Bhadra Wildlife Photography Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Scheduled Tour Dates:

21st to 23rd Feb, 2025

Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the Bhadra Tiger Reserve is one of India’s richest Tiger Reserves, and also a Southern Indian gem. The reserve boasts of an array of fascinating flora and fauna, and is the perfect haven for the endangered tiger, leopard, Asiatic elephant and Indian wild dog. The reserve is also home to over 350 species of birds.

The area was first declared as ‘Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’ in 1951 by the then government of its surroundings, the area was extended to its present extent and renamed to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974.

The Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998. Bhadra is the first tiger reserve in the country to complete a successful village relocation program.

Serving as base camp, the tastefully furnished River Tern Lodge by Jungle Lodges and Resorts will be our home for the 3 days at Tour.

The lodge gets its name from the nearby island that attracts hundreds of river terns during the breeding season. It is located on a hillock on the edge of the Bhadra reservoir, near Lakkavali: a stone’s throw away from the northern boundary of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, in the Chikmaglur district.

What’s better, The Outback Experience’s Phillip Ross, will guide you into the forests, take you through the fundamentals of wildlife photography and equip you with a good understanding of animal behaviour that will help you take stunning wildlife photographs.

So what are you waiting for ? Book a place now and reserve a chance to come across one of Bandipur’s famous big cats.

TOUR ITINERARY

Scheduled Tour Dates:

21st to 23rd Feb, 2025

DAY 1:

Arrive at the Bhadra River Tern Lodge, and be greeted by Phillip from The Outback Experience.  After check-in and a scrumptious lunch, Phillip will introduce the participants to Bhadra 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 first safari.

We’ll then find ourselves aboard safari vehicles, driving into parts of Bhadra, not knowing what will be lurking around every corner. Bhadra is one of India’s richest wildlife habitats, and is especially known for having some amazing leopard sightings. We’ll keep our eyes peeled and hope that the safari turns out to be a very successful one.

Later that evening, we’ll meet for a presentation on composition and discuss our safari experience and animal behaviour.

We end the night with 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, prepare to depart for the morning safari. This safari will be very exciting as each participant will certainly have a better grasp of photography after the instruction session the previous evening and will be more confidant to take that stunning shot.

We return to the resort for breakfast and rest for a bit. Just before lunch, we’ll have a discussion about exposure compensation and focussing before we embark on the afternoon safari. On our return at dusk, we will have another learning session on photography, followed by a one-on-one image review session and end a celebratory dinner.

DAY 3:

On the final morning, the forests of Bhadra beckon us to end the camp on a high note with a superb sighting on the fourth and final safari trip.

After the safari and breakfast, we gather for a rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and driving back to home, where we are sure you won’t be able to wait to tell your friends and family some fascinating tales.

Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous tours or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience.

Inclusions

• Twin-sharing accommodation in ”Cottages” at River Tern Lodge, Bhadra
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
• Four safaris into Bhadra Tiger Reserve
• Guaranteed photography learning and a whole lotta fun!

Exclusions

• 5% GST
• Road transfers from Bangalore, to and from the destination. We will however assist you with car pooling or booking a cab.
• Camera Fees – As per the Karnataka Forest Department, the fee per safari at Bhadra is as follows:
  Upto 200mm: ₹150 + 18% GST = INR 177/- per safari.
  Above 200mm: ₹750 + 18% GST = INR 885/- per safari.
  The total camera fee’s for all safaris, will need to be settled directly at the office of River Tern Lodge upon check-out.
• 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 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