“Simply going on vacation to protected areas and photographing charismatic wildlife does not contribute to the cause of conservation. Appreciation of wildlife and environmental threats – combined with certain ethical practises in wildlife watching makes all the difference. Put into action, this awareness contributes to the overall experiences in the jungle, the comfort levels of the wildlife and the health of the habitat. When practised consistently over a period of time this may even go on to conserving the ecosystem in various subtle and invisible ways.”

- Surya Ramachandran & David Raju, Photographic Field Guide I Wildlife of South India (Notion Press)

Drives through Anamallai and Sathyamangalam and several stretches of unfamiliar ‘ghat’ sections (as my father would often describe the hilly areas that our many train journeys would traverse) or ‘ghat’ roads, were a part of the long drives I took on a 5 day journey in the south. While my friends fretted over the 11-12 hour long drives, I marvelled at the scope and beauty of India’s unsung road journeys.

Five days in and out of the Western Ghats is barely enough even to skim the surface of what this region often described as the ‘Great Escarpment’ has in store for intrepid travellers especially those who love nature. But it re-opened my senses to the richness of the bio-diversity, the culture and the gentle people who call this region their home. The people particularly amazed me, I read some books which introduced me to the Kadars, Malayars and Muthuvars , discovered some local magazines full of unimaginable insights, spent time walking and talking to them, and being pampered by their simple generosity. 

Shoba Mohan (March 2021)

RARE India’s collection in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will take you there and help you discover parts of what is today counted among the world’s top bio-diversity hotspots and also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sinna Dorai’s Bungalows, Valparai, Tamil Nadu

.

The Anamallai (Elephant) Hills is a mountain range in the Western Ghats that extends into Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This six-bedroom vintage bungalow dates back to 1896 and stands amidst acres of organic tea fields overlooking the Roti Kadai (literally the Bread Shop) valley, the location of the first bakery in the district. Take long walks and picnics within the Estate or a night drive under the spectacular starry skies. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 9,750++*

Sinna Dorai’s Bungalows, Mangorange, Tamil Nadu

.

Wake-up to birdsong, venture out on bracing morning walks in the company of butterflies and possibly a serendipitous brush with wildlife in their habitat, enjoy a  lazy afternoon tea in wide sunny verandas and savour delicious home-styled meals served with the gracious hospitality estate homes are renowned for. This Sinna Dorai's Bungalow here in the Nilgiris dates back to 1918 and its three bedrooms stand in its original form in the 2,500 acres Carolyn Estate. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 7,250++*

Sinna Dorai’s Bungalows, Kadamane, Karnataka

.

The Kadamane bungalow was built in 1930 as a twin house for the two Sinna Dorais (assistant managers) who planted all the tea that surrounds it, a massive estate interspersed with forests just under five hours from Bangalore. Within the main Bungalow and the smaller cottages around,  Kadamane offers 10 rooms ideal for families and a group of friends. Hike the many trails, enjoy picnics in scenic spots and of course visit the tea plantation and factory. A highlight of staying here is taking a 4 X4 ride of a lifetime on unseen trails or be adventurous and take a night drive and experience the sounds of nature. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 10,500++*

Pepper Trail, Wayanad, Kerala

.

Set in the heart of a 200-acre colonial spice plantation and surrounded by the rainforests of Wayanad, Pepper Trail is hidden deep within the plantation and is a charming 140-year-old colonial bungalow steeped in history. With its original collection of art and antiques, the bungalow has been elegantly restored. The two tree houses here perched at 40 ft above ground are truly the piece the resistance, while the recently added  four villas are the epitome of space, design and luxury. Explore the many spice-scented trails around the plantation, spot wildlife, look out for birds or discover local lore at the prehistoric caves nearby. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 9,520++*

Winderemere Estate, Munnar, Kerala

.

On the crest of a hill, surrounded by panoramic views of the breath-taking green hills of Munnar, is the Windermere Estate. The intimate property with just 18 lovingly handcrafted rooms arranged around the original Planter’s Bungalow still serves as the owner's residence. The boutique property sits at the heart of its working cardamom and coffee plantation, with rooms-built chalet-style into the cliff and lush gardens teeming with rare birds and butterflies. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 8,500++*

Windermere River House, Neriamangalam, Kerala

.

Nestled in the foothills of the towering Western Ghats, the River House at Neriamangalam is a quiet bungalow sitting on the edge of  the great Periyar River, surrounded by rubber plantations and evergreen forests. Located within an open garden, the loudest sound you’ll hear is the splash of water or the call of a bird. The evergreen forests within cycling  proximity to the house, host some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, waiting to be explored. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 25,000++* for 4 persons

Dvara Siruvani, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

.

A short driving distance from the Isha yoga Center’s Dhyanalingam, Dvara Siruvani sits by the edge of the Siruvani reservoir. Offering mountain view rooms with individual plunge pools fashioned after a temple tank and garden view rooms with private patios, this unique property offers a curated experience that hints at various heritage elements of Tamil Nadu. The pool cottages are sculpted along the water body with large open fronted bedrooms, while the garden cottages offer ample space to linger over a book or catch a traditional board game. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 8,000++*

Niraamaya Retreats, Cardamom Club, Thekkady, Kerala

.

Wrapped in the cool embrace of a tropical rainforest, the Cardamom Club is your chance to connect with nature. Located high up in the Idukki mountains and close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it is nestled among acres of verdant cardamom plantations and surrounded by mist-laden mountains. The clean and crisp air at the retreat and the harmony with nature immensely helps to amplify the therapeutic processes of Ayurveda therapies and Thai relaxation techniques at the Spa. Sample simple freshly cooked meals, take spice walks, trek through dense evergreen forests or simply spend a day in the Reserve. Read more Book with RARE @ INR 8,400++*

RARE Reads |Photographic Field Guide – Wildlife of South India (Notion Press) by Surya Ramachandran & David Raju

.

There was a time when packing for a wildlife trip meant 2-3 different sets of field guides along with your binoculars and camera. Surya Ramachandran and David Raju’s first book “Wildlife of Central India” took care of this by documenting 850 species in the jungles of central India in one volume. Their second book covering the immense topography of the southern India include the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Goa and relevant coastal regions to enable wildlife enthusiasts to identify and name the wildlife they are likely to encounter in the various habitats of the region. Covering 1920 species including mammals, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians and reptiles - this is a book for keeps, to be gifted, thumbed through before a journey to help you plan, and during your incredible explorations. Order your copy within India at Photo Field Guides and outside India at Amazon US

The RARE Showcase | Green Planet. Pink Health

It was a tough call, however The RARE Showcase 2021 (April 10-18) had to be postponed, given the present situation of the second surge in the ongoing pandemic. The RARE Showcase is about celebration of mindful travel and designed to inspire the industry with stories of the community, our cultural and natural heritage. Let’s stay inspired and keep our inner joy and hope intact. Join us for RARE Inspire over Instagram (@rareindia) for encouraging stories. Look out for updates on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.