Summer Wildlife Camp – Mudumalai

At the crack of dawn, we depart from the city of Bangalore and proceed to the much-awaited campsite in Mudumalai.  After check-in and a scrumptious lunch, camp leader Phillip Ross and Samantha Ross will introduce the children to the Nilgiris with a brief on the wildlife found in the area, the afternoon’s safari plan and also a presentation on the ideal settings for their cameras for the evening safari.

We’ll then find ourselves exploring the jungle in a converted Mahindra Bolero, which unlike the bigger canter, is a lot more quiet, photography friendly and  better for tracking wildlife. We’ll keep our eyes peeled, not knowing what will be lurking around every corner and hope that the safari turns out to be a very successful one.

Later that evening, we’ll gather around a campfire for a presentation on composition and discuss our safari experience, animal behaviour and the plan for the next day.

We end the night with a session of entertainment followed by a delicious dinner.

DAY 2:

We awake to the sweet calls of the birds found within the campsite and after a hot cup of coffee or tea, Phillip and Samantha will guide the group to the beautiful bird photography hide overlooking a bird bath. Here we have an assured opportunity to sight and capture stunning photographs of many species of birds up close, such as the red spurfowl, grey junglefowl, yellow-browed bulbul, rufous treepie, white-cheeked barbet, lesser goldenback and tickell’s blue flycatcher.

After the birding session in the morning, we’ll return to the resort for a piping hot breakfast and soon after go for a walk around the property and Phillip will conduct another photography training session, with a lot of practical and hands on learning.

Soon we hit lunchtime. The chef at the resort is renowned as one of the best in the area, and we can be assured of a meal that will pamper our taste buds. After lunch we rest awhile and prepare ourselves for an evening to remember.

When we embark on another evening safari in Mudumalai, we will have a great opportunity to practice what we’ve learnt on the trip so far with regard to photography and tracking.

We return just after sunset. If blessed with a clear sky, we will learn the art of star-gazing and spend the rest of the evening reminiscing about the sightings and experiences we’ve enjoyed on the trip.

DAY 3:

On the final morning, we’ll return to the bird photography hide for a couple of hours and then go on a birdwatching trail in a quest for the white-bellied minivet and malabar lark.

After breakfast and an entire morning spent birding, we’ll gather for a rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and driving back to Bangalore, where we are sure your child won’t be able to wait to tell you some fascinating tales.