India: Western Ghats rainforest to the Thar Desert

16 days

Duration

Biodiversity

Group size

$3700

per person

India is a country that cannot be fully captured in words, only experienced firsthand. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore vastly different environments, providing a rare glimpse into India’s captivating herpetofauna.

Embark on a captivating herpetofauna expedition through the five different habitats in search of India’s herpetofauna, including the renowned Big 4 of India. Encounter the Spectacled cobra (Naja naja), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), and Indian krait (Bungarus caeruleus) – species responsible for significant snake bites globally.

Our journey leads us to the untouched beauty of the Western Ghats rainforests in Wayand and Agumbe. Teaming up with Gowri, a dedicated herpetologist and conservationist, we immerse ourselves in the rainforest, tracking King cobras (Ophiophagus kalinga) during their breeding season and rescuing them from village homes. Amidst this pinnacle herping experience, explore for Malabar pit vipers (Craspedocephalus malabaricus), Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), keelbacks (various species in genus Rhabdophis), shield tails (family Uropeltidae), vine snakes (Ahaetulla spp.), draco lizards (Draco spp.) and more fascinating species.

Venturing into the arid landscapes of Tumkur, searching for Saw-scaled vipers (Echis carinatus), Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans), Red sand boas (Eryx johnii), and other incredible species. A visit to Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Kabini adds a thrilling safari element, as we seek the elusive Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), with the chance to spot the famed melanistic leopard in this region.

Ending of the trip in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, exploring the desert habitat in search of Sochurek’s Saw-scaled Viper (Echis sochureki), Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) & Desert monitor (Varanus griseus), Toad-headed agama (Bufoniceps laungwalaensis), and many more desert adapted species. Tracking them through the desert sands makes it some of the most enjoyable herping.

This expedition promises a diverse adventure, traversing bustling cities to pristine rainforests and deserts, providing an unforgettable journey into the heart of India’s extraordinary herpetofauna and a chance to marvel at the nation’s diverse natural heritage.

Expedition dates	Availability
15th – 30th August 2026	8 seats left
15th – 30th August 2027	8 seats left

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Schedule

Day	Location
1	Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2-5	Agumbe, Karnataka, India
6-7	Tumkur, Karnataka, India
8-9	Wayand, Kerala, India
10-11	Nagarahole tiger reserve, Kabini, India
12	Bangalore, Karnataka, India
13-15	Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
16	Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Expedition Itinerary

1 Day

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Upon your arrival at Bangalore Airport, simply take a taxi to Hotel Octave Nest Inn, where our team will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. Settle in, relax after your journey, and prepare yourself for the exciting adventure ahead. We will officially kick off the tour the following day, ready to explore the fascinating world of herpetofauna together!

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4 Days

Agumbe, Karnataka, India

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we set out for Agumbe, renowned as one of India’s premier hotspots for herpetofauna and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the lush Western Ghats, Agumbe offers a unique opportunity to witness a remarkable diversity of reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat.Upon arrival, settle into the Kalinga Center for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE), an inspiring conservation hub founded by acclaimed herpetologist Gowri Shankar. The center is dedicated to environmental education and hands-on scientific training, providing guests with an immersive rainforest experience.

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2 Days

Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Experience the wonders of a unique tropical dry deciduous forest, a habitat home to an incredible diversity of rare snake species found nowhere else. During your two-day adventure in this remarkable region, you’ll have the chance to search for: Indian Kraits, Saw-scaled Vipers, Star Tortoises, and many more fascinating reptiles and amphibians.Join passionate snake rescuers from WARCO (Wildlife Awareness and Reptile Conservation Organization) as they respond to real-life rescue calls. Spend your days driving through the city, assisting in the safe removal of snakes from: Residential homes, Local farms & Industrial factories.This immersive experience offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at wildlife conservation in action and the crucial work being done to protect both people and reptiles.As night falls, the adventure continues around your homestay. Explore the agricultural landscapes and surrounding scrub forests under expert guidance, searching for elusive nocturnal species and observing the vibrant life that thrives after dark.

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2 days

Wayand, Kerala, India

Nestled in the heart of Wayanad, this stunning jungle property is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, from tiny frogs to unique mammals. Here, you’ll have the chance to encounter endemic species such as the Western Kukri snake, Black Torrent Toad, Ochlandrae Reed Frog, Small Gliding Frog, Malabar Pit Vipers, and Horsfield’s Spiny Lizard. Wayanad boasts over 30 frog species, including striking bush frogs and gliding frogs, making it one of the richest amphibian hotspots in the Western Ghats.

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2 days

Nagarahole tiger reserve, Kabini, India

In Kabini, we’ll embark on morning and afternoon jeep safaris through the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, where you’ll have the chance to see some of India’s most majestic megafauna, including Indian Leopards, Tigers, Elephants, and more. Keep your eyes open for rare herpetofauna too—the region is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles and amphibians. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a melanistic Indian leopard stealthily moving through the forest. Kabini is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 species recorded.After breakfast on the second day, we’ll leave Kabini and head to Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary for a private boat tour on the Cauvery River. Here, you can get up close to Mugger Crocodiles basking on river rocks, spot Indian Flying Foxes, and possibly see otters along with a diverse array of bird species.

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1 day

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Upon arriving back in Bangalore from Ranganthittu, we will reach the hotel by late afternoon, around 4 or 5 pm. You’ll have the evening free to relax or explore the vibrant city at your leisure. The following morning, we’ll arrange taxis to take you to the airport for your flight from Bangalore to Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as we continue our exciting herpetofauna journey.

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3 days

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

We’ll start our jounrey with a morning flight from Bangalore to Jodhpur. From there, we’ll travel by taxi to the village of Sam, located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer—a scenic drive of about five hours.Once in Sam, you’ll settle into the village and get ready to explore the surrounding desert landscapes. We’ll use 4x4 jeeps driven by local guides to move between locations.Night Herping: After dark, we’ll venture out on foot into the sand dunes and scrub habitats, searching for fascinating herpetofauna unique to the Thar Desert.Daytime Exploration: During the day, we’ll visit wells and water tanks near villages, checking for animals that may have become trapped and assisting with their safe release.

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1 day

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

On the final morning, we will take taxis from Sam, Jaisalmer to Jodhpur airport, a journey of approximately five hours. Since Jodhpur does not offer international flights, you will need to connect through Mumbai for your onward international travel.As your journey through India comes to a close, take one last look back at the magnificent creatures and the breathtaking landscapes that made this experience one of a kind. Time to say our goodbyes.

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