The Western Ghats is considered as one of the top ten global biodiversity hot-spots. These mountains cover approximately 1,40,000 sq km and is home to a number of endemic plants, animals, birds, amphibian and reptilian species. Apart from over 450 species of birds (35% endemic) and 140 mammal species (around 20% endemic), the Ghats host approximately 260 reptile species (over 60% endemic). A number of amphibians are endemic to the Western Ghats and the area has become a hotspot of discovery of new species of frogs in the last decade. Welcome to one of our most eagerly awaited Herpetofauna photography workshops at Munnar, a heaven for macro lovers. The participants of this workshop will experience a whole new world of endemic lesser fauna of the Western Ghats while trekking through the forests and walking down the trails.

There are about 36 different species of frogs in Munnar of which nearly 50 per cent are threatened by extinction. A report issued by a group of researchers declared that “The toad-skinned frog along with the Anamalai gliding frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus), Raorchestes chlorosomma, Raorchestes griet, Raorchestes munnarensis and Raorchestes resplendens are the critically endangered species in the region”.

Our skipper and photography mentor for this trip have almost 7 years of experience of photographing various rare species and conserving rare wildlife from his locality. Join with us to photograph the beautiful herp species along with few other notables in the biodiverse Nilgiris .

Our mentor would guide you throughout the expedition to understand the various techniques and methods of photographing wildlife, different animal behaviors and the correct way of approaching them to get better perspective images, and the ethics of Wildlife Photography.

The prime target of this tour will be the endemic Resplendent Bush frog and the Large scaled pit viper. We may encounter the below species during our expedition :-

Jayaram’s bush frog, Munnar bush frog, Annamalai gliding frog, Gunther’s vine snake, Anamalai pit viper, Kodaikanal bush frog,Purple frog, Star eyed tree frog, Meowing night frog, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri tahr, Annamalai spiny tailed lizard, Nilgiri forest lizard and last but not the least The Star of Munnar Galaxy frog

Day1: After your arrival at Kochi Airport, you will be escorted to our camp site. Our Photography and biodiversity expert would guide you through the entire plan for the Trip. We will take rest in morning and will be out for our first night trail after if gets dark. We will try to explore the nearby places looking for the endemic bush frogs and Large scaled pit viper. Post walk, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and lights off.

Day2: The day begins early at 7.00 am with a hot cup of tea and coffee.  Today we will proceed for the resplendent bush frog and Gunther’s vine snake. On route we can see the nilgiri tahr and nilgiri langur. We will learn the various techniques of macro photography from our expert on field. We carry packed breakfast with us on the trail. Post that we will return to hotel and have lunch. On evening we will start for the endemic Star eyed tree frog and kodaikanal bush frog. On route we can find Annamalai spiny tailed lizard and Nilgiri forest lizard. Post night trail, will return to hotel and have a sweet dreams with beautiful pictures

Day3: This day is reserve for our most wanted candidates of this tour. In daytime we can visit the nearby Eravikulam NP to photograph some endemic mammals and bird. Post lunch we will start explore for the not so beautiful Purple frog and the most beautiful Galaxy frog. Good luck guys. As they are the rarest among all amphibians. After the night trail we will return to the homestay and have our dinner.

Day4: We will explore the tea garden near our campsite for some time in the morning. Come back to camp for breakfast and you will be dropped to Kochi Airport.

Macro lenses preferably 90mm along with telephoto lens like 150-600mm or 100-400mm

Camera flash with diffuser

Rain cover for Camera

Headlight or Torch

Extra camera batteries and memory cards

Binoculars if possible

Big scarf/cloth to protect your gear from dust

Waterproof jacket or Poncho

Sunscreen lotions

Mosquito repellent cream

Basic first aid

Forest-friendly clothing, leech socks and Gum boots (Must need)

COST ON REQUEST. 25% of the amount needs to be paid as booking fee (non-refundable). Balance 75% to be paid 30 days prior to departure date.

Please Note: We are flexible to customize the tour as per your needs, if the group size is large. In that case the cost would be shared based on your requirement.

Accommodation for 3N 4D days in camp/resort at Munnar

All food (Day 1 lunch – Day 4 Breakfast) for 4 days

All transfers to and from Kochi Airport.

Any Guide charges and entry fees

All CV mentor charges

Camera charges wherever applicable.

Travel cost from your home location till Kochi and back.

Personal expenses such as laundry, water bottles, cold drinks etc.

Any extra meals

Tips to guides/drivers.

Any item not mentioned in the inclusions.

All cancellation requests must be sent through email to info@thecanopyvoyagers.com. The refund policy mentioned below will be applicable to amount outside of the 25% booking amount.

All cancellations before 30 days from departure date: 100% refund

All cancellations between 25 – 30 days from departure date: 75% refund

All cancellations between 20 – 25 days from departure date: 50% refund

All cancellations within 20 days from departure date: No refund can be made. We are sorry!

No refund will be granted for portion/portions of the journey not performed by the traveler.

No refund will be granted in case of non-performance of journey due to external and natural events.