Valparai Wildlife Photography Tour - A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Valparai, nestled in the Anamalai hills of Tamil Nadu, is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. With its lush tea estates, dense rainforests, and diverse wildlife, Valparai offers countless opportunities to capture extraordinary moments in nature.

Our journey began with a much-anticipated break - a wildlife photography workshop organised by Pixetra Club in association with Aspinwall Tours (This is in 2012 actually). Our destination: the picturesque Sinna Dorai Estate Bungalow in Valparai. A group of nine passionate photography students, led by our mentor Sethu Sethuraman, set off on a scenic drive via the winding, zigzag roads through the Shola rainforests, passing the stunning Athirapally waterfalls. While I'm not a seasoned birdwatcher, the abundance of birdlife along the route opened up a new realm of excitement and learning for me.

We reached Valparai by noon, and the warm hospitality at the tea estate bungalow instantly made us feel at home. A traditional, home-cooked lunch prepared by the local staff was waiting for us—and it was absolutely delicious. After settling in, our afternoon was dedicated to photography classes held in the estate’s cozy conference hall, setting the tone for the enriching days ahead.

By evening, Murugan from the estate bungalow spotted a herd of elephants in the nearby tea plantation hills of Sinna Dorai. With our cameras ready, we made our way to observe them. As we approached, a team from the Conservation Society of India, traveling in a Gypsy, advised us not to get too close since the herd included two calves. Carefully and quietly, we moved to a safe viewing spot. What followed was pure magic, baby elephants rubbing, playing, and running alongside each other in a serene sunset setting framed by silver oak trees and rolling plantations. That evening, our memory cards were filled with golden-hour shots. Over dinner, we made plans for an early morning birding excursion.

Next morning, we set off through calm, misty plantation roads. Murugan once again surprised us, this time with a sighting of a herd of Indian Gaurs, including two calves, grazing protectively nearby. Using our zoom lenses, we captured these gentle giants amidst the green landscape.

Later in the afternoon, we visited a spot where Lion-tailed Macaques are known to pass by and luck was on our side. A troop of these rare primates moved in a line, one after the other, along a familiar path. Time passed quickly as we photographed their movement and behaviour. The day ended with a cozy bonfire under the stars.

Post lunch we headed to a place where less than a hundred Lion-tailed macaques pass by during the day, we were lucky enough to be there on time to see the Macaques. It was mostly like a line where one follows the other on a particular route. You don’t know how time moves when you are into something that is of very interest to you. It was dusk and night came soon, and there was a bonfire lit up for us before dinner.

Much early in the morning, we were all set for the birding expedition with a strong desire to sight the Great Hornbill. On route we stopped by to photograph a bird - that was when we saw a Great juvenile hornbill on the flight into the woods. It was a moment with raised eyebrows and excitement seeing the graceful royal flight of the hornbill.

Early the next morning, we set out with one goal in mind—to spot the Great Hornbill. On our way, we paused to photograph another bird, and in that moment, we were rewarded with the incredible sight of a juvenile Great Hornbill in flight. The elegance of its wings in motion was unforgettable.

As we continued toward Velonie Estate Road, another highlight awaited us: a pair of Serpent Eagles perched in the distance. Two birding enthusiasts in our group eagerly shared insights, and by now, I found myself genuinely drawn into the world of birding. That morning, we spotted parakeets, woodpeckers, drongos, robins, bulbuls, doves, and more. The birder in me was awakening!

We returned to Sinna Dorai for brunch, packed up, and began our journey back to Kochi. But Valparai had one last gift for us. Somewhere near the Tamil Nadu border, as we dozed through zigzag roads surrounded by dams, reservoirs, and Shola forests, someone shouted, "Stop! Look, it’s a Hornbill!" Sure enough, two majestic Great Hornbills perched atop a tall tree greeted us. Though I didn’t get the perfect shot, watching them glide between branches with their iconic whooshing wingbeat was an unforgettable moment.

With hearts full and cameras brimming with memories—from tea gardens and wildlife to unexpected bird encounters—we returned to Kochi by evening, grateful for a truly enriching and unforgettable wildlife photography experience.

Why choose Valparai for wildlife photography?

Valparai is renowned for its thriving biodiversity. The region is home to endangered species like the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, and Great Indian Hornbill. Birdwatchers will find themselves enchanted by the multitude of avian species inhabiting these forests. The scenic backdrop of lush greenery and misty valleys enhances every photograph taken here.

Photography Highlights:

• Lion-tailed Macaques in their natural habitat

• Elephants and gaurs wandering across tea plantations

• Diverse bird species including hornbills, thrushes, and woodpeckers

• Stunning landscape shots of tea gardens and dense forests

• Macro photography opportunities capturing vibrant insects, butterflies, and flora

Best Time to Visit: The ideal period for wildlife photography in Valparai is from September to March when the weather is clear, wildlife is active, and natural light conditions are optimal.

Travel Tips:

• Carry telephoto lenses for better wildlife close-ups.

• Be respectful of wildlife and maintain silence for better sightings.

• Wear comfortable, earth-toned clothing to blend into the environment.

• Be patient; great wildlife shots often require time and observation.

Planning Your Visit: Valparai is accessible from Coimbatore, which is well-connected by air and rail. A guided photography tour is recommended to maximise sightings and photographic opportunities. Staying in eco-friendly accommodations will further enhance your immersive experience.

Explore Valparai with Green Earth Trails and let your passion for wildlife photography thrive in one of South India's most enchanting destinations. In November 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting Anders and his team from Sweden. After spending nearly 10 days at Jungle Lodges in Kabini with limited luck in spotting big cats, they joined us for a specially curated trail. We picked them up from Kabini and drove down to Sethumadai in Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), where they enjoyed a short hike at Parambikulam National Park and participated in a guided birding session around Sethumadai.

The journey continued to Valparai in search of the Lion-tailed Macaque (LTM) and the majestic Great Indian Hornbill along the Shola ranges near Athirapally. Thanks to the expertise and local knowledge of our guide Vishnu, they had some incredible sightings on the drive from Valparai to Athirapally. Anders even left us a thoughtful review on TripAdvisor, sharing his excitement about finally encountering these iconic species.

This unique route forms a segment of our 'South India Experiential Potpourri'—a 16-day itinerary that offers immersive forest and wildlife experiences across the region. A must-do trail for anyone with a true love for the wild.