Traversing the Western Ghats
in search of hidden treasures and untold stories
South India
Your Journey
Our journey traverses the Western Ghats, from its drier eastern slopes, climbing to the moist rainforests of the western slopes and finally ending at the high montane shola forests near the peaks. The habitat variation also influences the lifestyles of the people who inhabit these mountains. Over time many of the fertile forested areas have been converted to plantations of tea, coffee and rubber and the wildlife has adapted its ways and continue to thrive here. A large segment of the population is employed in these estates and farms.
On this trip, we travel through coconut farms and paddy fields, plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom and finally to the rocky peaks where the people survive on subsistence farming coupled with forest produce. We explore avenues of nature, conservation, people and lifestyles thrown in with elements of true adventure making for an in depth understanding of this vast wilderness.
wildlife
Walking Safaris, Jeep Drives, Night Walks, Birding Walks
adventure
Kayaking on the Thirumoorthy Dam
habitat
Traverse through the Western Ghats, observe the habitat variation from dryer eastern slopes to moist rainforests to high montane Shola forests.
tribes
Visit to a Nature Farm & community based co-operative,
conservation
Visit NCF Interpretation Centre at Valparai, Visit a Rainforest Restoration Site and learn about the conservation of the endangered Lion Tailed Macaques
Unique Experiences
Visit the reforested fragments of the Rain Forests in Valparai. A habitat that takes millions of years to evolve. See the efforts of scientists of NCF in Valparai and traverse these forests in the company of volunteers of NCF.
Lunch overlooking the majestic Athirapally waterfall.
Exploring the mecca of birding in South India – Thattekaad, to spot species like Malabar Trogon, Ceylon Bay Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Great eared nightjar, white bellied woodpecker, oriental dwarf kingfisher, heart spotted woodpecker, spot-bellied eagle owl
Witness the extremely rare and endangered Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr, western ghat endemics that are dwindling in numbers.
Visit the reforested fragments of the Rain Forests in Valparai. A habitat that takes millions of years to evolve. See the efforts of scientists of NCF in Valparai and traverse these forests in the company of volunteers of NCF.
Lunch overlooking the majestic Athirapally waterfall.
Exploring the mecca of birding in South India – Thattekaad, to spot species like Malabar Trogon, Ceylon Bay Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Great eared nightjar, white bellied woodpecker, oriental dwarf kingfisher, heart spotted woodpecker, spot-bellied eagle owl
Witness the extremely rare and endangered Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr, western ghat endemics that are dwindling in numbers.
Itinerary Snapshot
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RECOMMENDED
Stays
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Spicetree Chinnar Eco Living, Pollachi
Right at the base of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, CEL is surrounded by hills and scrub forest on one side and breezy coconut plantations on the other. The property has six spacious private pool villas, each overlooking the lush forested hills behind. It is built being very mindful of the surroundings and environment, using rammed earth from the property and thatched roofs made from coconut palm trees.
WILDERNESS
Sinna Dorai Bungalow, Valparai
A planter’s bungalow built in the 1940’s by the British, this property stands amidst a 2000 acre tea estate, of which 555 acres is organic tea. Situated in the Annamalai hills, the six rooms command stunning views of the lush Western Ghats. Enter a world of solitude where the only sounds you hear are of chirping birds.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Windermere Riverhouse, Thattekaad
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats, sitting on the banks of the River Periyar, Riverhouse echoes tranquility and old-world charm. Located in a serene little village adjacent to reserve forests, thispatch of 2 acres of land was once part of a sprawling rubber plantation.
WILDERNESS
Windermere Estate, Munnar
Windermere Munnar exudes charm and a tranquilly that relaxes. With stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, leisurely days sipping jungle tea are the ideal way to unwind. Munnar and the mists have something in common. With views of the mists coating the mountains like a truffle cake, one feels as if one is walking in the clouds. Munnar is the largest tea-growing region in South India, named after the confluence of three rivers (Moonar).
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Spicetree Chinnar Eco Living, Pollachi
Right at the base of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, CEL is surrounded by hills and scrub forest on one side and breezy coconut plantations on the other. The property has six spacious private pool villas, each overlooking the lush forested hills behind. It is built being very mindful of the surroundings and environment, using rammed earth from the property and thatched roofs made from coconut palm trees.
WILDERNESS
Sinna Dorai Bungalow, Valparai
A planter’s bungalow built in the 1940’s by the British, this property stands amidst a 2000 acre tea estate, of which 555 acres is organic tea. Situated in the Annamalai hills, the six rooms command stunning views of the lush Western Ghats. Enter a world of solitude where the only sounds you hear are of chirping birds.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Windermere Riverhouse, Thattekaad
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats, sitting on the banks of the River Periyar, Riverhouse echoes tranquility and old-world charm. Located in a serene little village adjacent to reserve forests, thispatch of 2 acres of land was once part of a sprawling rubber plantation.
WILDERNESS
Windermere Estate, Munnar
Windermere Munnar exudes charm and a tranquilly that relaxes. With stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, leisurely days sipping jungle tea are the ideal way to unwind. Munnar and the mists have something in common. With views of the mists coating the mountains like a truffle cake, one feels as if one is walking in the clouds. Munnar is the largest tea-growing region in South India, named after the confluence of three rivers (Moonar).
