Searching for frogs in coffee – The Coorg Adventure

Adventure, India, Interests, Karnataka, Photo Essays, Wildlife

This week we visit the rainy hills of Coorg, as we explore the coffee plantations and forests in search of frogs


The rain falls pitter-patter on my poncho, adding to cacophony of the cicadas chirping in the night. I’m walking on a trail through a coffee plantation, in the middle of the night. Up ahead, my teammates have stopped by a bush. Right there on the leaf there is a giant longhorn beetle, with drops of water glistening like little diamonds on it’s hard shell. I’m high up in the Western Ghats this weekend, exploring the biodiversity that the region has to offer.

The Western Ghats are an ancient mountain chain with features that lead to the development of unique ecosystems and ecological processes. The range has an exceptionally high level of biodiversity, playing home to at least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species.

I traveled to a spot in hills of Coorg in Karnataka with a bunch of like minded folks, hoping to see and photograph some of the unique wildlife and amphibians found in the region. We journeyed to a plantation in the hills of Coorg that was so remote, that we needed a 4×4 jeep to drive us for the treacherous last leg of the journey. The next few days were spent in long photo-shoots from almost dawn to dawn. We spent time in the field braving incessant rains and the attack of numerous leeches, for a rewarding experience. Here are some of the beautiful forest creatures and scenes from the jungle that we saw.

This Malabar Pit Viper had strayed into the property we were staying at. We took photos of it as we left it in the dense undergrowth surrounding the property
This Malabar Pit Viper had strayed into the property we were staying at. We took photos of it as we left it in the dense undergrowth surrounding the property
We chanced upon this tree frog on a night stroll on the property we were staying at
We chanced upon this tree frog on a night stroll on the property we were staying at
Our night time expedition, found us this Cat Snake specimen. Really love the wonderful colors of this snake.
Our night time expedition, found us this Cat Snake specimen. Really love the wonderful colors of this snake.
Our days were spent exploring coffee plantations and forests like this
Our days were spent exploring coffee plantations and forests like this
This beetle sits on the grass as light rain falls on its shell
This beetle sits on the grass as light rain falls on its shell
We found this large red snail (Indrella ampulla) that is endemic to the Western Ghats
We found this large red snail (Indrella ampulla) that is endemic to the Western Ghats
A blue eyed bush frog (Raorchestes luteolus) sits on some coffee beans
A blue eyed bush frog (Raorchestes luteolus) sits on some coffee beans
We found this Longhorn Beetle (Priotyrannus mordax) on one of our night trails
We found this Longhorn Beetle (Priotyrannus mordax) on one of our night trails
The property is home to many streams and small waterfalls like this one. It's also home to a massive "private"waterfall, which I suspect will be blast to visit when its not too rainy
The property is home to many streams and small waterfalls like this one. It’s also home to a massive “private”waterfall, which I suspect will be blast to visit when its not too rainy
A forest trail along a lovely flowing stream found us this specimen of Giant Millipede
A forest trail along a lovely flowing stream found us this specimen of Giant Millipede
We found this crab on one of rain soaked trails
We found this crab on one of rain soaked trails
A small pond on the property was home to a few cricket frogs
A small pond on the property was home to a few cricket frogs
We also found lots of tadpoles everywhere we cared to look
We also found lots of tadpoles everywhere we cared to look
A Malabar gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) rests on bunch of flowers
A Ponmudi Bush Frog (Raorchestes ponudi) sits on some cofee beans
A Ponmudi Bush Frog (Raorchestes ponmudi) sits on some cofee beans
We found this Dattatreya Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus dattatreyaensis) in a crevice by a stream
We found this Dattatreya Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus dattatreyaensis) in a crevice by a stream
A Golden Backed frog sits on some moss
Another frog that we found on our trails
A tiny confusing bush frog pushes it’s snout against some moss

More Information

Getting There

Coorg is well connected by road to Mangalore and Bangalore. Coorg is somewhat equidistant from both cities, though Mangalore is about 30-40 km closer. Mangalore is connected by rail and air to most major cities. I traveled by Netravati Express from Mumbai to Mangalore (About 16-18 hours, tickets between ₹ 510 to ₹ 2,500 depending on the ticket class). From Mangalore we traveled to Coorg via cab (₹ 3,500-4,000 per vehicle).

Where to Stay

Arranging to stay in one of the many coffee plantations in Coorg is the best way to enjoy nature there. I stayed at Honey Valley, which was arranged by DCP Expeditions. Honey Valley offered simple rooms and delicious, simple, local food.

Best time to Visit

Coorg is brilliant to visit all year round. Though if you wish to observe amphibians and other wildlife of the western ghats, the months of August or September are ideal to visit. If you wish to avoid leeches though, you are better off visiting in winter or summer.

What to do

I was mainly there for photography, though the region offers a lot of other activities. You can go on trekking and hiking trips on the many hiking trails in the region. Other options include finding your way to one of the many seasonal waterfalls in the region (Hint: Honey Valley has a big private waterfall !!!). And you can also spend your days doing nothing, sipping on some lovely coffee grown in the region.

 

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Comments

5 comments

  • Pooja

    Nice pictures 🙂

    Thanks a lot for the information.

  • Jonathan

    Hey, I enjoyed the read as also the pictures . Its a well written and informative post which made me think about going there to visit myself one day.

    • Elroy

      Thanks for the kind words !!

  • Cherag

    Looks like you had a blast Elroy. Lovely photographs as ever. Cheers !!

    • Elroy

      Glad you like them !!

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