INTO
THE
RAINFOREST ANAIMALAI TIGER RESERVE

CAMP OVERVIEW

This summer, The Outback Experience presents a one of a kind expedition into the rainforests of the Anaimalais. The Anaimalai hills are easily one of the richest bio-diverse habitats in the Western Ghats.

We invite a maximum of 4 participants to join us and experience this rainforest wonderland first-hand.

Amongst its amazing attractions, the unique and endangered lion-tailed macaque, will be on the top of our list and the Anaimalais is easily the best place on Earth to observe and photograph these amazing creatures. The highly-endangered Nilgiri tahr is another flagship specie that we will be looking out for as we ascend the 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, elephants and gaur grazing peacefully and a list of cold-blooded animals, which include the beautiful Anaimalai gliding frog, Jayram’s bush frog and the large-scaled pit viper.

The Anaimalais is also a fabulous destination to go birding. Some of the key species to see and photograph include, the great Indian hornbill, white-bellied treepie, Indian scimitar babbler, Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, Wynaad laughingthrush, rufous babbler, grey-headed bulbul and the list goes on and on.

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

Serving as base camps for the exploration of all this glory will be, The Puduthotham & Sheikalmudi Bungalows in Valparai. These amazing and quaint British bungalows 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.

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

CAMP TAKEAWAYS

With an array of activities including wildlife safaris, animal tracking, birdwatching, photography and fun nature-based games, your child is sure to have an unforgettable camping and wildlife experience. The specific of the camp include:

  • Only 4 participants and 2 instructors to maximise individual attention and increase productivity of images
  • Special emphasis on macro photography
  • Superb wildlife sightings including many endemic mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles
  • Learning how to set up and deploy a camera trap
  • Three nights and four days in one of India’s richest wildlife habitats – The Western Ghats
  • A very luxurious stay and delicious meals at two private estates
  • A fun-filled great holiday
  • Expert guidance from wildlife photographers, Phillip Ross and Samantha Ross

CAMP ITINERARY

Dates: 29th May to 1st June, 2024

DAY 1:

At 5:30 a.m, we depart from the city of Bangalore, on our much awaited tour of the Anaimalais.  After passing through the towns of Salem, Coimbatore and Pollachi we  soon find ourselves ascending the hills. The view gets more and more stunning by the second and there are several opportunities en route to stop and capture some amazing vistas. Chances of sighting and photographing the endangered Nilgiri tahr, too, are very high.

Following an invigorating ride, we arrive at The Puduthotham Bungalow, a quaint British bungalow situated in the middle of a coffee estate and close to fantastic shola forest. We check-in and while enjoying a scrumptious lunch, camp leaders Phillip Ross and Samantha Ross will introduce the participants to the Anaimalais 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 proceed to a private forest patch that is home to two troops of lion-tailed macaques. We keep our eyes peeled and hope that the macaques reveal themselves without much difficulty. This area is also known for its amazing birdlife too and gives us a good chance to spot the great Indian hornbill.

After an exhilarating experience with the macaques, we return to the bungalow and learn how to set up and deploy a camera trap in order for us to capture some of the Anaimalais nocturnal wonders.

We soon gather around a campfire for a presentation on composition, review photographs and discuss 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 call of ‘the whistling schoolboy’ the Malabar whistling thrush and after a quick breakfast, we embark on a walk around the property and do some birding. The Anaimalais are one of the best places in the Western Ghats for birding and the area has over 250 species of avian wonders, most of which are endemic to the region. We end the walk at a beautiful waterfall at the edge of the property and participants will be taught how to use filters and learn to take slow-shutter images and capture the ‘milky effect’ of a waterfall.

We then proceed to the gorgeous Sholayar Dam. Here, each participant can get a panoramic view of the Anaimalais and take home some breathtaking landscape images, before checking into the amazing Sheikalmudi Bungalow, a beautifully restored British bungalow. Later that evening, we embark on an amazing drive through the Vazhachal forest reserve to spend the rest of the evening tracking and photographing mammals and winged beauties along the way, with the hope of coming across a leopard and a troop or two of Nilgiri langurs.

We return to the property for some refreshing beverages and snacks before Phillip introduces the wonderful world of macro photography to the participants.

We then prepare to set out for the much awaited late evening walk where Phillip will lead all participants to a brook and begin exploring 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 return back to the bungalow for dinner and retire for the night.

DAY 3:

We wake early and return to the lion-tailed macaque forest patch for another rendezvous. We spend most of the morning observing and photographing these magnificent animals before driving to an absolutely stunning view point. Here each participant can get a panoramic view of the Anaimalais and take home some breathtaking landscape images.

After lunch, we depart to a patch of evergreen shola forest known for its rich birdlife. We concentrate on looking for the great Indian hornbill and hope to see and photograph hornbills flying over the canopy of rainforest.

It is likely to be dark by the time we return, which is a great time for frog encounters and hope to come across some more cool endemic species.

We end the night with some games and a celebratory dinner.

DAY 4:

After an early rise, we bid adieu to the Anaimalais and descend the hills looking for wildlife as the morning-light fills the surrounding hills and valleys.

We halt for breakfast and lunch stops along the way before driving back to Bangalore, where we are sure, your child will be waiting to tell you some fascinating tales.

COST & TERMS

How much does it cost?

Individuals

INR 42,900/-

per child(Exclusive. of 5% GST)

Pals

INR 83,800/-

for two children(Exclusive. of 5% GST)

Outbacker

INR 40,900/-

per child(Exclusive of 5% GST)

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 the destinations and return
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
  • Bottled water
  • Camera fees

Exclusions

  • 5% GST
  • Any extra meals and beverages ordered
  • 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 UPI, bank transfer to our account, or by card. Please fill in the “Book Now” form below, and we will get in touch with you with the payment details. 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

Have questions about this camp?

We hope you'll find your answers here.

Who is this camp for?

Any child or teen between the ages of 14 and 18 is welcome to enrol for this camp. There are no other eligibility criteria.

My child is older or younger than 14 and 18. Can an exception be made?

The age group of the children has been carefully chosen keeping in mind the content and style of delivery. However, if your child is outside the age group and you’re interested in admitting him or her, please talk to us.

How do I make the payment?

We have multiple payment options available from which you may choose one as per your convenience. Details will be shared when we receive your enquiry.

How many participants can be expected to attend?

A maximum of 4 participants are expected. The Outback Experience’s USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the camp strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!

Where are we staying and what sort of accommodation and food can we expect?

We will be staying at The Puduthotham Bungalow and Sheikalmudi Bungalow in Valparai. These quintessential British bungalows are situated amongst a coffee estate and tea garden and overlooks the jungle. All children on camp will be staying in deluxe rooms. The food served is a delicious buffet spread of local, Indian and continental delicacies.

What all items should my child bring to this camp?

Once you register and pay for the camp, the camp instructor will send out the camp advice and general guidelines to every participant. This document will contain all the necessary information, a checklist of items to carry, etc.

Will my child be safe during the camp?

Don’t worry at all! Your child’s safety is of paramount importance to us. The camp instructor is well trained with regards to child protection and health and safety.

How do I register my child?

Fill up the form in the ‘BOOK NOW’ section and we’ll get back to you with all the necessary details in a jiffy.

BOOK NOW!

Please submit your details, to enrol for this event.