India Wildlife Safari – Nature Lovers Extravaganza!

‘An epic adventure for nature lovers’

This is the opportunity of a lifetime to see incredible wild animals living free in the myriad of habitats in the Western Ghats. We will cover 2000 kilometres across various ecosystems and seeing a wide variety of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, spiders, gastropods, fungi and myriapods.

The Western Ghats region is a biodiversity hotspot. It contains a large number of different species of flora and fauna, most of which are endemic to this region. At least 325 globally threatened species occur in the Western Ghats. The region was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Also called the Sahyadri, this ancient mountain range is the eighth most bio-diverse region on earth.

Now in its third year, the NEW and improved Itinerary now takes us to Tadoba in Central India to explore India’s BEST Tiger Reserve with the highest chance to see Tigers.

This itinerary has been adapted over the years from experience and is carefully planned to give you the best opportunity to see abundant wildlife, but also allows flexibility to be spontaneous within the schedule. There could be a number of opportunities to seek out passing Elephant herds, Samba Deer, Serpent Eagles (to name a few) as we travel on our journey.

Our local guide Hadlee is an experienced naturalist with a wealth of local knowledge and spotting skills. He has extensive field experience and well connected with “people in the know”. This increases our chances to see the most elusive wildlife.

Whist there are excellent chances to see wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Who is this Tour For?

Nature lovers, adventure travel seekers, fit and able bodied, photographers and photography enthusiasts, lovers of curry, twitchers, tree huggers, herpers and bugs nerds!

This Tour is NOT For?

If you want guaranteed sightings, go to a zoo, but if you crave real encounters in their native habitat and you get that fuzzy buzzy feeling. This is the tour for you!  If you have physical issues that cause discomfort travelling in FWDs/Jeeps/Minibus on some challenging roads, this tour is probably not for you.  If you struggle with spicy food, fair warning, sometimes there are no options.

Arrive Cochin International Airport, Transit to Flora Hotel (at own expense).

Day 1. 8am Pickup from Flora Hotel, Cochin. Transfer to Munnar (4 hours). Check-in to Accommodation, Lunch, Buggin around accommodation grounds, Dinner, Herping around Munnar.

Day 2. Jeep/Bus Eravikulam National Park, Birding/Mammals/Flowers/Fungi/Macro, Lunch in local Restaurant in Munnar, explore the Munnar Market, afternoon Buggin at accommodation/free time, Dinner, Herping in Munnar.

Day 3. Birding/Buggin at Accommodation Grounds OR Resplendent Frog Adventure with Lunch. Dinner, Herping in Munnar.

Day 4. Depart Munnar, transit to Valparai (approx 5 hours), Buggin and Herping around accommodation, Dinner, Buggin Night Walk around accommodation.

Day 5. Jeep/Bus Landscapes, Birding, Mammals, Lunch provided. Dinner at accommodation, Buggin/Herping around the accommodation.

Day 6. Jeep/Bus Landscapes, Birding, Mammals, Lunch provided. Dinner at accommodation, Buggin/Herping around the accommodation.

Day 7. Depart Valparai (5:30am departure TBC) Cochin 4.5 hours then 1pm Departure to Nagpur (stops half way, 5 hour flight time) 9pm arrival. Overnight in Nagpur.

Day 8. Transfer to Tadoba, Lunch, afternoon Safari in Tiger Reserve and Dinner.

Day 9. Morning Safari in Tiger Reserve with in Jeep breakfast, Lunch, afternoon Safari in Tiger Reserve and Dinner.

Day 10. Morning Safari in Tiger Reserve with in Jeep breakfast, Lunch, afternoon Safari in Tiger Reserve and Dinner.

Day 11. Morning Safari in Tiger Reserve with in Jeep breakfast, Lunch, afternoon Safari in Tiger Reserve and Dinner.

Day 12. Morning Safari in Tiger Reserve with in Jeep breakfast, Transfer to Nagpur, Lunch, Internal Flight to Delhi OR Bangalore and your onward journey.

THE COST INCLUDES:

All Transfers from Cochin to Munnar, Valparai, back to Cochin.  Internal Flights from Cochin to Nagpur.  Internal Flights From Nagpur to Delhi OR Bangalore. All breakfasts and meals listed in itinerary. Comfortable accommodations in beautiful surroundings, National Park Fees, Permits, Tolls, Parking Fees, Local Guides, Safaris and State crossing fees.  Camera Fees in various locations.

THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 

Entry Visas, Flight costs to Cochin, India. Departing flights for your onward journey from Delhi Or Bangalore.  First night accommodation in Cochin.  Breakfast on first morning in Cochin. Lunch on Day 7 and 12. Spontaneous Jeep excursions to seek out wildlife (case by case basis), Gratuities/Tips for Local Guide & Driver, Alcohol.

Munnar’s shola forests, interspersed with tea, cardamom, and coffee plantations, host several critically endangered frog species. However, habitat-disturbing practices and pesticide use, fuelled by local myths, have led to a decline in many of the species’ populations.

To address this, Hadlee and his team at Resplendent Experiences focused on conserving these frogs at Windermere Cardamom Plantation. They constructed water habitats (WHs) tailored for frog breeding, using native plants like wild turmeric and ferns to recreate suitable nesting environments. Their efforts proved successful, with frogs adapting to the habitats.

The team has demonstrated that even small initiatives can have a substantial impact on conservation efforts. The project has heightened awareness about the presence of various endemic frog species in Munnar. By raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of these often-overlooked species, the team has fostered a sense of responsibility and care for the natural world among the local community and beyond. Their dedication to the cause has inspired others to join the movement, further strengthening the efforts to protect and conserve the unique biodiversity of Munnar.

A percentage of profits from each Safari is donated to Resplendent Experiences to produce some more of these Frog Ponds in some suitable areas to assist with the conservation of the many vulnerable frogs.