Wild Canopy Reserve

Wild Canopy Reserve is located adjoining the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary and National park at Masinagudi . Wild canopy reserve is an exclusive place for the true wild life enthusiast and consists of two deluxe Tree houses and two Mega deluxe rooms.The Wild Canopy Reserve is situated in one corner of a 300 and odd acre Coffee Estate on the leeward side of the Nilgiris Mountains at an altitude of 950 meters msl, in a natural scrub forest. The majestic mist clad Nilgiri Mountains provide a breath taking background to the place. The temperatures vary between 20 o C and 30oC. It has a mild rainy season between June and October. Summers are pleasant and winters are mild with a nip in the air in the mornings and evenings. The season is all through the year, though excellent sightings of wildlife are between November and February. Eco-tourists and Special interest groups, interested in nature and wild life will find Wild Canopy Reserve fascinating and interesting place.

The garden of Eden: The Wild Canopy Reserve which 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 has an exciting and fascinating history, with lots of very interesting places to see. 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. A custom designed solar powered fence meeting stringent international quality and safety standards, keeps out the domestic scrub cattle but  

Wild Canopy Reserve is not very far from some of the major cities of South India and is easily accessible once you touch down at Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore and Coimbatore. Driving down from these cities (except Chennai) could be a scenic and thoroughly enjoyable way to reach us, although there are other ways of getting here as wellallows 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.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.

The view from above : 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.

The rooms with a view: The Mega Deluxe Rooms have awesome dimensions. A 130-year-old Coffee store has been remodeled 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 verandah, 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.

Food: 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. Staff: 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.

Guests can also participate in the organic cultural practices adopted in the growing of coffee at the estate during the picking season.

Wynaad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Rufus Babbler, Blue Capped Rock Thrush.

Some of the birds found in and around the campus of Wild Canopy Reserve

Grey Headed Bulbul, White Bellied Minivet, Jorden Bush Lark , White Bellied Woodpecker, White Napped Woodpecker, Speckled Piculet, Streak Throated Wookpecker, Indian Pitta Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Yellow Legged Button Quail, Alpine Swift Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Sarvanna Night Jar Jerdons Nightjar, Great Eared Nightjar Sirkeer Malkoha ,Pied Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, Rufus Bellied Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Red Headed Vulture, Blue Face Malkoha, Malabar Crested Lark, Indian Blue Robin, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Brown Fish Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, White Rumped Needletail, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Blue Bearded Bee Eater White Cheeked Barbet, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Dusky Crag Martin, Wire Tailed Swallow, Crested Tree Swift, Bay Back Shrike, Puff Throated Babbler, Large Grey Babbler, Little Spider Hunter, White Rumped Shama, Olive Backed Pipit, Forest Wag Tail, Black Throated Munia, Plain Flower Pecker, Chestnut Shouldered Petronia.

One from campus at Wild Canopy Reserve

Scaly Thrush, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Black Bird, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Yellow Cheeked Tit, Nilgiri Pipit Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher Black And Orange Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher Nilgiri Flycatcher White Bellied Blue Flycatcher.