlife and landscapes of Masinagudi.
Little did we know that the trip would become one of our most memorable travel experiences.
Our journey began after lunch at Bijuvettante Kada, a popular food destination in Kozhikode known for its pork delicacies. From there, we started driving towards Masinagudi via Nilambur.
The route itself is worth experiencing.
As we travelled through Nilambur, Kerala’s famous teak country welcomed us with long stretches of forest, plantation roads, streams, and beautiful greenery. After crossing the historic Conolly’s Plot and Nilambur town, the scenery transformed into a mixture of tea plantations, coffee estates, winding mountain roads, and mist-covered valleys.
Every kilometre brought us closer to the forests of Masinagudi.
Masinagudi Wildlife Begins at Theppakadu Elephant Camp
Our first goal was to reach Theppakadu Elephant Camp before the evening feeding session.
Visitors should remember that the forest gate closes at 6 PM, so it is important to enter Masinagudi before that time.
Fortunately, we reached just in time.
Several elephants were already waiting for their evening feed while others were being guided into the camp. Watching elephants of different ages gather together for feeding was a wonderful experience. Their calm behaviour and the bond they shared with their caretakers made the experience even more special.
Looking back, I wish we had arrived a little earlier because visitors who come before feeding time may also get an opportunity to witness elephant bathing.
When Wildlife Welcomes You to Your Resort
After leaving Theppakadu, we headed towards Wild Forest Resort, where we planned to spend the next two nights.
What happened next perfectly demonstrated why Masinagudi wildlife experiences are so unique.
As we unloaded our luggage and started walking towards our cottage, a wild elephant appeared right in front of us.
The elephant calmly waited for us to move our vehicle before walking through the resort premises towards a nearby waterhole.
At that moment, we realised that wildlife sightings in Masinagudi are not limited to safaris. Sometimes the wildlife comes to you.
The resort staff informed us that elephants, wild boars, deer, and even bears are frequent visitors to the property. That night, we managed to spot wild elephants, antelopes, and wild boars wandering through the open meadows around the resort.
Exploring Masinagudi Wildlife on Safari
The next morning began at 6 AM.
Our safari jeep arrived at the resort, driven by Mr. Bhasha, a knowledgeable local guide who would become an important part of our wildlife experience.
Within minutes of starting the safari, we encountered our first surprise.
A bear crossed the road ahead of us before disappearing into the bushes. Although the sighting lasted only a few moments, it immediately raised our excitement levels.
As the morning progressed, wildlife appeared almost everywhere.
We spotted herds of spotted deer grazing peacefully across open grasslands. Peacocks and peahens wandered near the roads. Langurs watched us from tree branches while sambar deer appeared deeper inside the forest.
The highlight came when we encountered another bear much closer to the road.
Unlike the first sighting, this bear remained visible for several minutes while searching the soil for food. Watching a wild bear in its natural habitat from such a close distance was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Masinagudi wildlife experience.
Wildlife and Landscapes Go Hand in Hand
One thing that surprised me about Masinagudi was that the destination is not just about animals.
The landscapes themselves are equally beautiful.
Open grasslands suddenly give way to dense forests. Rivers flow quietly through parts of the region while plantations and rolling hills create ever-changing scenery.
Even if wildlife sightings are limited on a particular day, the landscape itself makes the journey worthwhile.
The View from Vibhuthi Malai
Towards the end of the safari, we took a short off-road route to Vibhuthi Malai.
The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking.
From here, visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of forests, plantations, grasslands, and the surrounding hills of Masinagudi. A small Murugan Temple located at the summit adds a peaceful touch to the experience.
A Visit to an Irular Tribal Village
Later that afternoon, Bhasha arranged another unforgettable experience.
We visited an Irular tribal settlement located inside the forest.
The route itself offered additional wildlife sightings before leading us to the village. There, we had an opportunity to interact with members of the Irular community and learn about their relationship with the forest.
Selvi Akka and Jameela Akka, who also worked at our resort, prepared a traditional meal consisting of ragi kali, chicken curry, and local sweets.
Sharing a meal while listening to stories about life inside the forest offered a deeper understanding of Masinagudi beyond its wildlife.
A Simple Rule for Wildlife Lovers
On our second evening, we hoped for more wildlife sightings around the resort.
Unfortunately, increasing noise levels from some visitors seemed to discourage animal movement near the property.
That experience taught us a simple lesson.
The quieter we are, the more wildlife we are likely to encounter.
About Theppakadu Elephant Camp
📍 Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Masinagudi
🕘 Feeding Time:
- Morning: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Visited Masinagudi Wildlife On
Month of Visit: April 2026
FoodNTravel Verdict
If you are looking for an authentic wildlife experience in South India, Masinagudi deserves a place at the top of your list. From elephant encounters and bear sightings to jeep safaris, tribal culture, and stunning landscapes, Masinagudi offers far more than a typical hill-station getaway.
The wildlife may be the main attraction, but the forests, people, and experiences around it are what make the destination truly unforgettable.
