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Agumbe

Wildlife Tour Packages

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Agumbe Wildlife Tour Packages

Wildlife group tours, photography tours or customised itineraries.

As you trudge on the off-beaten track with the constant company of the pitter-patter of rain and the green treetops swaying to the tune of the zephyr, your ears perk up at the distant croaking of toads, the melodious chirps of numerous marvellous birds while your eyes scan your surroundings for a glimpse of the coveted Indian King Cobra silently slithering in its singular abode.

Rolling mountaintops and gushing streams all around, a lush green canopy overhead and the invigorating smell of the rain-kissed soil warmly welcome us to the wet, wild world of the Agumbe Rainforest.

A registered UNESCO World Heritage Site in the wondrous Western Ghats, Agumbe is situated in the Thirthahalli Taluk of North Karnataka’s Shimoga district, about 350 km from Bangalore. It is popularly known as the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’ as it receives around 7000 mm of rainfall annually,

Agumbe is a tiny mountain village, inhabited by only a few hundred people and is also known as the ‘Cobra Capital of India’. Apart from the majestic Indian King Cobra, this rainforest is home to over 70 species of snakes, several endemic birds such as the Malabar trogon, the Malabar grey hornbill, the Yellow-browed bulbul; reptiles and amphibians such as the cane turtle, the Malabar gliding frog, blue-eyed bush frog, the flying lizard and hundreds of other thriving creatures of the miniature world!

Apart from these unique species, on an Agumbe wildlife tour, one can also spot the endangered lion-tailed macaque, the slender loris, the Indian gaur and if riding on a huge wave of luck, an elusive Indian leopard!

This pristine green Eden of the Agumbe rainforest is a priceless biodiversity hotspot and its teeming wildlife gives us a glimpse of millions of invaluable years of natural history!

agumbe
Quick Information

Recommended min. Duration:
3N/4D

Attractions:
Birds – Malabar Grey Hornbill
Malabar barbet
Malabar trogon
Whilstling Thrush
Flycatchers etc

Reptiles:
Indian King Cobra
Pit Vipers
Green Vine Snake
Beddome’s cat snake etc

Amphibians:
Malabar Gliding Frog
Blue-eyed Frog
Amboli bush frog
Kuderemukh Fejervaria
Ponmudi bush frog
Bullfrog
Indian Tree Toad
Burrowing frog
Night frog and the list goes on…
And countless spiders
and insect creatures of the macro world.

Nearest Airport:
Mangalore, Bangalore

By Road:
Mangalore to Agumbe – Approx 100 km.
Drive time – 2hrs 30 mins
Bangalore to Agumbe – Approx 350 km.
Drive time – 6hrs 45 mins
Add by Road: Mlr to Agumbe, Bangalore to Agumbe etc.

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Read this trip report of our phototour to Bandhavgarh in May 2017

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Bamera Junior’s Story – Tigers of Bandhavgarh

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Spotty’s Story – from the Tigers of Bandhavgarh series

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Our Agumbe Tours

Rainforest Ramble

Agumbe Macro Photo Tour
Starting ₹24,500 + GST
PHOTO TOUR
Upcoming Departures

Agumbe Macro Photo Tour – 3N/4D

Photo (Safari) Tour

Cost: Starting INR 24,500/- + GST

Skipper: Ramakrishnan Aiyaswamy

View Itinerary

Register Now

Reviews by Tour Participants

Sandesh M
Bengaluru
Read More
I wanted to express my gratitude for organising a wonderful trip. The trip gave me much more than what i had expected. The learnings from the trip on photography was great and will help me improve my skills further.
Dilip Prashanth
Bengaluru
Read More
For a nature lover seeking solace in the wilderness, expectations are very high. When a person learns digital photography understanding the techniques, ideas to bring in a difference in what he visualizes and photographs, here the experience with Toehold has been by far one of the best.
Srinivash Yelandur
Bengaluru
Read More
Tigers, Leopards and Wild dogs - all predators in Bandhavgarh made this a great outing. Learnt so much and had great fun!

We cater to 3 different kinds of Agumbe travellers. Which one are you?

There are three different ways to explore Agumbe. Depending on the kind of traveller you are, we welcome you to choose your preferred Agumbe wildlife tour package.

Agumbe Photography Group Tours

Our team of ace photographers will guide you on exciting Agumbe Photography Tours to ensure you come back with not only great travel memories but also some stunning photographs.

  • Photography Tours led by award-winning professional photographers.
  • Agumbe packages designed specifically for photography enthusiasts.
  • Real-time photography guidance and off-field photography sessions during the Tour.

Upcoming Departures

DATE: 16-19 SEP 21

Agumbe Wildlife Group Tours

Exploring the world with like-minded nature-lovers is surely an exciting human experience. Our fixed departure Agumbe Wildlife Tour Packages are a safe and fun way to travel for individuals or families alike.

  • Agumbe Group Tours led by ace naturalists.
  • Optimum group sizes to balance efficiency and budget.
  • A wealth of wildlife learning.
  • Fun and safe Agumbe packages.

Upcoming Departures

  • Currently we do not have any Group Tours to Agumbe.

Agumbe Customised Vacations

For families and individuals who want a tailor-made holiday to suit their personal needs, we invite you to explore our vast array of packages.

  • Completely customised Agumbe Wildlife Tour Packages to suit all your needs.
  • Flexibility of dates, class of travel and lodging based on your requirement.
  • Exclusively planned Agumbe packages for you and your family.
  • Leveraging the knowledge and experience of our team of travel experts.

Get in touch with us to customise your departure!

Why Travel with Toehold?

Why let us arrange your trip?

At Toehold, we are passionate about travel and photography just as you are, which lets us understand your needs and travails perfectly. And we use our insight and experience to plan your vacation to perfection, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself and make memories for a lifetime.Here are just some reasons you should leave your next holiday to us:

Precise Customisation

It’s your holiday, so you tell us how you want it, and we’ll customise it to your exact expectations, down to every possible detail, just short of what fragrance of air-freshener you’d prefer in your cab.

Expert Advice

Not clear about what you want or how to make the most of your vacation? Pick our brains and make an informed decision about how you’d like to spend your precious holiday, and then just prepare for a rollicking time.

Unmatched Experience

With partnerships with the best people in the field and a stellar logistical network, we ensure no holds are barred in helping you enjoy an enriching and memorable experience.

Flawless Orchestration

Once the plan is set, you can count on us to make your experience a flawless pleasure. A star may implode or a planet may go out of orbit, but you can rest assured your tour will motor on without a glitch.

Agumbe Rainforest

The prime home of the famed Indian King Cobra and a luxuriant Eden hosting a world of exotic species

The rainforest of Agumbe lures several avid trekkers and wildlife lovers and does not just soak them in rain, but also its awe-inspiring beauty and natural splendour! The 54 square kilometres of virgin forests shelter a plethora of wildlife, ranging from mammals to fascinating creatures with more than four legs!

Agumbe is home to several rare and endemic birds such as the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar parakeet, Malabar barbet, black and orange flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, the Malabar Whistling Thrush etc, with some amazing reptile & amphibian species such as the Indian King Cobra, the pit vipers, several venomous & non-venomous snakes; Malabar gliding frog, blue-eyed bush frog, Amboli bush frog and several more!

Green Vine Snake
A Green Vine Snake photographed in Agumbe

Agumbe is also home to several captivating species of flora which form an intrinsic part of its biodiverse ecosystem!

The night trail feature makes Agumbe an extremely exciting wildlife destination.
Agumbe’s macro world rocks and rolls after the curtains of darkness have set the stage for its showstoppers!

Venturing into the forest after sundown to witness this secretive, nocturnal world at its best is a unique and thrilling experience in itself!

What can you expect in an Agumbe Wildlife Tour Package?

The most coveted denizens of these pristine rainforests are undoubtedly secretive and hiking these nature trails are a perfect way to explore them. The forest floor is always buzzing with activity. As night falls, from small microorganisms to multi-legged creatures who slither away under the leaf; to the very competitive & loud advertisement of the frogs, there’s a bounty of activity in every direction. The forest literally comes alive once darkness falls.

Whilst the majestic Indian King Cobra will be under cover mostly; one will be amazed at the sight of various color morphs of the Malabar Pit Viper, mesmerised by the hypnotic eyes of the Green Vine Snake, puzzled by the scales of a Chequered Keelback & much more. Agumbe is home to some incredible snake species.

Exploring burrows using a bioluministic torch opens up to some jaw-dropping sights of silent forest dwellers who wear shining armours. Several amphibians such as the Blue-eyed bush frog, the Amboli Bush Frog, Kudremukh frog, the exotic Malabar Gliding Frog and last but not the least, the foot flagging dancing frogs are some denizens that steal the show.

Besides, there are countless species of rich flora which drape the forest, various forms and colours of wild mushrooms, fungi, each unique and picturesque. In short, Agumbe is a safe haven for millions of species.

Bush Frog
Agumbe Bush Frog
Malabar Pit Viper
Yellow Malabar Pit Viper
In Agumbe, we yearn to look under every rock, scan the gaps between barks and roots, scrutinise tree crevices and spend time around the gurgling streams and puddles to discover and cherish the astounding species that call this wet, wild world – home!

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.
That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthuisast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hop on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.

Of course! Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

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Rainforest Ramble - Agumbe Macro Photo Tour Schedules

SEP 16-19, 2021 FULL

Macro Photography Tour
Skipper: Ramakrishnan Aiyaswamy

All Agumbe Packages

Want to explore a different package to Agumbe?

Go back to all Packages

Tour Itinerary (3N/4D)

Reaching Agumbe

We recommend participants travelling from Bangalore or Mangalore to drive to Agumbe, considering the current pandemic situation. In case, the participant is flying in from elsewhere to Mangalore or Bangalore, a cab service or carpool will be arranged.

Participants must ensure they are present at Guddekeri (Agumbe) by 11 a.m. on the morning of Day 1 (Thursday)

Proceed to settle at the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE) camp. All tour participants will be allotted either individual tents, or a dormitory on sharing basis.

In case you arrive late either via public or private transport, a local help will be able to assist you in reaching the KCRE camp via an auto, at an extra cost borne by the participant.

Once rested and freshened up, a round of mutual introduction will ensue over a scrumptious lunch, after which your Skipper will brief the group on the natural history features and tourist rules of Agumbe and set the tone for the tour.

Our exploration of Agumbe will begin with our experts in the field of frogs and snakes taking us through the ‘Introduction to Rainforest Ecology & Introduction to Snakes of Agumbe and Ecology of King Cobras’.

After the orientation, the Skipper will discuss some photography tips and techniques which will undoubtedly help you along the trip.

Post the Skipper brief, we will finally go out herping on our first nature trail around the campside amidst the dappled light of the sun rays penetrating through the canopy!

On spotting any creature, we will stop and try to implement everything we have learned and make some amazing photographs. Your Skipper will help you achieve this in real-time.

We will return to the camp within a couple of hours and sink into our evening agenda. We will grab a cup of tea/coffee and your Skipper will review your photographs and provide you with more techniques on making stronger compositions and more impactful images.

After a quick early dinner, we will set out for our first night trail at 8:30 p.m. It is after dark that the Agumbe rainforest is most alive. Creatures of the night will be out and the forests will brim with life and buzz with energy!

We will wrap the day at 10 p.m. and return to our accomodation to unwind and rest, eagerly anticipating an exciting tomorrow on our Agumbe wildlife tour.

Dawn breaks out early in these hills as we wake up to the melodious chirping of the birds. Over a cup of tea or coffee, we gather and discuss the day’s plan of action.

Depending on the weather conditions, at about 7:30 or 8 a.m. we set out for our morning trek and explore the forests for insects, reptiles, amphibians and birds. But, our main aim is to reach the summit for a magnificent and unforgettable 360 degrees view of the entire rainforest! Once on top, words will fail you and nature will overwhelm your spirit!

We will trek back to the camp by 10:30 a.m. and have a much-needed breakfast! Post our breakfast, we will be taken through an interesting session on ‘First Aid for Snakebites’ by our camp expert which will provide lifelong learnings for avid trekkers and nature lovers.

We will relax until lunch, but participants will be free to explore the wildlife around the camp. Participants can also use the time to review their images with their mentor.

Post lunch, around 3:30pm we will set out to the nearby streams that teem with flora and fauna and provide ample photographic opportunities for everyone.
We will return to the camp by 6 p.m. and relax and refresh ourselves. Your skipper will review your images over a cup of coffee/ tea and coach you on getting better.

Like Day 1, after a quick early dinner we will set out on a night trail once more. We will wrap the day by 10 p.m.

After an early cup of coffee/ tea by 7 a.m. we will go herping for a couple of hours and return to camp by 9.a.m.Participants can relax and unwind. They can also use their time to further explore the campside or review their images with their mentor.We will keep our post-lunch agenda open and decide the route of our afternoon trail based on the wildlife activity and potential sightings. We will look to explore other streams / waterfalls nearby based on access to location and with consent of the forest department. We will set out around 3pm in our vehicles / hired vehicleOnce we return from our evening trail, we will break till dinner. We will reflect on all that we have learned over the past few days and share our feedback and experience of the Agumbe rainforest rendezvous. Post-dinner, we will proceed on our final night trail and return to the camp by 10 p.m.
After an early cup of coffee/ tea by 7 a.m., we set out on our final trail for a couple of hours and return to the camp by 9 a.m.Post breakfast, we get back to packing our bags and gather for our group photo and subsequently, we bid adieu to one of the most thrilling rainforests in the world!By 11 a.m. all participants who have their own transport arrangement are good to wave good-bye until next time post check-out.

Those participants who have a next morning flight from Mangalore can stay at the camp until evening or next morning & check out, but will have to arrange for their transport thereafter. .

Note 1: Please note your Skipper may, at his discretion, amend the itinerary for the better, depending on prevailing circumstances.

Note 2: If you’re lucky, you could be accompanying the experts on a King Cobra rescue call. However, if this happens, the itinerary of the tour will deviate from the set agenda and Toehold will not be responsible to fulfill the agenda then. We will do our best yet.

Note 3: Please also note that this campsite is an environmental education centre and not a resort. A major portion of funds from this camp goes towards conservation efforts in and around Agumbe. Your participation goes a long way in conserving one of the last remaining biodiversity hotspots of the world – the Western Ghats.

Basic Requirements For this Agumbe Wildlife Tour

  • Raincoats/ Jackets/ Rain-trousers/ Camera cover from rain
  • Solid boots/ Gumboots that can withstand incessant rain.
  • Torch is a must. Every participant must carry at least 1 torch for the night trail.
  • Umbrella is optional. Participants are encouraged to carry their umbrellas.
  • Odomos cream/ spray in case you wish to smear them before venturing out on trails.
  • Your sandals/ slippers, for the time that you’re not on a trek.
  • A water bottle is a must. Energy bars or chocolates are optional.
  • T-shirts, jeans, cargos which are non-camouflage. Preferably blue, grey, brown, beige colors, etc.
  • Caps or hats will be helpful.
  • Your toilet kit etc.
  • Your medicines. Carrying face masks is compulsory at all times.
  • Anything you additional feel may befit this rainforest expedition

Basic Requirements Specifically For Photographers on this Agumbe Wildlife Tour

  • Extra batteries, extra batteries and extra batteries. The camp runs on solar energy and preserving the energy for other basic needs is the top priority.
  • Macro Lens with Flash. External Flash is optional. Remote triggers are optional
  • Monopod or a tripod (optional)

Guidelines to be strictly followed by all the participants on the Agumbe Wildlife Tour

  • Bonfire and loud music is prohibited to avoid disturbing any animals.
  • Handling, agitating, or disturbing any wildlife (living or dead) will warrant strict action.
  • Collection of any kind of flora or fauna is not permitted.
  • Exercise caution, control and care during observation and photography sessions in the forest to avoid stressing species or exposing them to danger.
  • Smoking & Consumption of alcohol at the camp is strictly prohibited.
  • Instructions from the camp expert are to be adhered to at all times.
  • Respect the culture and sentiments of locals.
  • Kindly avoid carrying plastic and in case it is unavoidable we request that you ensure to take back all the waste (wrappers of biscuits, chocolates, water bottles, etc). for they exclusively belong to the dustbins of the urban jungle. Please leave nothing behind.
  • Carry an open mind for adventure, get your hands and feet dirty & last but not the least, HAVE A BLAST!

Cost & Terms

Individuals (Cottage)

INR 24,500
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation
Please scroll down to enquire.

Individuals (Dorm)

INR 23,000
  • Per Person on Dormitory Accommodation
Please scroll down to enquire.

Toehold Patrons

INR 1000 OFF
  • Per Person Discount on any Accommodation
Please scroll down to enquire.
  • All prices above are excluding taxes. 5% GST would be applicable.
  • Toehold Patrons: Customers who have participated in at least three previous Toehold Photo Tours.

What’s Included?

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in comfortable rooms unless single occupancy purchased at extra cost
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
  • All entry fees, guide fees and safaris

What’s Not Included?

  • Any airfare
  • Transfers from the nearest airport or railway station and back
  • Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours or extra meals ordered
  • Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Insurance, laundry and phone calls
  • Camera and lens fees if any
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Anything that is not included in the inclusions list
  • All applicable taxes

Payment Terms

  • 100% of the Tour fee as advance for confirmation of participation for the Tour

Cancellation Fees

  • 50% of the Tour fee on or before 30 days to the day of the Tour
  • 100% of the Tour fee between 29 days to the day of the Tour

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Due to Covid issues, we cannot refund the tour fees if the area is closed or any lockdown is imposed. How ever, we will guarantee a 100% credit note for usage on a future tour.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.

That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthusiast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hope on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.
Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
Ofcourse, yes. Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.