Best time to visit
October - May (ideal)
June - September (good)
For Whom
Bird and Wildlife enthusiasts/photographers; naturalists, trek enthusiasts.
|
Extended Weekend Tours Long Breaks |
| Rajamalai & Rhodo Valley | 3 Nights / 4 Days from Rs. 11,500/- |
- Day 1: Depart Cochin at 7:30 AM and reach Munnar at noon. PM drive to/and trek in Anaimudi or Pampadum Shola NP
- Day 2: AM visit to Rajamalai (Eravikulam NP) and PM transfer to Rhodo Valley camp site. Trek along the way
- Day 3: AM trek to Misapulimala and PM short trek.
- Day 4: AM short trek and PM transfer to Cochin. Late evening in Cochin.
Summary
Rajamalai, located in the high hills around Munnar, is located in the tourism zone of the Eravikulam National Park - south India’s most extensive protected area of high altitude ‘shola-grasslands’ along with the adjacent Grasshills of the Indira Gandhi Tiger Reserve. The park protects, among a wide variety of high altitude flora & fauna, a significant population of Nilgiri Tahr - a mountain goat endemic to the south India’s Western Ghats. Rajamalai is probably the best place to observe and photograph these unique animals. Endemic Nilgiri & Black and Orange Flycatcher, and migrant Blue rock Thrush, Blue-capped rock Thrush and Tickell’s Leaf Warbler are other significant bird species that are seen here. Other fauna of interest include the Salea lizard and the Gunther’s Vine Snake, both species endemic to the montane habitats of the Western Ghats.
Rhodo Valley (2400m) is a high altitude camp site, set within the shola-grasslands in the vicinity of the Eravikulam National Park and as such reflects biota of the Park. While similar birdlife can be expected, the Nilgiri Tahr here are far more skittish and sensitive to human presence. The hills around here are incredibly beautiful, and the vistas of high hills - among the tallest in south India - and forested valleys, can be appreciated from atop Misapulimala (2600+m), south India’s second highest peak.
We spend one evening in Munnar to explore the natural habitats around here, as well as Rajamalai and two nights at Rhodo Valley, for the unique experience of camping the high altitude natural habitats of south India.
Itinerary Outline |
||
Facilities |
||
| Accommodation: | : | In simple tents (camping style in Rhodo Valley) and comfortable hotel in Munnar (for Rajamalai) |
| Food: | : | Simple variety of vegetarian or non-vegetarian options |
| Transport: | : | Road transfers in Toyota Qualis or similar |
| Difficulty level: | : | Moderate to difficult, for hikes in mountainous, uneven terrain and cold nights. |
- Costs are calculated based on minimum 4 persons traveling. We can work out a costing for smaller groups, once we have details from you. Maximum group size for this tour is 6.
- Tour costs are per person based on a sharing (dependent on group size) basis ex-Cochin and is all inclusive (transport, accommodation, food, personnel and all taxes and fees). Personnel includes a naturalist/tour leader 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.
- Bookings are confirmed only upon full payment of the tour cost and at least 15 days in advance from the proposed departure date.
- We reserve the right to cancel the tour at anytime due to unforeseen circumstances. We will refund the entire booking amount under these circumstances.
- Payment options:
- 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.
- 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.
- We accept demand drafts/cheques in INR, GBP, EUR or USD
- In case you want to cancel your booking:
- A 90% refund if cancellation requested more than one month before the proposed date of departure
- A 15% refund if cancellation requested less than one month from the proposed date of departure.
| Dates | : | Download itinerary for latest schedule Please note that we can customise schedule for independent travel |
| Costs | : | INR 11,500/person (USD 265/GBP 175/EUR 210) - based on minimum 4 persons traveling, ex-Cochin. |
Terms & Conditions | ||
- Weather: Updates based on dates of travel
- Since we will explore the location on foot and in mountainous terrain, we recommend you wear comfortable walking/trekking shoes for the trip.
- Please bring your binoculars along - you will appreciate the sights of the forests much more with binoculars on hand. We will have a pair or two to share amongst us, but it is recommended that you carry your own.
- Please bring essential medication with you, since the local outlets will not always carry what you are looking for. Do check with your doctor on medication and medical safety if you have any medical condition.
FYI and Guidelines
|
|
