Nilgiris| Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Blue Mountain Paradise
Two nights and three days in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, photographing endemic amphibians, reptiles and birds with wildlife photographer Phillip Ross.
The blue mountains’ hidden world
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats, connects with Mudumalai, Bandipur and Nagarhole to form a vital wildlife corridor. Its high elevation and rainfall support extraordinary biodiversity, particularly amphibians and reptiles - many endemic to this area - alongside over 350 bird species and large mammals including tigers, leopards, gaur and sambar.
Target subjects include several Raorchestes species, the spotted green tree frog, the pink-thighed dancing frog and night frogs, the horseshoe pit viper, bronze-headed vine snake and Nilgiri Salea lizard, plus flycatchers, minivets and woodpeckers.
Phillip Ross guides the search across a private estate bungalow set among shola forests.
What you come home with
With a small group and every opportunity maximised, you are sure to have an unforgettable macro photography experience. The specifics include:
- A small number of participants, to maximise every opportunity
- Two nights and three days in the Nilgiri Biosphere
- Macro and wildlife photography instruction
- Endemic amphibian, reptile and bird encounters
- Luxury bungalow accommodation with quality meals
- Expert guidance from wildlife photographer Phillip Ross
Three days, as they run
Day1
Arrive for a property orientation from Phillip Ross. After lunch and a camera-settings briefing, an evening macro walk near a nearby brook targets bush frogs, tree frogs, reptiles, lizards, spiders, caecilians, beetles, centipedes and insects, before dinner under the stars.
Day2
An early, challenging trek seeks the horseshoe pit viper, bronze-headed vine snake and Horsfield’s spiny lizard, along with insects, wildflowers, mushrooms and mammals. A late lunch and rest follow.
An evening herping session targets frogs, snakes and endemic species, before a celebratory dinner.
Day3
An early birding session trying new angles and techniques, then breakfast, a final group photo and checkout at 11:00 a.m.
How much does it cost?
Individuals
INR 47,900/- per participant (Exclusive of 5% GST)Pals
INR 94,800/- for two participants (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker
INR 45,900/- per Outbacker (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous camps or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience.
Inclusions
- Twin-sharing accommodation in comfortable rooms
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages
- Photography learning and activities
- All entrance fees
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Road transfers from Bangalore. We will however assist you with car pooling or booking a cab.
- 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
From the shola forest
Have questions about this tour?
We hope you’ll find your answers here.
Who is this tour for?
Anybody above the age of 18 with a passion to learn and master photography. There are no other eligibility criteria.
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 5 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 group 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 a private estate bungalow set among shola forests. The food served is a lavish and delicious buffet spread of local and Indian delicacies.
How do I register for the tour?
Fill up the form in the enquiry section below 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 how many participants are travelling.
Plan a customised trip
If these dates don’t suit you, we’d be happy to create a customised wildlife tour around your preferred travel dates.
Whether you choose to travel independently or with one of our photography guides, we’ll arrange the best naturalists, drivers, and accommodation to match your interests and budget. With over two decades of experience in wildlife travel, we’ll ensure you enjoy an exceptional and well-planned safari experience.