Coorg Macro Photography Camp – Hornbill’s Nest, Coorg

CAMP OVERVIEW

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Coorg, fondly known as the ‘Scotland of India’. Our Rainforest Exploration & Macro Photography Tour offers a thrilling experience for budding naturalists, wildlife lovers, and macro photography enthusiasts. Coorg, or Kodagu (which translates to ‘dense forest on steep hills’), is the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable adventure.

Located in one of the rainiest regions of the Western Ghats, this area is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life. From vibrant amphibians and reptiles, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else in the world, to over 300 species of birds including the Malabar trogon, orange minivet, hill myna, Asian fairy bluebird, and various woodpeckers, flycatchers, and raptors, Coorg is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. You may also encounter elusive mammals such as leopards, barking deer, wild boar, and an array of nocturnal creatures including mouse deer, flying squirrels, lesser cats, and porcupines.

Our base for the camp is a stunning homestay nestled on the edge of a protected forest, surrounded by fragrant coffee plantations and crisscrossed by sparkling brooks and forest streams, a truly magical setting to immerse yourself in nature.

Leading this experience is Phillip Ross from The Outback Experience. With his expert guidance, participants will explore the rainforest, learn the essentials of wildlife and macro photography, and gain a foundational understanding of animal behaviour to help them capture breathtaking images.

Discover a new side of Coorg and sign up for this one-of-a-kind Rainforest Exploration Wildlife Camp with The Outback Experience!

CAMP ITINERARY

Dates: 26th to 28th Sept, 2025

DAY 1:

At the break of dawn, we set off from Bangalore and make our way to our eagerly awaited campsite in the lush forests of Coorg. Upon arrival, after check-in and a hearty lunch, camp leader Phillip Ross will welcome everyone with an orientation. He’ll introduce the group to the estate, share insights about the local wildlife, outline the afternoon’s photography session, and present tips on ideal camera settings.

The adventure begins with a guided birding trail, where participants will spend the evening photographing the region’s vibrant avian life. After returning to the camp for refreshing drinks and snacks, Phillip will introduce the fascinating world of macro photography.

As darkness falls, we gear up for an exciting late evening walk led by Phillip to a nearby brook. Here, we’ll search for a variety of macro subjects including several species of bush frogs like Raorchestes luteolus, R. glandulosus, R. akroparallagi, and the diminutive R. tuberohumerus. We also have the chance to spot the spectacular gliding frogs (Rhacophorus malabaricus and Rhacophorus lateralis). In addition, we’ll be on the lookout for elusive snakes such as the Malabar pit viper or Bedomme’s cat snake, along with lizards, spiders, caecilians, beetles, centipedes, and a diverse array of insect life.

On our return, we’ll learn how to set up and deploy a camera trap to capture the nocturnal secrets of the Coorg rainforest.

Weather permitting, we’ll gather around a cozy campfire for a session on photographic composition, before ending the night with a delicious dinner.

DAY 2:

We wake up to the melodious calls of the forest’s birdlife, and after a warm cup of tea or coffee, set off for an early morning birding walk. With binoculars and cameras ready, we’ll try to spot and photograph the many beautiful bird species that inhabit this region.

After returning for a wholesome breakfast, we venture out on a scenic stream walk. The rest of the morning will be spent photographing everything from insects, fungi, and snails to wildflowers, freshwater crabs, and more birdlife.

A sumptuous lunch awaits us back at the camp, followed by a bit of well-earned rest.

Later in the afternoon, with renewed energy and another hot beverage in hand, we head out once again for a focused birding session—hoping to check off our remaining target species. The walk is likely to extend into the evening, which gives us another chance to encounter more endemic frogs and other fascinating nocturnal creatures.

We wrap up the day with a celebratory dinner, sharing stories and highlights from our day in the wild.

DAY 3:

On our final morning, we head out for one last macro photography session, experimenting with new techniques and creative perspectives. We’ll also retrieve our camera trap and review any exciting captures it may have recorded over the past couple of days.

After breakfast, we gather for a final recap and farewell session, before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and making our journey back home carrying memories, photographs, and stories to last a lifetime.

Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous The Outback Experience camps or workshops

Inclusions

• Shared accommodation in comfortable “deluxe” rooms
• Road transfers from Bangalore, to and from the destination
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
• All entrance fee’s

Exclusions

• 5% GST
• Any extra meals and beverages ordered
• Airfare, if applicable
• Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list

Payment Terms

100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking.

Payment can be made via bank transfer to our account. Please inform us of the reference number once the payment is made.

Cancellation Fees

• 10% outside 30 days before the camp
• 25% between 29 and 22 days before the camp
• 50% between 21 and 15 days before the camp
• 75% between 14 and 8 days before the camp
• 100% within 7 days before the camp