Bhadra Tiger Reserve| Wildlife Photography Camp for Kids & Teens
Bhadra Wildlife Photography Camp
Wild Heart of the Western Ghats.
What your child will be doing
Dates: 11th to 13th April 2027
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 camp.
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 & Samantha Ross will guide your child into the forests, take them through the fundamentals of wildlife photography and equip them with a good understanding of animal behaviour that will help them take stunning wildlife photographs.
So what are you waiting for? Book a place for your child now!
What your child comes home with
With an array of activities including wildlife safaris, animal tracking, birdwatching, and photography learning, your child is sure to have an unforgettable experience. The specifics of the camp include:
- A fascinating experience in one of the Western Ghats’ richest wildlife habitats
- Comprehensive understanding of photography and wildlife
- Tons of good wildlife sightings
- A luxurious stay in “Cottages” and delicious meals at the amazing River Tern Lodge, JLR
- A fun-filled great holiday
- Expert guidance from wildlife photographers Phillip & Samantha Ross
Three days, as they run
Day1
At the crack of dawn, we depart from the city of Bangalore and proceed to check-in at the Bhadra River Tern Lodge. 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.
Day2
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 confident 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 focusing 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 with a celebratory dinner.
Day3
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 Bangalore, where we are sure your child won’t be able to wait to tell you some fascinating tales.
How much does it cost?
Individuals
INR 29,900/- per participant (Exclusive of 5% GST)Pals
INR 58,800/- for two participants (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker
INR 28,900/- per Outbacker (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous tours or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience.
Inclusions
- Road transfers from Bangalore, to the destinations and return
- Four jeep safaris and entry fees
- Shared accommodation in very comfortable rooms
- All delicious meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Camera fees, payable at the lodge
- Any extra meals and beverages ordered
- Airfare, if applicable
- Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list
Camera fees, Karnataka Forest Department
| Focal length | Per safari |
|---|---|
| Upto 200mm | NIL |
| Above 200mm to 500mm - ₹1000 + 18% GST | INR 1180/- |
| Above 500mm - ₹1500 + 18% GST | INR 1770/- |
All camera fees for the full stay must be settled directly at the resort office upon check-out.
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
Photo gallery
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 10 and 16 is welcome to enrol for this camp. There are no other eligibility criteria.
Families with kids aged 8 and above are also welcome to join.
(Please note, as a special rate, parents can join the camp at the same cost, however, transport to and back will not be included for families)
My child is older or younger than 10 and 16. 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 12 children 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 Bhadra River Tern Lodge run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. The River Tern Lodge is a beautiful resort situated at the entrance of Bhadra and overlooks the amazing Bhadra reservoir. All participants on the camp will be staying in cottages. 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. Tell us the name and age of your child or children, the batch (11th to 13th April 2027), and anything you would like us to know.