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Best time to visit

October - May (ideal)
June - September (good)

For Whom

Bird and Wildlife enthusiasts/photographers; naturalists; Trek enthusiasts.

Extended Weekend Tours

Bandipur

KMTR-Kuduraivetti

Pampadum Shola

The Anamalais

Agumbe

KMTR-Sengaltheri

Rajamalai & Rhodo Valley

Periyar & Gavi

Mukurthi Fishing Hut

Ghermalam

Point Calimere

Kabini

B R Hills

Long Breaks

Bird Endemics & More

Kerala Birds

Megafauna & Endemics

Wildlife, Nilgiris & Top Slip
Ghermalam 2 Nights / 3 Days from Rs. 7,500/-

Summary

Located at the junction between the Eastern and Western Ghats, where the BR Hills and Nilgiris meet, Ghermalam is an off the beaten track, albeit exciting natural history location. The rolling plateau (1000m) of deciduous and riparian forests and agricultural land of this location is rich in peninsular wildlife, birds and scenery of the surrounding, forested hills.

The landscape is within an important migratory corridor for elephants, and contains populations of other megafauna, including tigers and leopards. While no confirmed sightings exist, the forests here also hold potential for rarities like the brown mongoose among commoner species such small Indian civet and mouse deer. Birdlife is excellent, where earlier trips have revealed rarities such as the grey-headed bulbul and speckled piculet as well as sightings of brown fish owl, black eagles, pompador pigeons and Malabar grey hornbills among potentially 200 plus species of birds. The landscape is little explored by naturalists and relatively untouched by tourism, which provides further potential to revel in unexpected discoveries!

We explore the area mostly on foot and in a few short drives. We stay in a beautifully located farm resort, bordering the forest with excellent views of the hills and forest from the rooms.

Itinerary Outline - to be confirmed.

  • Day 1: Depart Coimbatore 9 am and reach Ghermalam for Lunch. PM short trek along river and scrub habitat. PM (night) drive
  • Day 2: Day long trek to the upper reaches of the hills
  • Day 3: AM short trek along river and forest abutting farmland. PM transfer to Coimbatore. Arrive Coimbatore in the evening.

Facilities
Accommodation: : Basic - tents or simple rooms.
Food: : Local/pan-Indian & simple veg and non-veg fare.
Transport: : Road transfers in Toyota Qualis or similar.
Difficulty level: : Moderate to difficult, for some steep uphills climbs and treks in uneven terrain (including river walks).
Dates : Download itinerary for latest schedule
Please note that we can customise schedule for independent travel
Costs : INR 7,500/person  (USD 175/GBP 115/EUR 135)
- based on minimum 4 persons traveling, ex-Coimbatore.

Terms & Conditions

  1. Tour costs are per person based on twin sharing basis ex-Coimbatore and is all inclusive (transport, accommodation, food, personnel and all taxes and fees). Personnel includes a naturalist/tour leader, local guide and resource persons from the local community. Please check with us on specific items to make sure if it is included in the published tour costs.
  2. Maximum Group Size on this tour is 10
  3. Bookings are confirmed only upon full payment of the tour cost and at least 15 days in advance from the proposed departure date.
  4. We reserve the right to cancel the tour at anytime due to unforeseen circumstances. We will refund the entire booking amount under these circumstances.
  5. Payment options:
    1. Our preferred mode of payment is through electronic transfers into our bank account. Relevant details will be provided to you once you are ready to make the payment.
    2. Online credit card payments in USD/GBP/EUR are accepted through Paypal. Indian customers can also use a credit card to pay online through Paypal, but please be aware that you will be charged an additional currency conversion fee for the same.
    3. We accept demand drafts/cheques in INR, GBP, EUR or USD
  6. In case you want to cancel your booking:
    1. A 90% refund if cancellation requested more than one month before the proposed date of departure
    2. A 15% refund if cancellation requested less than one month from the proposed date of departure.

FYI and Guidelines

  1. Weather: Updates based on dates of travel
  2. Please bring personal items (toiletries, towels etc) and a small flash light.
  3. Since we will explore the area on foot and in mountainous terrain, we recommend you wear comfortable walking/trekking shoes for the trip.
  4. Please bring your binoculars along - you will appreciate the sights of the forests much more with binoculars on hand. However, we will have a pair or two to share amongst us.
  5. Please bring essential medication with you, since the local outlets are few and far between and may not always carry what you are looking for.