Tracking Mammals of the Ghats and Plains
Beyond the tiger, India's wild spaces host a spectacular array of mammals. I guide you through the high-altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats and the deciduous forests of Central India to observe and photograph these creatures in their natural rhythm.
A portrait of the Nilgiri Tahr, a wild goat endemic to the high ranges of the Western Ghats. Its intelligent eyes and elegantly curved horns are a testament to its adaptation to a life on steep, wind-swept crags.
A male Nilgiri Tahr stands sentinel on a rocky outcrop, watching over its herd. This endangered species is found only in small, isolated pockets, and seeing one is a true privilege.
A young Nilgiri Tahr glances back from the misty grasslands of Eravikulam National Park. Photographing animals in atmospheric conditions like this adds a sense of mystery and place to the image.
An intimate, close-up portrait of the Lion-tailed Macaque. The intense, amber eyes and the details of its silvery mane draw you into the world of this endangered primate of the Western Ghats.
The Malabar Giant Squirrel is a burst of color in the forest canopy. This intensely colored, three-foot-long creature is strictly arboreal, and we spend time on our tours observing its spirited acrobatics.
Peeking through the leaves, a Malabar Giant Squirrel forages in the tall evergreen jungles of the Western Ghats. Its shy nature makes capturing a clear shot a rewarding challenge.
The angled rays of the evening sun cast a magical glow on this Capped Langur in Northeast India. Its jewel-like eyes seem to hold the mysteries of the forest.
The dainty Chousingha, or Four-horned Antelope, emerges cautiously at the forest edge. It is the only antelope with four horns and is a shy, elusive creature we seek out on our Central India tours.
A large Sambar deer uses its powerful jaws to crack open the hard shell of a Wood Apple. Observing such unique feeding behaviors offers a fascinating insight into the resourcefulness of wildlife.
With a look of intense effort, the Sambar deer works to get at the nutritious pulp of the Bael fruit. These are the small, dramatic trials of life that unfold daily in the Indian wilderness.
About Mammals of the Ghats & Plains
Most people miss the real drama because they rush. When you sit quietly by a forest edge, you witness the true behavior—like a Sambar deer cracking a hard Wood Apple or a Malabar Giant Squirrel performing acrobatics in the canopy. My expeditions focus on slowing down to capture these fleeting, daily trials of life, rather than just chasing a species checklist.
Understanding India’s mammals requires patience. Whether we are in the mist-covered, high-altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats looking for the Nilgiri Tahr, or scanning the dry deciduous scrub of Central India for the shy, Four-horned Antelope, the approach is the same. It is about reading the forest, spotting movement before it disappears, and respecting the creature's space.
On these tours, we go beyond simple identification. You will learn to use a spotting scope to observe the delicate details of the Lion-tailed Macaque in its narrow evergreen forest belt. We track the 'spirit of the canopy'—the Malabar Giant Squirrel—as it navigates the treetops. This is about fieldcraft. You learn how to move, how to stay silent, and how to anticipate behavior, such as a deer heading to a waterhole or a primate sensing a predator.
We also discuss the fragility of these habitats. The debris of our lifestyles often intrudes upon the home of the wild. By focusing on these mammals—many of which are endangered and restricted to small, isolated pockets—my goal is to help you see the world through a different lens. You leave not just with a photograph, but with a connection to the forest and a deeper awareness of why we must protect these wild spaces.
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