TOUR OVERVIEW
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!
