Rainforest Resplendence – Macro Photography Tour – Munnar, Kerala

TOUR OVERVIEW

Scheduled Tour Dates:

June 13th to 16th, 2024
June 16th to 19th, 2024
September 12th to 15th, 2024

Welcome to the land of tea and mist, Munnar in Kerala, is one of the most beautiful hill-stations in India. Thanks to it’s altitude (~5200ft above sea level), it’s geographic location in the Western Ghats and the amazing rainfall (~3000mm) each year, Munnar is a bio-diversity hotspot and is home to an exorbitant amount of amazing flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region and found no where else on planet Earth. These pristine rainforest habitats that surround the town, are an absolute dream destination for lovers of the macro world, and we assure you that this experience won’t leave your memory for eternity.

Amongst its amazing attractions, we will be targeting several species of amphibians and reptiles. Our primary target will be several of the over 36 species of frogs documented in the area, such as bush frogs like the candy like, Raorchestes resplendens (Resplendent shrub frog), Raorchestes munnarensis (Munnar Bush Frog), Raorchestes dubois (Kodaikanal Bush Frog), Raorchestes chlorosomma (Green-eyed Bush Frog), Raorchestes kadalarensis (Kadalar Bush Frog), Raorchestes jayarami (Jayaram’s Bush Frog), Raorchestes beddomi (Beddome’s Bush Frog), Raorchestes griet (Griet’s Bush Frog) and Raorchestes uthamani (Uthamani Bush Frog). We will also look out for some special and amazing gliding and tree frogs, such as the Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus(Anaimalai gliding frog), two species of Ghatixalus, the Ghatixalus asterops (Ghats or Starry-eyed Tree Frog) and it’s larger and rarer cousin, the Ghatixalus magnus (Large Ghats Tree Frog). Along steams we will look out for species of Micrixalus (Dancing frogs) and Nyctibatrachus (Night frogs) and if our stars align and luck is at it’s very best, we may come across the awesome Beddomixalus bijui (Kadalar Swamp Frog) or even the spectacularly brilliant Melanobatrachus indicus (Galaxy frog). Unfortunately, several of these species are critically endangered and on the verge of extinction, and we will give you an insight into what can be done to help save them. 

While on the look out for these special frogs, we have a high chance to come across the gorgeous Craspedocephalus macrolepis (large-scaled pit viper), the Calotes grandisquamis (large-scaled forest lizard) and Salea anamallayana (Anaimalai spiny lizard) apart from several species of spiders, damsel and dragon flies, bugs and several other amazing insects.

Coming to mammals the unique and endangered Nilgiri tahr, will be on the top of our list and Munnar is easily the best place on Earth to observe and photograph these amazing creatures. The highly-endangered and ever elusive Nilgiri martin is another flagship specie that we will be looking out for, as we explore these hills. The other amazing wildlife that we are likely to come across are Malabar giant squirrels, flying squirrels, brown palm civets, a good chance to see a leopard lurking amongst the tea, and elephants, sambar deer and gaur grazing peacefully.

Munnar is also a fabulous destination to go birding with several endemic species documented in the area. Some of the key species to see and photograph include, the broad-tailed grass bird, Palani chilappan, white-bellied sholakili, black and orange flycatcher, Indian scimitar babbler, rufous babbler, crimson-backed sunbird and the list goes on and on.

Integral to the programme will be hands-on learning on nature conservation, macro and wildlife photography, wildlife tracking, and not to forget, a whole lot of fun!

Serving as base camps for the exploration of all this glory will be, The Windermere Estate in Munnar. This amazing and quaint accommodation situated in the middle of a tea estate and close to fantastic shola forest is the perfect balance between homely comfort and the spirit of adventure.

Munnar and the Anaimalai hills in general is easily one of the richest habitats and bio-diversity hotspots in the Western Ghats, and we invite a maximum of 5 participants to join Phillip and experience this rainforest wonderland first-hand.

Book a place now, for easily our most exciting expedition on offer!

TOUR ITINERARY

Scheduled Tour Dates:

June 13th to 16th, 2024
June 16th to 19th, 2024
September 12th to 15th, 2024

DAY 1:

Please Note: This tour does not include transportation to and from Munnar. However Phillip will assist with booking all travel logistics (car-pooling or a shared taxi) to Munnar and back for all participants. You may discuss this plan with Phillip once you confirm your spot for the tour.

Participants are requested to arrive in Munnar by 2PM.

Following an invigorating ride, arrive and be greeted by tour leader Phillip Ross, at “Windermere Estate” a quaint bungalow situated in the middle of a cardamom and tea estate and close to a fantastic shola patch of forest. We check-in and while enjoying a scrumptious lunch, tour leader Phillip introduces everyone with a brief on the wildlife found in the area, the afternoon’s plan and also a presentation on the ideal settings for their cameras.

Later that evening, we set out for the much awaited late evening walk in a private estate that is home to several amphibians and reptiles and walk along a brook to look out for various macro subjects. We have a great chance to come across various bush frogs, gliding frogs, lizards, spiders, caecilians, beetles, centipedes and an array of insect life. With regards to mammals, we hope to come across some rare nocturnal inhabitants of the rainforest like porcupines, brown palm civets and Indian flying squirrels.

We end the night with a delicious dinner.

DAY 2 & 3:

These next two days will probably be the best three days of a macro photographers life, while we explore these fascinating hills and unveil all the magic that these hills offer.

On one day, we will spend the entire morning, photographing Nilgiri Tahr and several endemic birds at the Eravikulam National Park, and on another day we will spend the entire morning and afternoon hoping to come across the candied jewel, the Raorchestes resplendens (Resplendent shrub frog).

Every day will require a lot of walking and we end each night with a late celebratory dinner before retiring for the night.

DAY 4:

The final morning is at leisure, where we review our photographs and enjoy a scrumptious farewell breakfast and a final rendezvous before checking out at your convenience and driving or flying back to your final destination, where we are sure that you will have some unforgettable memories and can’t wait to share some fascinating tales.

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

Inclusions

• Twin-sharing accommodation in comfortable and luxurious deluxe rooms.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
• All road transfers in Munnar
• The best tour for endemic amphibians of the Western Ghats – period!
• Guaranteed photography learning and a whole lotta fun!
• All entrance fee’s

Exclusions

• Transfers to and from Munnar
• 5% GST
• Any extra meals and beverages ordered
• Tips & gratuities
• 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 tour
• 25% between 29 and 22 days before the tour
• 50% between 21 and 15 days before the tour
• 75% between 14 and 8 days before the tour
• 100% within 7 days before the tour